I choose... to live by choice, not by chance; to make changes, not excuses; to be motivated, not manipulated; to be useful, not used; to excel, not compete. I choose self-esteem, not self-pity. I choose to listen to my inner voice, not the random opinions of others. — Author Unknown
Thursday, August, 30, 2012 (DAYS 179 & 180)
Another slow-paced lounging day, but in the afternoon there is a surprise with the return of Alix and Stephen, friends from California that I met several weeks ago. Their arrival comes as the slow season begins to take its toll, as there are fewer and fewer travelers around SJDS, and since much of the business is spawned by tourism, many of the owners are beginning to feel their oasis drying up. During their time away, Alix and Stephen who drove their Honda from California by the way, and made the trek as far south as Panama before turning around and beginning the long drive back up north to San Diego, the afternoon is spent poolside as they tell me about all that they have seen and experienced in the last two remaining countries that make up Central America. As the sun begins to fade over the northwest corner of the wall of the hostel, we have been lost in conversation with topics ranging from, the military strategy of Transformers, to our infamous nerd discussions about varying technologies, to the wildly random things that come across our minds, such as fanny packs; genius invention or sad and pathetic. In the absence of other guests, our laughter is carried throughout the courtyard and I am glad to be reunited with these great friends.
Another slow-paced lounging day, but in the afternoon there is a surprise with the return of Alix and Stephen, friends from California that I met several weeks ago. Their arrival comes as the slow season begins to take its toll, as there are fewer and fewer travelers around SJDS, and since much of the business is spawned by tourism, many of the owners are beginning to feel their oasis drying up. During their time away, Alix and Stephen who drove their Honda from California by the way, and made the trek as far south as Panama before turning around and beginning the long drive back up north to San Diego, the afternoon is spent poolside as they tell me about all that they have seen and experienced in the last two remaining countries that make up Central America. As the sun begins to fade over the northwest corner of the wall of the hostel, we have been lost in conversation with topics ranging from, the military strategy of Transformers, to our infamous nerd discussions about varying technologies, to the wildly random things that come across our minds, such as fanny packs; genius invention or sad and pathetic. In the absence of other guests, our laughter is carried throughout the courtyard and I am glad to be reunited with these great friends.
Friday is a new benchmark as I have reached 180 days of travel, and while I have not made it a goal to make it around the world in this specific amount of time, I have made it around the entirety of SJDS with an afternoon bicycle ride. The old school ten-speed that is my valiant form of transportation is covered with a bright blue paint as I am riding down familiar cobblestone streets towards the Mercado. The purpose of today’s excursion is fulfilling a portion of my volunteer duties that are currently providing me with free accommodation, by handing out fliers to the new arrivals from Rivas. Unfortunately today there are few, and most already have on the Lonely Planet blinders for their hostel of choice. Cruising around town in an attempt to locate more potential backpackers, the streets are empty of new faces and the heat is beginning to overwhelm me. Returning to the hostel to take refuge from the sun, I collapse on my bed, and sit contemplating the past 180 days. It’s funny how time flies, but in different variations to the one that is in the midst of it. Often I think of the choices I have made in my life, and where they have taken me. I think about how much I have learned and gained in these past months and where I might be if I would have not accepted to live out this dream that is part of the purpose for my life, even unsure of what that may entail. But, isn’t that part of the adventure of living? The uncertainty of what life may hold the next day, even a part from traveling? It’s not escaping from a previous life that is often a routine of the mundane, but it is the ability to choose a way of life that prevents life from escaping you in the opportunities that are presented to you. Capitalizing on moments rather than having them slip by, later becoming regrets, when we are all given choices, it is up to us to live with the benefits or the consequences of those life choices. And, at the current moment, I have chosen to live albeit, what many consider to be an adventurous and exciting life, and hopefully I have inspired you to seek out true living as well.
Friday night is a celebration! Little Stephen Kick is turning the big two-seven, and in honor of his birthday wishes, Alix and I are joining him in all of the mayhem of the festivities. Tonight’s reckless plan of action; VIP Pizza and a movie night, it is one wild party. You would think he was turning 10 and easily back home this party would be taking place at the nearest Chuck E Cheese, but tonight, it is a melancholy evening swinging in hammocks and stuffing our faces like fat kids. When living on a relatively frugal budget, five courses dinners at the Chop House have now been replaced with pizza and Pringles, this is just another example of appreciating those simplistic things that much more in life.
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