It is for us to pray not for tasks equal to our powers, but for powers equal to our tasks, to go forward with a great desire forever beating at the door of our hearts as we travel toward our distant goal. — Helen Keller

Slowly opening my eyes as I collect my thoughts through the haze of being half awake and half asleep, it’s always a game if I can remember where I am waking up after three months of travel and numerous hostels. After a few brief seconds of looking around the room, I notice the bed across from mine has two figures in it, but soon, I quickly remember that I have reunited with my North American counterparts, Lindsay and Michelle. Sitting up I am trying to figure out who is the big spoon in this awkward situation. Crawling out of bed I am reminded that I am at Casa Ma Koi Hostal, which is a luxurious haven compared to some of the places I’ve had the misfortune of staying. Paying only $6 a night for a private room with my amigas, we also have our own large private bathroom in our second floor suite. I might as well be at the Hilton in Paris with balcony views of the Eiffel Tower. Oh wait, I’ve already done that on my first backpacking trip to Europe, but the price tag was a bit more expensive at $400 per night. I still claim that the overpowering smell of urine mixed in with what can only be described as rotten tuna and broccoli mixed with eggs in the Parisian subway system is to blame for my lack of self control and overall normal capacity to produce reasonable thoughts and decision making. Luckily, today I am without the smell of a used diaper filled with Indian food and I am ready to enjoy the hot weather of El Salvador and the Pacific Ocean.
