Hope reflects belief. Hope believes in the better, in the higher, in the possibilities. Hope rejects cynicism. People with a higher level of hope believe that though events may not work out they will not be defeated. Hope is the dream of a soul awake. – Author Unknown

Anxious for Marc to return from his three-week pilgrimage to the UK and the States, I’ll have to admit that the hostel has not been the same, but thankfully I have Alix and Stephen here to keep me company. The days continue to flow from one to the other with the ease of an ocean breeze and are reflective of our diverse topics of conversation. In spite of rain most evenings, the intensity of the daytime heat causes for slow lethargic movements as our energy is drained. The rooftop terrace has become our haven for shade as we sprawl out in the hammocks. Swinging as a light breeze flows over us, Stephen admits that he is not excited for a return to the States since life seems less complicated and more simplistic in Central America, and I couldn’t agree more. Having worked at Sony for several years as a character developer for video games, we take turns sharing the varying degree of reactions from coworkers and friends in the choice to leave behind the United States. There are many similarities in our stories as we discuss how the most opposition we received was from those closer to our age bracket, while the older generations were more forthcoming in their support and encouragement. It is the hope that I carry through this journey that causes my soul to be awakened with each adventurous day, even in those that are less eventful than previous encounters, but living with excessive freedoms I am enjoying collecting moments not things.