One of the gladdest moments of human life, methinks, is the departure upon a distant journey into unknown lands. Shaking off with one mighty effort the fetters of habit, the leaden weight of routine, the cloak of many cares and the slavery of home, man feels once more happy. – Richard Burton
Monday, April 16, 2012 (DAY 43)
It is 8:35am, and I am covered in sweat and dirt, holding a machete, standing on top of a pyramid of dense jungle looking out over the horizon. I am addicted to endorphins and ready to live to be one hundred years old. Giddy up. The view is incredible as the grey clouds overhead provide a canopy of shade from the heat of the sun as it holds in the cool morning air, and you can sense the temperature rising through the thick humidity. The ascent to the summit of this Guatemalan mountain, that Coloradans would consider a lovely little hill, the steep rocky terrain vaguely reminds me of rock climbing in El Dorado Canyon just outside of Boulder, minus plants that develop leaves the size of Yugos and inhabit insects the size of dinner plates. I look over my shoulder and see Armando sitting on a rock winded from the vertical climb. Growing up at an altitude of 5,280 feet (1,609 meters) I feel fortunate that I am use to quick bouts of elevation, while my sea level compradre struggles with double vision and nausea. Unsure of how to handle the situation, I ask if he has taken his Midol for the day or if he would rather share his feelings out loud. Neither. I suppose he just has a case of the Mondays.
It is 8:35am, and I am covered in sweat and dirt, holding a machete, standing on top of a pyramid of dense jungle looking out over the horizon. I am addicted to endorphins and ready to live to be one hundred years old. Giddy up. The view is incredible as the grey clouds overhead provide a canopy of shade from the heat of the sun as it holds in the cool morning air, and you can sense the temperature rising through the thick humidity. The ascent to the summit of this Guatemalan mountain, that Coloradans would consider a lovely little hill, the steep rocky terrain vaguely reminds me of rock climbing in El Dorado Canyon just outside of Boulder, minus plants that develop leaves the size of Yugos and inhabit insects the size of dinner plates. I look over my shoulder and see Armando sitting on a rock winded from the vertical climb. Growing up at an altitude of 5,280 feet (1,609 meters) I feel fortunate that I am use to quick bouts of elevation, while my sea level compradre struggles with double vision and nausea. Unsure of how to handle the situation, I ask if he has taken his Midol for the day or if he would rather share his feelings out loud. Neither. I suppose he just has a case of the Mondays.
Since today is my day off, which you wouldn’t know otherwise, I would most likely be occupying the same colorful hammock swinging in the light breeze as the sounds of the chirping birds around me and I can think of nothing better than slowly falling asleep in this environment of relaxation as I am cradled into a siesta like a baby. Like a baby.
After fifteen minutes of taking in the 360-degree view through the foliage of the various plant life overlooking the scenic landscape that you cannot help but contemplate deep thoughts like that of Jack Handy, we decide that breakfast is calling. Making the steep downward climb, I find myself using the trees that line the narrow trail to support my weight, and in the absence of trees I grab hold of jungle vines as I turn my body to simulate a repelling motion as I am close to being vertical with the trail. Even before we started the hike, at the base of the pyramid, I told Armando that I can’t help but feel as though I have been placed in the movie Predator as the surroundings are identical. Thankfully no aliens with cloaking mechanisms are hunting us and we make it safely to the level ground below.
Night falls, and with it, the commotion of abrupt sounds of guns blasting through the darkness, interrupting the calm serene environment. Conflict has arrived at the Finca, and tensions are mounting. A small band of camouflage dressed rebels are being attacked by a more dominant group that are outfitted in white uniforms, and I witness the first bit of violence on my journey. Sitting in relative safety, huddling together and holding our breath, we wait. A battle between good and evil becomes clearly evident in the scuffle. Soon there is a new sound, a swooshing unique sound of a saber–a light saber. The screen from Armando’s Macbook has all of us on the edge of our seats. Earlier in the day, for the first time in his life, Armando was watching Return of the Jedi, shameful I know. And I call this person my friend? I should reconsider since he had also not watched Anchorman until the night before. What a smelly pirate hooker! He’s not a man that discovered the wheel or built the Eiffel Tower out metal and brawn. I’m pretty sure he has a brain a third the size of us (men) and should discontinue wearing Sex Panther immediately. IMMEDIATELY!
Anyways, while he was watching one of the greatest films of all-time, this of course caught the attention of two small boys, which later begged him to put on the movie for them after they had finished their dinner at the direction of their parents plea. Soon enough we had the entire German family as well as another older woman huddled around in captivating fashion, enjoying the masterpiece of my childhood. I am still amazed that Star Wars continues to span generations of young boys imagination and I cannot help but smile at their enthusiasm for the explosions and presence of light sabers in action.
The beginning of the credits is also the beginning of bedtime for our young viewers, short goodnights are exchanged and soon the galaxy is quiet and free of the Empire at the Finca. Armando and I begin a conversation that lasts into the late hours of the night, sharing in all of the places that we hope to visit. Our level of excitement begins to match that of the two young boys that sat and stared as the Dark Side was abolished by Luke Skywalker and I am convinced that I will never grow up as I continue to experience youthful reminders of my boyhood imagination.
Retiring for the night back to La Cometa, I cannot help but stare up at the sky and take in all of the stars shining down upon me. In the absence of city lights, the night sky presents all of the beauty that sadly becomes forgotten in a sea of glowing structures. Sitting alone, I turn off the small porch light and am now in complete darkness. Slowly my eyes adjust to the new contrast and within a matter of seconds more glimmering lights appear flickering above me. I sit in awe of this gorgeous view and take in the moment in solace. Turning my head to the right, still looking upward, a new set of small flickers catch my eye, lightning bugs. A great big smile is evident across my face through the pitch black darkness and I am quickly brought back to my childhood. Minutes pass and I am unconcerned with finding my bed, but want to cherish this night for just a few minutes longer. My thoughts continue to rest upon a variety of topics, finally settling upon one subject, one person, and the only words that come to mind, shmurnt murnt.
The beginning of the credits is also the beginning of bedtime for our young viewers, short goodnights are exchanged and soon the galaxy is quiet and free of the Empire at the Finca. Armando and I begin a conversation that lasts into the late hours of the night, sharing in all of the places that we hope to visit. Our level of excitement begins to match that of the two young boys that sat and stared as the Dark Side was abolished by Luke Skywalker and I am convinced that I will never grow up as I continue to experience youthful reminders of my boyhood imagination.
Retiring for the night back to La Cometa, I cannot help but stare up at the sky and take in all of the stars shining down upon me. In the absence of city lights, the night sky presents all of the beauty that sadly becomes forgotten in a sea of glowing structures. Sitting alone, I turn off the small porch light and am now in complete darkness. Slowly my eyes adjust to the new contrast and within a matter of seconds more glimmering lights appear flickering above me. I sit in awe of this gorgeous view and take in the moment in solace. Turning my head to the right, still looking upward, a new set of small flickers catch my eye, lightning bugs. A great big smile is evident across my face through the pitch black darkness and I am quickly brought back to my childhood. Minutes pass and I am unconcerned with finding my bed, but want to cherish this night for just a few minutes longer. My thoughts continue to rest upon a variety of topics, finally settling upon one subject, one person, and the only words that come to mind, shmurnt murnt.
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