In the end, people will judge you anyway. Don't live your life impressing others. — Author Unknown
Wednesday, August 22, 2012 (DAY 171)
Another day of blackouts that are synonymous with Central America, and this time it has lasted the entire day. With little to do in the lack of communicating with Words with Friends, I spend much of the day reading around the pool. The excessive freedom that I have gained continues to amaze me, especially how even in Nicaragua, everyone tends to be quite dependent upon electricity, primarily as a form of information. Basking in the sun between random dips in the pool, I look around and there is Shareen, a backpacker from Alaska who here with her husband who is currently passed out in a hammock, also lounging on the opposite edge of the pool across from me. The sun continues to intensify and I have notice my skin has turned to a bright red tone, which also indicates that it’s time to find some shade. As I make my way back to the staff housing, a mere two feet from the pool, glorious, miraculous power returns. Ecstatic, I decide that it’s time for a movie and possibly an afternoon siesta. Just after 2:45pm, I’m laying in my not-so comfortable bottom bunk where I’ve managed to balance my laptop on an old wooden school desk, the type where the table piece is attached to the chair itself and I cannot help but think how even the smallest kids in the States could squeeze into such confined pieces of furniture by how large children have become. So sad. After comfortably placing the four pillows I’ve managed to squander, I begin watching the awful remake of Total Recall. Thankfully, within a matter of minutes I am fast asleep.
Another day of blackouts that are synonymous with Central America, and this time it has lasted the entire day. With little to do in the lack of communicating with Words with Friends, I spend much of the day reading around the pool. The excessive freedom that I have gained continues to amaze me, especially how even in Nicaragua, everyone tends to be quite dependent upon electricity, primarily as a form of information. Basking in the sun between random dips in the pool, I look around and there is Shareen, a backpacker from Alaska who here with her husband who is currently passed out in a hammock, also lounging on the opposite edge of the pool across from me. The sun continues to intensify and I have notice my skin has turned to a bright red tone, which also indicates that it’s time to find some shade. As I make my way back to the staff housing, a mere two feet from the pool, glorious, miraculous power returns. Ecstatic, I decide that it’s time for a movie and possibly an afternoon siesta. Just after 2:45pm, I’m laying in my not-so comfortable bottom bunk where I’ve managed to balance my laptop on an old wooden school desk, the type where the table piece is attached to the chair itself and I cannot help but think how even the smallest kids in the States could squeeze into such confined pieces of furniture by how large children have become. So sad. After comfortably placing the four pillows I’ve managed to squander, I begin watching the awful remake of Total Recall. Thankfully, within a matter of minutes I am fast asleep.
Awaking to darkness, it is just after 6:20pm. It has been an adjustment having the sun set so early in Central America, especially when I’m used to daylight lasting until almost 9pm back in Denver, where, often I’d be spending it sitting around an outdoor patio table with Andrea over a few cold beers laughing and discussing our despise for the upcoming cold winter months that are quickly approaching. Oh, how I miss her. Tuesday night, I did have a chance to speak with her over Skype, especially after all that has occurred in the past 24 hours; my younger sister getting married, my grandfather passing away, and my friend Jenna also passing away who was only in her early thirties. Needless to say, it was an emotional phone call. From the moment Andrea and I saw one another’s faces, she began crying, and told me how much she missed me, and, of course I couldn’t help but tear up a bit as well. She provided her deep condolences for the death of my grandfather since she also knew him quite well. She continued to tell me that she missed me for many of the small things; having one another as our constant go-to wedding dates, Saturday afternoon random adventures around Denver, the late night conversations either at her place or in the infamous garage time sessions that will live in infamy, the hugs that were shared over and over but somehow seem to have never been enough, these are just a sample of the difficulties of not only extended travel, but the possibility that I may never see some of these people in this lifetime again. And, that is what makes talking to those back home so difficult. However, wherever I may end up, she is still my backup if we are both still single at 40, then, Mike and Debbie, your wish for the two of us ending up together in holy matrimony may come true, and I may even throw a John Wayne themed wedding in your honor. But in all seriousness, Andrea, you are my best friend, and I miss you dearly and am so proud of you for all that you have accomplished in life and how hard you work. Everything from the passion for your family, for being a wonderful mother, the strength that shines through you even when you think no one is noticing, but I am, and for the wonderful laugh that you have that is so contagious it can never be duplicated. I miss you and love you dearly friend, and pray that we will be reunited at some point sooner than later.
Realizing I haven’t had anything to eat today, I take the short walk to town. I know what Marc would say, how in the world can you go without eating, you’re like a camel. Anyways, as I stroll through the quiet beachfront town of SJDS the smell of food quickly reminds me of my current famished state. Grabbing a chicken gyro from one of my favorite places to eat for only $2.60, it is a step up from my previous diet of peanut butter sammiches, and I know that both my mom and Andrea are quite proud of this. Walking without a purpose, I take in the sights and the sounds of the small community of tourists and locals that has become my home for the past 79 days, and I cannot stop but think of how wonderful life has been. But, I also stop and realize that without hesitation I must make it a point to get to Costa Rica this weekend before my 90 day visa for Nicaragua expires. I am excited to visit a new country even with the knowledge that I will be returning back to SJDS, however, I am not excited that it is the most expensive country in all of Latin America with prices comparative to the States, which is about four times as expensive as where I have currently been. But, the itch as a traveler to get back on the road, even temporarily, is one that I am anxious for. The overcrowded chicken buses, venturing down roads that are unknown, and arriving with zero indication of familiarity–this is what true backpackers live for, and I have missed it dearly. Plus, I hope that this time will be one to re-gather my thoughts, almost as if a mini vacation, which I can hear many of you know thinking, ‘you are on a permanent vacation,’ And to that I must say, ah touché friends. I hope my next blog entry will be of my adventures to country number six on this incredible journey.
RSS Feed