True growth occurs as civilizations transfer an increasing portion of energy and attention from the material side of life to the nonmaterial side and thereby develop their culture, capacity for compassion, sense of community, and strength for democracy.
— Arnold Toynbee
Sunday, August 5, 2012 (DAY 154)
Today is my five-month anniversary of my travels thus far, and yet, it still feels as though I have only been on this amazing journey for several weeks. Time has flown by amid all of the wonderful experiences I have been fortunate enough to have lived and shared. Even in the uncomfortable moments of hard beds, the endless bug bites that are a steady constant, weary showers, and other numerous bouts that have brought me to an understanding that it is not about the luxuries I once had or miss, but about the desire to live out a life that is unique and with a purpose. Living beyond the capacities that I once thought were impossible makes me feel alive with each morning. I once heard that you make your own destiny by doing the best you can with what God gives you, and I couldn’t agree more. I think that we all have something in life to offer. It’s just a matter of seeking that out and fulfilling your own destiny and allowing life to surprise you daily in your passionate pursuit of living your dream.
Today is my five-month anniversary of my travels thus far, and yet, it still feels as though I have only been on this amazing journey for several weeks. Time has flown by amid all of the wonderful experiences I have been fortunate enough to have lived and shared. Even in the uncomfortable moments of hard beds, the endless bug bites that are a steady constant, weary showers, and other numerous bouts that have brought me to an understanding that it is not about the luxuries I once had or miss, but about the desire to live out a life that is unique and with a purpose. Living beyond the capacities that I once thought were impossible makes me feel alive with each morning. I once heard that you make your own destiny by doing the best you can with what God gives you, and I couldn’t agree more. I think that we all have something in life to offer. It’s just a matter of seeking that out and fulfilling your own destiny and allowing life to surprise you daily in your passionate pursuit of living your dream.
Sitting with a small group of people, we gather around the big screen to witness the fastest man on earth, Usain Bolt, in the men’s 100m dash. The comments leading up to the main event are priceless, as we are forced to watch the hilarious commercials for nonsense items like a hearing aid that is advertised as being inconspicuous with how small it is as it wraps around the entire outside of your ear. In the best illustration of how this advanced piece of technology can be used there is some brilliant acting as a woman wearing this product is annoyed by a man who refuses to stop honking his car horn. We all take turns with quick witted verbal insights as to why this man is causing such a ruckus and the gold medal comedic comment would have to go to the Irish couple as they describe the scene as the man has just pulled up to take this woman on a date and his modest attempt at chivalry is slamming down repeatedly on his car horn to announce for her to come out for what is sure to be a romantic evening. A roar of laughter is emitted from the rooftop terrace as we all take in this thought. Swinging back and forth in my hammock, the advertisements have ended and the runners enter the Olympic stadium. As they line up in position, all of us sit up from our relaxed reclined positions and watch with excitement for the next nine seconds. While, this is a global memory shared by many, I still feel privileged to have shared this with a group of international backpackers in Central America.
Looking over my appointment book that seems to be forever lost, I remember that I have a late afternoon convo date with my favorite top hat, Krista. It is just after 4pm when she arrives at the Surfing Donkey, and we decide to cool off by sitting with our legs in the pool as she feels a bit alone now that her friends, Chloe and Lexi, have returned home and are now back in various cities in Canada. The onset of wrinkled toes has us both eye an empty hammock under a mango tree and we both agree that it’s time to move locations. Cautiously climbing into the colorful net, which is a balancing act in itself, we are successful after only our second attempt. Laying there swinging in a light breeze, I know that wherever I may end up on more of a permanent basis in life a hammock would definitely be a necessity after all of the hours I have spent in these relaxing elevated beds. Talking about all that we have shared over the past three plus months of knowing one another, we both agree that we cherish our conversations that tend to include deep thoughts of why peanut butter is so delicious and the interesting stereotypes that follow particular nationalities. No country is exempt in the formidable perception that precedes them; Aussies, Swedes, Zee Germans, Americans, Kiwis, the Irish, Brits, Italians, and of course, America Junior aka Canadians. My constant knock on our northern neighbors always results in a playful hit from Krista, and I doubt this will ever cease in our friendship that I know will be a lifelong one in spite of however many years may pass once she returns home the end of next month. Our conversations always tend to last for hours, and before we know it the sun has set and it is approaching 10pm, as Maurico, our overnight security guard has just arrived. It’s interesting the bond that is created in such a short amount of time as you meet others living out relatively the same life–the backpackers guide to frugal and communal living. Our goodbye is ended with a big hug before she leaves to return to her hostel, and I am ready to retire for the evening myself with a movie as I lay in the heat perpetually sweating before dozing off.
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