When I read through my notes, I understand that the most memorable parts of travel revolve around meeting other people, and sharing experiences, passions, and ideas. I met some amazing people. Francois and I travelled together for 3 weeks, but most people I got to know for only a few hours or days. It’s easy to meet people, and there were only a couple times I actually got lonely while traveling solo. Meeting people and sharing stories was always a highlight for me.
When I returned to Calgary, I did not have as much trouble with "reverse culture shock" this time. I knew more of what to expect and adjusted better than after the SE Asia trip. Getting out with friends and enjoying a great Spring skiing season really helped.
I took on the challenge of learning and speaking some Spanish, and it was good for my brain to immerse myself in a week long Spanish course. I had a lovely and very patient instructor with a great sense of humor. Also, it was fun to practice the language and try to communicate with locals during the trip. Although my Spanish is not good enough for a real conversation, my interaction with people was seldom frustrating, and usually entertaining and fun. The Latino people were almost always patient, good humored, and genuinely interested. It was a pleasure to get to know a few, even if not for a long time.
I liked visiting Mayan Ruins, old Colonial Buildings and Churches, but only for short periods at a time. As long as I kept moving and experiencing new things, I was happy. I loved climbing Volcanoes, walking the beaches, playing in the surf, hiking in the mountains and jungles, walking in the busy city markets, and kayaking through mangrove swamps and up jungle rivers. I never got bored watching wildlife, colorful birds, or Pelicans fishing in the surf.
The heat, humidity, biting insects, and uncomfortable chicken buses were challenging at times, but challenges that I was usually able to handle. I even came to enjoy the crowded chicken buses with the constant stream of entertaining vendors parading up and down the aisles selling everything under the sun. There was never a dull moment.
Food was not a highlight, but the challenge of getting something tasty and healthy in restaurants, cafes, and on the street was a fun and integral part of traveling. But beer was a highlight, and there is nothing better than a relaxing Happy Hour with a cold cerveza after a day on a Chicken Bus, hiking in the jungle, or walking along the ocean surf.
Touring the busy markets and watching people in their daily activities was fun and entertaining. Every town has a Central Plaza that is an integral part of the social fabric, where families would gather every evening to socializing, watch musicians and other street performers, and enjoy some street food. Thank God there are no shopping malls in most towns and villages in Central America yet.
Having a camera, and seeing life and landscapes with a ‘photographic eye’, became an engaging activity in itself. Searching out interesting photographic subjects and scenes, and studying the lighting and composition, always turned out to be a fun way to pass the time. Keeping a Blog, and editing and uploading Photos to the internet using my Laptop, kept me busy and was a source of satisfaction. Meeting other Photographers along the way usually led to interesting discussions about photography, as we shared the same passion.
All in all, a great trip. Never a dull moment. Can’t wait for the next adventure.
