There is just not enough time in the day to express every thought that comes my way. I have returned back from a youthful weekend in Leon. I felt like a backpacker the whole weekend and a free bird. Jumping from hostel to hostel and bus to bus. It was a feeling of such bliss walking around town with a big backup and no care in the world. I was proud of my touristy look as if it was a statement that I was an explorer in an unknown world. The first hostel was in the center of all the hustle and bustle of the city life. We made our way to a university dance/ concert event for a little bit of spontinaty. I attempted this dancing thing people speak of, but gravitated towards Spanish practice by conversing with people instead. Saturday we spent the day relaxing and seeing the city. We visited the markets and saw the cathedral. Amanda does tours for her job as well, so I got a personalized tour. Muy tranquila. Sunday was more adventurous. We decided to go to a hostel on the beach for some sun and relaxation. We made a reservation, but had no idea that the hostel was on an island! We take a 30 minute taxi ride outside of the city (5 dollars only, not lying). Then he drops us off at a bar and says the boats are in the back to ride to the island. This was news to us. Oh the joys of traveling and a small reminder that nothing goes as planned. When we get to the island we had a 10 minute walk through the forest with arrows painted on the trees to our destination. It was an amazing location! For only 12 dollars a night. (Pics below). UNREAL. 12 dollars for a piece of paradise with a secluded beach with turtles and a surfing vibe. 12 dollars would pay for a bar of soap back home (tad dramatic :]). Plenty of people to socialize with a nice finale to the weekend.
I depart back to home today, unfortunately. But I started to think. I started to think how lucky I am that I am even able to travel in the first place, let alone drive around the states. It is a luxury that I don't always recognize. I have had some good conversations with some Nicaraguans and we talked about the differences. A lot of them talked about how they will probably never be able to travel anywhere and they have accepted it. We talked about the history of Nicaraguan like the contra war and the effect that had on the people. Cultures truly fascinate me. The differences in all these cultures are really special. The thing I have learned the most while being here is the vast amount of inequality amongst the world and how that relates to racism, power, and ignorance. Closing our eyes from the truth is what got our world in this predicament in the first place.
It is about 90 degrees Fahrenheit here... And I am going home to -6 degree Fahrenheit with snow today. I really hope my body hasn't adapted to this heat... Wish me luck! Until next time :).
¡Buen Viaje!
Our hostel:
Pineapple farm: (I don't like pineapple in the states, but I really enjoy fresh pineapple here... Yes shocking)
At the Mariposa School:
The bakery project: we helped cook churros and other pastries.
Farewell: my teacher and another intern that I became friends with
