Day 4: Sunday, May 15, 2005

9:10 am

Withdrew ¢40,000 ($80) from checking account. Remaining balance is about $480. Taking 10 am bus to Cahuita. 3:27 pm

Isandre is on holiday after finishing school to become an occupational therapist.  I met  them both on the white sandy beach of Cahuita.  Yes, I'm here in this mini beach area – feels very Caribbean.  Rasta influenced, sun-soaked beach village with surrounding forests.  Waves crashing, palms blowing, coconuts falling.  I signed up for a 9 am snorkel tour at Big J's.  Related to Spencer Seaside Cabinas – where I'm staying, $14 a night for a spacious room, 2 double beds, private bath with hot water.  No wonder people tend to stay here – amazing.  I'm in a hammock with view of the Caribbean.  I can be alone as I want or strike up conversations.  Like the German guy I sat next to on the 3.5-hour bus here.  We talked for a good bit.  He'd been touring Central America for about 6 months. After checking in at Spencer's, I got a food tip from one of the brothers – a small kiosk/vendor type setup adjacent to a restaurant.  I had chicken with rice and beans.  It was very good. I also had what I think was tapwater with ice cubes. Hopefully that slip won't cause trouble.

3-hour snorkel tour at 9 am Monday. I'll be doing that rather than reporting to work.  Ahhh.  I'm recommitted, reawakened to my desire to travel long term.  I realized the hardest part is the decision.  Once that's made, it's logistics – job overseas (teach ESL), store belongings, end lease, sell car, close accounts, health/dental checks, and bye-bye.  I don't need to save $15K, $20K, etc.  It's too hard in the USA – so many temptations.  I could work abroad, take short trips, immerse in a culture, and then take off when I've saved my money.  I have $3K in a CD $3K (conservative) in my car (after loan paid off).  The wild care will surely be any payout from Lumenos.  I've been working with a purpose – for a payoff.  This could be it. I'm not going to think about it on this trip though.

More money, more problems?

I paid $20 US for snorkel tour.

Day 2

• 9 am-12 pm snorkel
• 12 pm-1pm lunch
• 1 pm-2 pm butterfly farm
• 2 pm-4 pm beach

Day 3

• hike
• horseback ride
• beach

4:50 pm

Kendall – Canadian girl I met at hostel in San Jose.  I was in the common room, reading and watching The Apprentice.  She was seated opposite me; I couldn't help but notice her nice, tan legs as she sat with one leg over the chair arm.  She asked me what I was up to a bit later and I had responded “reading.”  She wanted some company on the five block walk to the supermarket.  I picked up some empanadas; she got veggies and noodles for a stir-fry.  I watched her cook it up at the hostel.  A Dutch guy, Frederich, was staying in my hostel room so we talked a bit.  I also met a Dutch guy on the rafting trip, Klaus.

I'm looking forward to some Caribbean food.  Dinner Y cerveza.  The mosquitoes are starting to get me here.  I'm in no rush.  It's nice.  Not a care in the world.

The sound of the waves crashing is very rhythmic.  Almost like a metronome, never-ending, dynamic, yet consistent, you can count on hearing a wave crash every few seconds.  Without fail, nature is beauty. Beauty is impermanent, as are all things, thoughts, and feelings in life.  I'm experiencing great personal and spiritual growth on this trip.  It's energizing, liberating and truly amazing. Freedom, independence, adventure, excitement, storytelling, pleasurable.  So much to write.  Words flow like raindrops down a palm leaf.  Hammocks blow in the wind, waiting for their next inhabitant. It'd have to hurt if a coconut fell on your head.  The clouds are wonderful.  Nice breeze. Air feels/tastes salty . Met Mark (USA/Costa Rica) and Evan (Canada) in Cahuita.  Both friendly.  Bananas, mangoes, pineapple, watermelon.  It'll be nice to wake up to the crashing waves.  One love, one life, let's get together and it'll be alright.  I've seen more travelers with CD players than MP3 players.  $14 a night – what a deal.

Day 3 | Table of Contents | Day 5