Over the past month, I was able to spend some time in the Yucatan, Belize and Guatemala. (View my Photo Gallery) Joining my friends in the jungle to work the land turned into a feast consisting of memory building delights such as camping in Paradise (aka Federico's Laguna Azul); swimming in the laguna multiple times a day, every day; building things like a composting toilet; traveling to Belize to do some diving in the deep blue ocean along a reef wall off of Turneffe Island; climbing high atop the mystical ruins of Tikal; making wonderful new friends and cementing old friendships.
I was most impressed by the good nature of most people I interacted with. Though my Spanish is unfortunately limited, I was able to draw upon those few years in junior high when I learned enough to get the gist of many conversations that went on around me. For the most part, I camped right on the lake, waking up to the most beautiful sunrises, hoping to catch just one more glimpse of the otter who patrolled the lakeside during the early morning. In bed soon after dark. And in between those hours, I would sometimes read, sometimes write, and sometimes work, and sometimes sleep and dream and be.
It certainly felt good to unplug from things for a while. I didn't bring my computer but I did check email every week or so when we went into town. It was a real pleasure waking up to the sounds of birds instead of traffic. The morning sun greeted us with it's big, round, red boldness and set the tone for the day in such a positive way. And thanks to those crazy folks in Mahahual for throwing their all night full moon beach parties and for welcoming us to the last one.
This trip for me was a time of healing, reflecting, helping, discovering, and just being. I got the break I needed. Now I'm back in the US and it's time to switch up my scene. Thanks to my Pop, I'm now going to be residing in..... drumroll please.... a 1970 Gruman RV. That's right. It even says 'Arvee' on the side. If things work out I just might take this bad boy to Black Rock City this year. I'll be heading back up to Washington since I liked it so much and then who knows?
Of course, I can't wait to return to Mexico.
8:31:02 PM 
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