I loved my trip through Central America.
I even put on some muscle.
I practiced ‘Pura Vida’ with the happy hippies of Punta Mona Finca Organica in Costa Rica before exploring the rest of this beautiful country.
Visited some local markets. My pack got heavier.
Met a tattooed Hawaiian in Panama.
Visited local markets. My pack got heavier.
Explored cloud forests in Monteverde, Nicaragua.
Visited some local markets. My pack got heavier.
Survived hair raising bus trips and deadly fireworks displays in Guatemala.
Visited some local markets. My pack got heavier.
Stayed with local Mayans in Belize before escaping to an atoll for a week of reef diving.
Visited some local markets. My pack got heavier.
Ate way too much meat and even more chili in Mexico.
Visited some local markets. My pack got heavier.
I bought almost nothing the whole trip.
My travel buddies did the shopping. Two super talented, creative, artistic young women inspired by the immense skill and craftsmanship of local ‘artesanos’. One travel buddy was my younger sister, so in the spirit of sibling chivalry, I carried most of her purchases.
“Great, another market!” they’d rejoice.
“Great” I rejoiced, when we eventually found a post office.
The postal officer inspected every item. We listed them in Spanish. Then again in English.
He approved.
Tape the box. Tape it again. Send them home.
Finally, cried my shoulders.
Yes, every item arrived safely.
I’d love to go back to Central America. Just not to the markets.
Published on http://www.myholidayflashback.auspost.com.au, May 2016.
Image: Rachelle Blake.
kieranblakewriter 