Dreamcatcher Workshop in San Pedro

One of our goals from the project in San Pedro, Guatemala was to have various free workshops for local children. My favorite that we did, was a creative arts class, making dream catchers. 

The workshop was a very inspirational class because the kids got really into it, and seemed to love the idea of making something that was their own. The other travelers who came to help with the class and I, were left just as inspired.

 We were able to share a little bit with them about why dream catchers were used by the Indigenous people of certain tribes from North America, such as catching your bad dreams being caught in the web, and the good dreams going through the holes, then trickling down the feathers to the sleeper. We made the dream catchers all different shapes instead of the typical circle to show the children to use their creativity, and that not everyone is the same. 

We used fresh flowers, feathers, ribbon, paint and a few other trinkets from the yard. They were able to decorate their dream catcher however they liked to, and we ended up also making flower crowns with all of the extra flowers.

In the end, the kids got to take home their dream catchers or add them to our GIANT dream catcher that we made for the garden.

 For me, the best part about working with children is to see how creative they can be, and the ideas they come up with all by their selves.

 The children and those who were there to help with the class, including my best friend who had come to visit Guatemala made this class very special and this day will always be remembered in my heart. 

Officially back on the wonderous road to the unknown.

     Today is day five here in Guatemala, and I feel like I am almost settled back into the swing of things. Currently sitting in a toursity resturant, where I can get WIFI, and listening to Oasis and Radiohead coming from the kitchen. My spanish is (slowly) coming back, and my mind is starting to relax back into the Guatemalan style of things. I wake up when the sunrises, and I am winding down shortly after sunset. Despite just being here a few days, I have actually been quite busy! A few trips to the school, and school supply stores aren't made easy when you are walking everwhere, but they are quite enjoyable with the view of a giant volcanoe in your backyard.

     School officially starts tommorow, however I won't start teaching English until the following week. Next week I will be passing out the backpacks and few school supplies for the students and just introducing myself and such. As of today, I will also be doing my observational hours for my college at home in an American Accredited school in Panajachel-a town just across the lake, once a week! The school is pretty amazing, as it is 80% local  students who are sponsored by people all over the world, and all of the cirriculum is in English. I am very exited to have the opportunity to work with these students, and hopefully take learning techniques and such, and bring it to our school in San Pedro. 

     

     The house that I will be staying at the next few months is quite magical. I wish I had pictures to show, however being phoneless makes it a little more difficult. I just have one that I snapped with my tablet. I still have my big DSLR camera that I will  bring to the school next week, it just is less than discrete. Anyways, the house is a little cabana located in a piece of land that is a mixture of The Secret Garden and Narnia so to say.

    Well just a quick update so that anyone,or everyone knows I'm alive and well. Typing on this mini keyboard will take alot getting used to, I try not even thinkinga about my beloved Macbook anymore. A little boy in the resturant I'm in was like "Look dad! A mini computer and a mini keyboard, it's so cute and tiny." Haha. He also said that I had very beautiful hair, and was rather confused how I got "all those things" to stay in it. :)

Ps: Finding Childrens books here has been less than easy- any suggestions, please contact below !! ( anywhere in Guatemala, really)

XX SLW

Amazing Souls of the Road; Animals Edition.

Thought I'd lighten the day to share some of the awesome pictures I took while I was in Nicaragua. The most abundant things besides the sugar cane and banana trees are, the ANIMALS! It's amazing to be walking down the sidewalk and cross paths with a giant Ox in downtown Granada, or share a breakfast table with a Howler Monkey in San Juan del Sur. I even had the chance to watch as 200 baby turtles hatched, and carry them to sea! Check out some of these wild things for yourself. 

xx SLW 

Los Niños de San Pedro

It's been such a crazy busy past few months, after my Yoga training in Nicaragua- I got a huge calling to head North to Guatemala. Not knowing anyone in Guatemala, or where exactly I wanted to go, I was lead to San Pedro La Laguna. After just a few days of being in this amazing town on Lake Atitlan, I knew that I was on my path. Good omens and signs were coming up all over, eventually leading me to two public schools, that needed at English teacher- and to students that needed much more than that.

I stayed in Guatemala for about a month, before having to come back home to take care of some things for my University. However, I will be going back in January, to teach English at the two schools, Chuasinayi and Pacucha. Until then, I am currently collecting donations so that when their school year starts in January we will have some surprises for the students :) The most important thing to me is building libraries. These students have no access to books- educational or for leisure reading. They are starving for inspiration, and deserve the chance to expand their minds. I also hope to provide more matierals for the classrooms, and supplies for students in need. Below is a video about the project, and if you are interested in donation or have any ideas to help please visit 

Gofundme.com/kidsofsanpedro  

https://vimeo.com/77939160

xx SLW

Favorite Places; YOGA edition -

Keeping up with your Yoga Practice isn’t always the easiest thing to do while traveling, especially if you prefer going to a studio. However, as Yoga is becoming more popular through out the world, there are studios popping up in various areas. I’ve found that normally areas that are generally touristy, have a large expat population, or are in health- conscious areas are more likely to have a studio, or offer classes somewhere.

While in San Juan del Sur, I found a lovely little studio called Zen Yoga. Located in the back of their garden center, where you can buy fresh herbs and plants, the studio has a grounding, earthy vibe.

 I never had the chance to meet the owner, but all of the instructors are very friendly and helpful. Each teacher has her own unique style, in English or Spanish, with classes ranging from a very relaxing Hatha class with lots of meditation, to a class working on twists and detoxing.

The studio itself is on the second floor, overlooking the surrounding tropical landscape and the ocean. Sunset candle-lit classes are a must if you have the chance to come by the studio.

 

Downstairs they have clothes and jewelry from local designers, as well as straps mats, etc. The only downside to this tropical Zen studio from the Gods, is that it is a little pricey- nearly the same prices at Yoga classes in the states.  However, still probably cheaper than the private lessons your hotel may offer.

Don't forget to say hello to this little yogini when you go!

xx SLW

San Juan del Sur

     San Juan del Sur is a small fishing and beach town located just a mere 104 kilometers from the Costa Rican border, which if you are from the states reading this, is about 65 miles. After flying into the San Jose Airport in Costa Rica last week, I decided to bus straight to San Juan del Sur since I am on a tight time span before my teacher training in Pochomil. Visiting this area was particularly important to me because the school, Barrio Planta Project that I had previously done fundraising for is based here. As well, I would be seeing a dentist recommended to me by a friend. 

    San Juan is a relatively small town, but in comparison to neighboring beaches, is the most active area around for tourist and locals alike. Most tourist who are coming to check out some of Nicaragua's beautiful Southern Coast line for surfing, usually use SJDS as a base, then take day trips to the more common, but more deserted surf spots. Buses, shuttles and taxi's to take you to these location can be found near the Centro Market, or most likely in your hostel. 

    To give those who plan on coming to SJDS an idea of how much you will spend a day, here is a short itinerary. I personally strive to be an excellent budget traveler, so most of the time I will search around to get the best deals on hostels and eat in smaller, family owned restaurants instead of going to the nice, touristy restaurants- although I do splurge when I need WIFI ; )

  HOSTEl:  ranges from $5-$12 for dormitories, 

BREAKFAST: in the small, family restaurants a typical Nicaraguan breakfast will cost you about $2. Fruits  and juice are sold everywhere on the streets for around $1 or less. Other restaurants may run about $3- $5. 

SNACKS: $1 or less for crackers, chips, etc.

LUNCH/ DINNER: about the same as breakfast! I found an awesome wrap place that cost $2. A bigger meal will be about $5 in a nice restaurant. 

WATER: small $.50- $1, large $1-$2

BEER: $.75 in a store, at a bar about $1 - $1.50 for Tona's (Nica's beer)

LIQUOR: a small bottle of rum cost about $2, YES, $2, and you can pretty much bring it with you inside anywhere you you. At a bar, a drink is about $1 or so

BUS FARE: going to Rivas, where you can catch buses to other parts of the country $1

TAXI: vary from $.75- $4

I thought SJDS was a beautiful town, and one that I would definitely consider staying in long term to work with the school. There is plenty to keep you busy, the beach itself being one. Daily activities are available such as fishing and boating group outings, yoga classes, spanish classes, surfing lessons and trips to Masaya- a huge market located a few hours North-east. Right outside the centro of the house is speckled with various Barrios, and there are animals- everywhere! I might have to make a post later just about the many wild animals of Nicaragua. 

The only down part of SJDS during my time, was the amount of tourist that flood the area- and I came during the slow season. It would be almost rare to over hear a spanish conversations over the house music at the local bar/clubs. There is also a "Sunday Funday" a few of the party hostels have put together in the past year or so, that is supposed to be the "largest party in Central America", I unfortunately did not partake in this shit show, I mean pool party. Has Miami made me sour about drunken tourist gathering together? What kind of backpacker am I? There were a few good spots out there though, and the occasional beach, or sidewalk drum circle. 

 Getting back on topic, SJDS is somewhat also known for their huge Jesus statue, that towers the bay in protection, known "Christ of the Mercy". It is actually the largest Christ statue in all of Central America. One day during my stay, I walked almost to the top of the 134m climb, through a beautiful neighborhood on the hillside with million dollar houses sprinkling the sides. However, I fell a little short when I realized you had to pay to go all the way- it was only $2 or so, but I was outside the gate and it was starting to rain. 

I could have you reading this, filling your mind with images of me hiking, boating and learning to surf everyday... however anyone who knows me would know I am lying. I did, have the best time walking around the town, talking to the locals, who are surprisingly very pleasant and helpful to tourist, perhaps they are yet jaded like what happens in many other gringo infested areas. Nicaragua in general so far, has proven to be one of the most relaxing places I have ever been to. They are very hard workers here, but the family is very close to home at the same time- and they definitely know how to test out a hammock for a few hours a day. Despite the fire- like sun setting over the Bay early, around 6:30, the clock seems to run a step slower here, which is never a bad thing.

I will have more post coming soon with my newly found treasures of San Juan del Sur ! 

xx SLW