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

An adventure soon begins...

     A much anticipated week has begun in my life. As of this Thursday, I will be flying into Costa Rica, and then onto Nicaragua where I will be spending the next two months traveling around a bit in the Southern beaches of Nica, and finally to Pochomil for a Yoga Teacher Training 200 hours with Its Yoga Nica at Los Cardones Surf Lodge. 

     As soon as my feet sank into U.S Soil last May, I had a longing feeling for being free again, walking along the road of life, going with the flow like the wind. It's been a long year of working hard, and focusing on what I want to get out of life. I have definitely had some memorable times being back here in Jacksonville Beach, and have met some of the most amazing people- something that I never envisioned being possible. Honestly, growing up here all I wanted to do was get out, but the last year has taught me that it is true, life is what you make out of it. A year filled with a summer in New York, festivals shows, a road trip with my family, birthday in Miami, and many, many beach parties under luna's radiating light. 

    Time living at home with my family, saving money, has given me a great opportunity I am so thankful for- being able to slow down and concentrate on things that will better me as a person, and help to fulfill my goals in life. Such as, getting my Teaching English as a Second Language certificate, soon to be my YTT 200 hours, and I have also decided to go back to school (online) studying Early Childhood Development. Spending time with my mom and brother has been so much fun and comforting- having not lived with them for almost four years prior. Although I am only scheduled to be gone about two months, you never know where life can take you, which path may lead you to foreign lands and new souls. My gut feelings just keep telling me that Nicaragua is just the beginning, a stepping stone, of the amazing year ahead of me for 2014. As enjoyable as it has been recapping my adventures from last year in South America, those will be put on hold for the moment, while I am keeping up to date in Nicaragua. So keep reading for many new stories and tips ahead !! 

    And now, the hardest thing I will do all week, begin packing. My friend gave me her greatest advice for traveling today, "Always bring half as much stuff, and twice as much money." I will have to keep that in mind as my packing list is reaching a good two pages. Any good packing advice out there ??

xx SLW

Favorite places to crash; The Point Mancora

     After spending my first few months in Cusco, I left for Lima, but only decided to stay for about two days. Lima was a beautiful city, but much too hectic, and too much going on for me- plus I was longing for days spent taking siestas in a hammock by the pool  and night swimming in the warm ocean. So here I was, pulling into  Mancora- a small, rustic beach town in the North of Peru known for its surf and nightlife. The minute the bus door opened, you could feel the heat creeping in quickly- despite being on their already twenty hours, I was slow to make my way into the sun. At first glance  I was surprised that this "party town" wasn't anything like the "party" beach towns I was used to, but more like a tiny gravel street, lined with small stores and restaurants,  nearly the size of my Community in Jacksonville. 

     Not knowing exactly where to go, I hopped in the first tuk tuk (little three wheeled motorized rickshaw that lace the streets) and went to the Loki Hostel. There is also a Loki location in Cusco, therefore it was the only familiar hostel I saw- plus it was on the main road so I decided to give it a go. My tentative plan at the time was, I would stay in Mancora for a month or so,  hoping to find a hostel that I could work in. Walking into Loki, I had flashbacks from being 19 at Fraternity parties in Tallahassee. Some backpackers may love Loki's vibes, and tell you it was the best hostel they've been to. However, it just wasn't the pool hammock scenario I had envisioned. So that very same day, I went in search of a new hostel- that I knew had to be out there in this Peruvian paradise. 

    

     After a few hostels, I was taken down a very long dirt road away from the town, and ended up at the end of the road right before the beach to a large bamboo gate and a little sign that read "Our own little Paradise".  Alas! The Point is exactly how a beach hostel should be. Walking around the stone sidewalks, you will find guest sleeping in hammocks, lounging at the pool, doing yoga under the deck or making their way to the beach to try and catch some waves. It isn't just all lounging and relaxation though- they offer a full liquor bar, with happy hour specials daily. Where else can you get a giant Brahma beer for only 6 s./ !! Inside the hostel is also a restaurant with a variety of foods including some Peruvian specials, as well as simple hamburgers and fries. The rooms are breezy, yet still very hot- which is one of the only downfalls. You can also rent a beach bungalow for just a little more money, which are beautiful, bohemain two story private shacks right on the beach! 

     From what I sensed in my month of staying here, it tends to draw in a very like-minded and friendly group of travelers, who are all drawn to each other like an instant family, no cliques here. Most of my days when I wasn't working, were spent walking to the market to get supplies for making jewelry or lounging around by the pool reading a book. Nights here consisted of an early happy hour, leading to bottles of wine and listening to the hostel's very own musicians Yuyo and Diego, playing acoustic sets on the beach under the stars. Each week there are also themed parties, where face painting is always involved. The full moon parties here at the hostel are what draws in most of their crowd, and are the best in town. I owe a huge thank you to all of the staff, (even the bald Peruvian dog Pelo) at The Point Mancora for making it one of the most memorable months I've had- I still talk to most of the friends I've met, and plan to visit as soon as I'm back in South America:)

    For prices and booking information, visit http://thepointhostels.com/peru/mancora-beach.html

xx SLW

How to Deal; Keeping Yourself Busy on Long Bus Rides

     All of you traveling gypsies on a budget will agree, that traveling by bus is definitely not going to be the quickest option out there. However, the majority of the time, not only is it the most affordable method of travel, it usually is the most common, especially if you plan on going beyond the major cities. During my time in South America, and here in the States, I have taken (beyond) my fair share of lengthy bus rides. I've actually taken a Greyhound from New York City down to Jacksonville, Fl, and didn't think twice about it considering the busing days on end I had experienced. 

     

     A great thing about many of the countries I have been to in South America, is that they actually have a great busing system that caters to, and are prepared to serve you for these lengthy trips. For example, even the most economical National buses in Peru, will either provide you with meals, or will stop often, have a nice, clean bathroom, and you will be entertained with movies in your reclining chair (sometimes even treated with English subtitles if it is a tourist company) the entire trip. Not to mention, the experience of seeing the amazing rural country sides that can't even be fathomed by the poor soul riding in an hour long airplane trip. It is important to see first hand the backroads that make up the culture of a new country instead of limiting yourself to the major cities your lonely planet has recommended. 

(dirt road in Colombia)

      The most unique aspect of the transportation in S.A I found is that at any stop you make, you will have the opportunity to buy from, or at least be entertained by all of the regular street vendors who literally just bombard the bus, sometimes four at a time. You will see everything from home-cooked full meals and drinks to random toys, clothes, or recharging your Movil or Claro! cell phone. You will even have the occasional guy who tells you his true or possibly not so true story about how he needs your donation because he is sick and can't afford surgery (think the New York subways). I remember a time in Ollantaytambo, Peru, a lady carrying a traditional Peruvian wrap on her back, filled, to the point I thought she may fall over backwards, with huge pieces of some type of meat on a stick jumped on, and was selling her food for a solid thirty minutes.  I just kept glancing between her small town, that was now just a mere dot in the horizon, than to her lack of reaction to the fact she was a more than a couple miles down the road. Would she have to walk all the way back ?! 

(little cutie I met at the bus station in Quito, Ecuador)

     The busing system, I have found, is relatively safe. Especially if you are considering one of the other options, sharing a car with strangers; which while it may be cheaper at times, has no sort of security blanket whatsoever. Many bus companies will require your passport number, fingerprint and some even video tape you going onto the bus. I only had a two incidents I felt "unsafe", which isn't a term I use loosely, and both were in Ecuador. Their transportation system is more geared toward locals rather than tourist which I had been accustom to in Peru. Possibly the reason I had an uneasy feeling these specific times.

(broken down for four hours in Peru, luckily it was a nice view!)

     All in all, even though the major bus companies DO try their best to make sure that you survive your twenty plus hour bus rides, you WILL be bored without a doubt, and at times, want to literally jump off of the bus and possibly the cliff that the your driver, who was obviously trained by Nascar, is barely avoiding. So, I decided to start a mini series of post with my favorite bus-trippin' past times. So check back and look out for these post! Until then, stock up on the generic Ambien you can find at the local farmacia. 

xx SLW

A Little Vacation; Crossville, Tennessee.

Although floating in a pontoon boat on a tiny lake surrounded by soft Mountains in the little town of Crossville, Tennesee might not be comparable to floating in a Gondola in Sicily during Sunset, my vacation a few weeks ago seemed absolutely perfect to me. A weekend with all of my family and an escape in nature was exceptionally rejuvenating, and left my spirit feeling more grounded than it had in a while. 

The adventure begun with my Mom, my little brother, Zach, and I running four hours late, because what kind of trip, or at least for my family, is consistent with a clock? Being that it was Father's Day Weekend, the first stop on the itinerary was to Birmingham, Alabama where my Dad resides. My sister, brother in law, and two favorite little princesses had just relocated to Birmingham about a month ago- so it was perfect timing to see everyone. After just a short night in Alabama, my sister and nieces then joined us up the mountains to Tennessee to see my mom's parents and my aunt. 

Because of my crazy busy work schedule juggling two jobs, my mind and body fully take in any moments of clarity they receive. Having a clear mind to really focus on the present moment, and the little things that you miss during a hectic day, is such a relieving and deeply relaxing feeling. And one that should be incorporated into our everyday lives. The fact that my Grandparents always choose the most serene and secluded places to live that are miles away from the chaos of what we call "normal life", makes it easy to get lost in the fresh smell of pine trees mixed with coffee in the morning, or in the gaze of the sunset on the hills while a family of deer are frolicking  in the distance. (literally, this happened.) 

 One of my favorite things all weekend was being able to spend hours in the car with my mom and little brother. Although I see and talk to them both everyday, being trapped for hours at a time allowed us to ramble on about random things, and actually laugh out loud at our stupid jokes. Even long silences shared with people who are close to your heart are comforting. Seeing my aunt Michelle and Grandparents was an exiting event, as we hadn't all been together for a family vacation since I was in 10th grade, and this year was my Grandma, or as we know her, Nana's 70th Birthday! Watching the similarities all weekend of mom and her sister, and then comparing them to me and my sister, and now my two nieces Sophia and Brooklyn was hilarious. It would have been nice spending more time with my Dad when we were still in Alabama, but sometimes one night can be full of so many hugs and love shared that it can make up for years of lost time. And that night we were in Birmingham, many hugs were given. We all stayed out until the middle of the night dancing at an old red neck bar, cheers-ing to forgetting a sometimes bumpy past, and onto a positive future. 

Although we do see my Grandparents about once a year or so, this was the first time I had been to their house in at least six years. Everything in the house was just like I had remembered and expected it to be except in a weird way, it all seemed more exiting. Their shelves and walls are filled with trinkets and decorations from all over the world. I felt like I was my eight year old self, and their house a museum. The stone figurines of crazy looking people that always intrigued me when I was younger, took on a whole knew meaning once I realized that they were actually hand-made from Peru, where I was just a year ago. My Grandma, who was almost as excited as I was to bring up her past travels, eagerly brought out her boxes of trinkets and let me keep some amazing arrowheads and carved bones from Panama, so that I can make jewelry out of them. 

She also gave me a beautiful, vintage SLR Nikon, that she got when she was visiting her dad in San Antonio, Texas recently. I'm not sure if she knows it, but it is truly one of the most special gifts I've received. Knowing I have this amazing new camera to use and sharing stories with her has given me the extra umph of inspiration that that has been dehydrated from me lately. My Grandparents have been very open and supportive of my traveling, which is something I really appreciate. Of course they think that it is dangerous me traveling alone, and I need to be careful- but those facts haven't once led for them to tell me I shouldn't go. They've helped me with a flight ticket and recently (along with my Aunt, Michelle) bought me my first legit traveling backpack. However, even more important than the material things, I think that is it them who first gave me the inspiration to pack up and explore! They always make sure that each year, they visit a new place and experience a new culture- something that I've always been so envious of, and now I am making the opportunity to do the same. So, Cheers Nana & Bampa, without realizing, you've helped shaped me into the eager, wanderlust crazy person that I am. ; )

During my drive back down to Florida, I wasn't dreading going back to work as I had expected. Instead, I felt a sense of being centered, and accepting. A mixture of nature, and family is the perfect remedy to leave your soul shining. 

xx SLW