Travel Styles

What a blogger I am. I filled up three journals--you know, those old-fashioned things made of paper and glue--and didn't post one single blog. I'd like to say it was because I was out in the jungle my whole trip, with no internet access, but that would be a shameless lie.

I did go to Central America. I had six months. Originally I'd planned to see Central America and part of South America. After reading up a bit, I thought, "No, Central America is plenty." Even before I went, though, I'd almost cut out Costa Rica, because I wouldn't have time to do it justice. But when I got there, I kept getting stuck places, staying longer than planned because I liked it so much. So I spent six months in Mexico (but only the Yucatan and Chiapas), Belize, Guatemala, and El Salvador (but only a tiny corner). I've met travelers who have "done" Central America in 10 days. I've met people who were traveling through Guatemala--three years ago--and decided to stay. I love that about travel. Everyone has their own style, and while I would never try to take in three countries in four days, it's great that people can if they want. It's a super amplified forum for personal choice. Do you spend your nights drinking? Your mornings sight-seeing? Your days studying Spanish? Do you go to Tikal and skip Palenque? Or vice versa? Or do you explore every single Mayan ruin you can find? Do you take six-day hikes with guides and pack horses and machetes or do you get in on a local game of soccer? Chicken buses or shuttle vans? Avoid the scary capitals or glory in them? Do you talk to every local you see, avoid them because they're probably trying to sell you something, or something in between? What I hope is that everyone finds contentment in their own style, occasionally does something contrary to their normal habits, and refrains from making others think that there is only one correct form of travel.

Mosquito nets and two-weeks' notice

I bought a mosquito net the other day, and permethrin to insect-proof my insect net. What's that all about? Malaria pills are on their way. I've been researching Dengue Fever and machete-bearing rebels. All my friends ask, "And you really want to go?" Of course. I haven't officially given my two-weeks' notice, but they know I'm going, and have already found my replacement. It's hard not to check out already. I answer the phone at work and tell the caller that of course we'll get his bathroom cleaned, right away sir, and imagine myself getting up late, writing all day, and then doing yoga on the beach in the sunset.