So here it is, the next chapter of my life. It's the beginning of a flowing wave of learning and growth - the reality of my voyage abroad. And here I am, a human being with curious anticipation - an idea that spiraled from a way to escape it all, to now, something so much more. It’s time to step into my journey with the hope to encourage you to take a similar expedition - in a way that will most benefit your transformative travel.
Travel Itinerary
Let me give you an overview of my travel route and plans for this summer, 13’ in Latin America. My journey begins May 6th when I fly into Guatemala City from Miami, FL. From the capital of Guatemala I’ll proceed east, by bus, toward Belize that first week. Once I hit the Caribbean coastline I’ll head North through Belize and then west through Tikal (back in Guatemala).
By mid-May, I’ll head southwest to my first home base in Quetzaltenango where the Spanish and Mayan language school, Centro Maya Xela, is located. I got in touch with the director, Pedro, through a colleague. Pedro and his team provide employment to local Mayans and established a scholarship program for Guatemalan women who would otherwise not be able to afford to attend college. Talk about an amazing organization! Pedro set me up to live with a Guatemalan host family so I can practice my Spanish and enjoy a Guatemalan cultural immersion while I am volunteering. Each school day I’ll travel 2 hours by bus to the rural area of Momostenango to teach Introductory English to the Mayan children at K´amawanik´ School. The organization started supporting this school but no volunteers have been there..but that will change once I show up. I’m excited to get into the classroom to teach and deliver Donate To Educate funds to the children.
I am sure that
El Salvador and Honduras are beautiful countries to visit, but I plan to make
haste through that region due to the high level of crime. According to the Travel.State.Gov in 2011 El Salvador had
the second highest per capita murder rate in the world (71 premeditated deaths
per 100,000 people) while Honduras had the highest (86 per 100,000). I plan to
talk to fellow travelers and locals to formulate the best plan to see the safer
portions of these countries on my way, by bus, to Nicaragua. 
Once in
Nicaragua in early to mid-June, I’ll head down the Pacific coastline, stopping
wherever a beach and place to hang my hammock are until I reach San Juan de La Concepcion. Once I get settled with my Nicaraguan host family, I’ll provide all the
help I can to Paulette with various projects at La Mariposa Spanish School and Eco Hotel. I recently got in touch with
Paulette through a professor/mentor of mine who excitedly told me about La
Mariposa and all the amazing things that Paulette does for her community. I
also get to visit Panama Primary School where Donate to Educate donations will also
go toward the children’s education!My dear Costa Rica (“La Pura Vida”,) where life is always pure! I was last in CR in 2011 and I’m so happy to be going back. By July, I plan to go to areas of the country that I didn’t get to see during my travels with EF College Breaks. I’ll likely make a pit-stop at the Capital, San Jose, to see a friend of mine that I met in Jamaica and possibly two families that I’ve been connected with through mutual friends. I’ll probably be doing a lot of outdoor activities while in CR. Lots of photos to come!
By mid-July, I’m honored to be on my way to Cambutal, Panama. I’m very eager to meet the community members that my friends, Rene and Gregg, are living out their dream to live and provide support to. Donate To Educate funds will also be supporting the students of Cambutal.
Once I get
through Central America in the beginning of August (if time and funds permit)
I’ll make a quick landing in Lima, Peru to explore this breathtaking country
followed by the amazing Bolivia. I don’t have much more to say about that part
of the trip at the moment, but when it happens, it will be awesome! I’ve been
so excited to see wonders like Machu Picchu and Salarde Uyuni.So, 8 countries on the itinerary! After that, the door is wide open. I'll keep tabs on the job market while traveling. Hopefully, I’ll have a potential job interest in the international counseling field or out-of-state. If not, I may extend my travels until the right opportunity comes my way. I like that this chapter of my life is somewhat unknown.
Reasons I'm Traveling
Recently, a
wise and caring loved one of mine asked what I hope to accomplish during my
travels in Latin America. The funny part was, even with all the extensive plans
to make this experience life changing, I realized I didn’t have a straight
answer to give him..nor was my list of reasons being voiced with confidence.
So, I went kayaking and thought about it for a while. It dawned on me this
question would be asked more often than not during my journey (including
employers for potential jobs). Yikes!(1 - Adventure) Latin America is the perfect place for me to venture! I’ll be able to practice mi Español, something that immensely needs refreshing. I’ll get more acquainted with cultural customs and belief systems of diverse groups and families which will help me improve my cultural practices as a professional counselor. As a bonus, I’ll also get to explore exotic tropical rain-forests and animals, Caribbean and Pacific coast beaches, volcanoes and hot springs, mountains and waterfalls, ancient cities and civilizations off the beaten path.
(2 – Growth) This is the best time in my life to travel internationally as a young, independent woman. I’ll have the time to grow as a person; as I grow mindfully I’ll demonstrate frequenter compassion for myself and others. I’ll also challenge myself to learn basic survival and self-sufficiency skills. Ultimately, I’ll discover how to enrich my life, which in my opinion isn’t something I can replicate without international travel at this time in my life.
(3– Volunteer) With the help of my colleagues and friends back home I’ve been blessed with the chance to assist and support 3 communities while I’m traveling through Central America. This is the most remarkable part of my trip! These opportunities will allow me time to learn from others, some of whom will likely change my life forever!
(4 – Inspire) Most
importantly, what is dearest to my heart is inspiring others, like yourself, to travel the globe and get involved in whatever it is you feel will improve your
world for you and yours… a world that is filled with hope, love and peace for
all!Fundraiser: "Donate to Educate"
After talking my friend Rene about the financial needs of Cambutal, I decided to begin a fundraiser to support education in the 3 communities I am volunteering with this summer. My goal is to raise $600 for the students. So far my friends and family have been very generous but we have not met our goal. To donate, please click here. Thank you!
Quote
"Trust your heart. Keep your soul open. Let your mind learn through
experience". SP