El Salvador, thank you for showing me things get better!!!

 To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries.” – Aldous Huxley

My last week was filled with good people, relaxing and riding buses, but after my time in Guatemala it was just what I needed.  

Having another angel pick me up along my travels and drive me right to where I was going was such a blessing.  I can't thank all the kind people I have meant along my way.  There are no words to express the gratitude I have for these angels.  

My first night is El Salvador was quite.  I spent sometime looking around before finding a hostel at stay at.  The hostel was in a great part of the city and was pretty nice.  It was part of a hotel so there was hot water and comfortable beds.  It was every clean and quite.  I went to sleep pretty early due to the long day I had.  

The next day I woke up had a HOT shower, something I only got to have a few times on this trip, and got ready for my day.  I figured out the bus system and was in my way to Surf Strong (https://m.facebook.com/SurfStrongYouth?_rdr) to sand some tables

 and learn about the program they were starting up.  The bus ride was a little long but it was worth it.  I have gotten used to the buses in Central America, I might actually miss the craziness when I get home.  The buses are chicken buses but they do not really have chickens on them.  At first when people told me to catch the chicken buses I actually pictured a truck with chickens not a old school bus or minivan painted with stickers everywhere and people coming on a stops selling stuff.  

The buses did get fill pretty fast but they were cheap and the only way to get around.  I was usually the only person on the bus not from the area but everyone was friendly to me, I never felt scared.  

After my bus ride I walked the road to San Blas.  It was a nice walk and when I got to Surf Strong I was welcomed with opened arms. 

Sarah introduced herself and Jerson to me and showed me around.  We talked about the program and got started in sanding some tables. 

Hearing Sarah talk about the program made me want to try and do anything I could for them.  She has so much passion and drive, you just know good things will happen.  He program at Surf Strong is designed to help teach youth to surf but also give them a place to go when not in school.  In El Salvador the kids only go to school for a half day leaving a lot do time with nothing to do well their parents are working. I can not wait to go back and see this program in full effect. 

After we were done standing for the day, I left and went back to my hostel.  I did take a picture of the ocean because I missed it and it is so beautiful. 

The next day I explored the city a little and headed back to Surf Strong. The one thing I noticed was that all the fast places deliver in Central America.

I spent the rest of my week with Sarah and Jerson.  Sarah and I stayed up pretty late every night talking about the program, back home, our lives and pretty much anything else there was to talk a out.

My mornings were spent walking the beach with Blu,

 and a few of my days were spend taking buses.  I spent a day at the Canadain Embassy which was no fun at all.  I tried to hike a volcano

but was too late so I had to just turn around and take the 3 hour bus ride back to San Blas. The bus driver was great and let me take some pictures from the bus.  It just means I have to go back and visit again. 

I did some surfing , well I tried to surf. Jerson has been surfing his how like and gives lessons for his job.  He gave me one and we were out enjoying the waves, well drinking a lot of salt water and getting beat up by the ways more like it.  The first night we surfed at sunset which was the best view ever.  I could do this every night.  

My last day was spent at Surf Strong hanging out with Sarah, Jerson and Lauren. It was a really fun day, Jerson was giving surf lessons and with some push, Sarah, Lauren and I went surfing as well.

  I got beaten up out there but I did kind of catch a wave or two.  I am counting standing on my knees for what seemed like 30 seconds as getting a good wave. I stayed out for as long as I could but the waves really did beat me up and I have the bruises to prove it!  I took a hard wave that knocked me off my board so I decided to just go sit in the beach for a while.  I really so enjoy surfing and can't wait to get back at it when I visit again or find sown water in Canada to surf.  The waves are probably easier for me to practice on in Canada. 

After Lauren left, sat around talking about different things.  I really have enjoyed my time in El Salvador thanks to Sarah and Jerson.  I felt like I was at home and have known these guys my whole life.  My last dinner was of course pupusas

which I was happy about, I even got to take some to the airport with me.  I think they are my favourite dish from the food I tried, next is the rice and beans in Costa Rica. 

After dinner and sayin our good-byes

we walked down to Jerson's aunts so I could leave for the airport.  His family was very welcoming and feed us salad.  I will admit that I was happy to see a crisp vegetables and was even happier eating them. 

After hanging out for a little longer we said more good-byes and I was on my way to the airport.  I forgot my towel that my dad lent me so we did have to turn back around so I could get it.  I was very thankfully for that, not sure if my dad would have been too happy with me if I had left it.  

Once we got to the airport

I had to stand outside because it only opens 3 hours before the plane leaves, it wasn't cold out and I had my pupusas so I was all good. 

I was also sad to be leaving but happy at the same time because I know I will be back. 

Thank you El Salvador for making the last part of my trip a great one because after Guatemala I was really to just sit at a hostel until I left.  I will be back to see your beautiful country soon, until then I am leaving you a little piece of my heart. 

More pictures:

My map 

Sunset :)

Rocks 

My last sunset :(

Good morning,  loved my morning walks along the ocean... 

Sarah made some awesome means!!! 

Omar 

Finished table 

Surf strong 

My last day :( 

Good-byes are never easy but I will be back.  These two are some pretty awesome people... Thank you for everything :)

Taking a little ocean, sand, and sunset home with me for Tie. :) 

Surfing or well sitting on the board... I could live by the ocean for the rest of my life .  

On the plane, good-bye Central America, I'm leaving a part of my heart with you until we meet again. :)

Always look for the positive out of a negative!

 “One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” – Henry Miller

My time is Guatemala was not spent how I wanted it to be and I did not see the Country due to some negative things, however I am not letting that being me down.  I will be back to see you Guatemala just with better eyes. 

My last day in Guatemala was not very much fun as it was spent in a bus to El Salvador which is an 8 hour bus ride.  Guatemala and I did not get to do a whole lot because I was misdirected by the person I mentioned in my last writings. My last day however I decided to skip Belize because I didn't feel I would be able to enjoy my time there and would be spending more time traveling to each city then actually getting to do things.  I will have to make a trip there when I come back to Honduras later this year.  

I walked to the bus stop to get a ticket to the border of Guatemala and El Salvador.  I was quotes very high prices so I walked around until I found a bus that was half the price of what everyone else was quoting me.  It was not the best looking bus but it also was not a chicken bus so I was ok with it.  This is where I met another angel who made my impression in El Salvador a good one.  His name was Enrique and he was from El Salador but on his way to Mexico City to visit family.  He offered to help translate for me but I actually was able to do it on my own.  

After I got my ticket I had a few hours to kill so I decide to go walk around.  I ran in to Enrique was out front and asked if I got everything ok.  He asked where I was headed and this is where I found out he was from El Salvador.  He gave me directions to the right buses to where I was going.  He wrote everything down for me including things to ask in Spanish.  We shared some stories about our lives.  Turns out his family moved to the states and they live in Miami.  He was back in El Salvador visiting his sister and some friends.  He also was in the US army and was in places like Iraq and Afgabastan.  He did 4 years at NYU but after his time at war he had a different out look on life.  Listening to him talk and how proud he is of El Salvador made me happy I decided to skip Belize and spend more time volunteering in El Salvador and seeing what it has to offer.  Talking to Enrique and listening to his stories and his culture is the reason I came on this trip.  I have had a great pleasure of meeting a few families in almost every Country and I have learned more than I thought I would. 

We have a lot of the same views on the world and on helping people.  He asked why I like to help people, which I told him because when I see someone in need, if I can help I will.  I have had a lot of help in my life when I have needed it most so of I can do the same for someone else I will.  I do not do anything I do to make myself feel better or for people to knowledge it, I do it because it is what people should do for each other. 

After talking to Enrique for a while he left me with some parting gifts that he was carrying with him.  He have me a mini water out that is used by the local people as well as a mini scale they use to measure.  He also gave me a bracelet he made that is for sale travels.  

After sharing my stories about my travels, the good and the bad he was amazed I had not got on a plane and right home.  He told me from the little time talking to me he could tell I was not like other tourist who are there for themselves but that I was a kind heart and that it is not something you can learn but something you are born with.  To me he is the kind heart offer to help me out knowing the local people would look down on him for talking to a white girl in English.  The looks everyone gave us could have broke a knife.  

I have been very blessed on this trip and met many angels, I hope I left a last impression on them as they have on me.  

The rest of my time in Guatemala was spent on buses and walking, oh and I had to sleep in a bus station which was the wrong one.  I felt safe because the guys working remembered me from just a few days before.  They even kicked my stocker (guy who directed me on the wrong buses just says before) who showed up out of the blue in the same town at the same stop the same time I got there, out.  They knew about his misguided directions he have me only days before.  

After walking up and being told there was no bus to the El Salador border just to Honduras and I needed to go to the other station, I left.  I couldn't find the other station so started walking.  I asked for directions and again was send in the wrong direction. At this point I am not sure if they are doing this on purpose or if people really have no clue how to get places in Guatemala.  

I walked to the wrong border and didn't want to go to Hindorus but my passport was already stamped .  The border guy was nice and stamped it again instead of making me leave the Country.  

I left and started walking the other way.  A guy picked me up and drive me the bus stop to the correct border.  A small thing happened at the Honduras border and I wanted to clear my head of it so I decided to walk.  I walked for about 2hrs 15mins when a truck that was a crew member for cyclists biking to El Salvador stopped and asked where I was going. They were headed my way and drove me all the way to the city I was going to. 

I keep saying this but I believe God has put angels on my path throughout this trip and I am thankfully and blessed for this. 

Jessi   

Not very many pictures as I spent more time in a bus instead of actually seeing the Country.. :(

I made dinner on the bus... I had water, a dish, a fork, paste and sauce so why not and it actually didn't taste to bad. That it I was just really hungry and didn't taste it at all. 

The views are amazing... 

Good day for a walk.

No shower and I am wearing the same close as the day before and that I slept in.  The joys of sleeping at a bus station and backpacking. 

Animals just hang out anywhere.  

Good-bye Guatemala, I hope the next time we see each other we share a better experience. 

Go with your gut and always keep your eyes opened

Never ignore a gut feeling, but never believe that it's enough...Robert Heller

My last few days I have put some miles on my shoes and found myself in a state of "I really want to be in Canada right now", moments.  

My day stated out pretty good, I was on my way to Honduras on a Private bus but it only took me as far as the capital.  I met a guy who was from the city and he helped me get to another bus station to take a bus to my next city. He even went and talked to the driver of the station to make sure he kept a good eye out for me.  He gave me tips on what to do and what not to do in Honduras and was on his way.  It was not until after I found out I would not be able to get to the city I wanted to go to until 9:00pm and I was going to have to wait at a gas station, if the station, allowed me to, from 1:30 until 4:30 in the morning. This plan did not sit well with me nor did the alternative which was to get into San Pedro Sula, the city rated as being the number one crime capital of the world. I had wanted to avoid going here from the start because I would be getting in after dark and was told to be careful of everyone including taxi drivers.  This coming from lonely plante, the internet and about a dozen local people I had met along the way including the helpful local guy who talked the bus station people. 

The bus ride to San Pual Sal was fine, it felt save but at the time thought the driver was going to assist me in getting into the right direction.  It was not until we got to the bus thermal and I went to the driver and talked in broken Spanish that he had no intentions of helping me.  He just told me he didn't know what cabs to take and good luck and god bless.  

I found myself so scared all I could do was cry.  I tried to hold the tears in.  My phone was dead and had no service in Honduras and had no clue what to do since the hostel I had lined up was in a different town.  

I had a small panic attack and left the station but not before being approached by every cab drive trying to get me to go with them and having everyone guy hanging out at the bus station look me down and call out things I wish not to remember.  I never felt so scared and uncomfortable in my whole life.  The bus station was closed so anyone hanging out there as per everyone I talked who told me not to go to the city at night, was either in a gang or drug dealers. 

I took off as fast as I could with a gas station in my sights to sit and figure out where I was going to go for the night.  The thing about gas stations in Central America is that they have security or police with machine guns and will not let anyone into the stores. Me already scared and not being able to explain myself clearly in Spanish just cried and walked away.  

I was walking down the street and a older guy on his bicycle stopped me to see what was wrong.  I knew right away he was safe but he couldn't help me as he didn't know where I was trying to go nor did I.  

This is where my another angel was sent to me and things turned around.   A young man stopped to see if I needed help and the older guy tried to explain to him.  His name was Eduardo and he spoken a little but good English.  He offered to take me to the mall and to find a hotel.  After driving around he had a plan, he decided to take me to his place for the night.  Now it's not what you think, he opened his parents home to me.  I met his mother,

 who was the sweetest and most welcoming person ever.  I also met his brothers and younger sister.  They helped teach me some Spanish, which I am practicing daily now.  I had a shower and we all talked a little longer before going to bed.  I was given a room and later found out one of her sons slept on the kitchen chairs which I felt very bad for.  I had to be back at the bus station for 4:30am.  This wonderful family got up and took me there and packed me a lunch with drinks to take on my way.  I will be back again one day soon to learn more about Honduras and have them show me their town and I can't wait. We have added each other to Facebook so we will stay in touch for many moons to come.  

Once back at the bus stations things changed again, this has happened a lot throughout this trip but has worked out so far. 

After asking the driver which bus would take me to Guatemala and the Belize border, I was told their wasn't one.  I later found out there was just with a different company.

I ended up going to Copan

which I had wanted to do anyway. I went to Copan

around before crossing over to Guatemala.  The town is small and it was not all that great actually.  It took me maybe am hour to see the town and a lot of walking up hill.  

Her I ran into a guy who I think became a little stocker actually I am pretty sure he did.  He was on the same bus I was on going to Copan and he had helped me a little finding out the price of some things.  I decided to head to the border as did he.  This is where I should have went with my gut and didn't.  I listen to him when he said I need to take a bus to one city to get to Flores.  Turns out I should have left right from where I was to get there.  I ended up in Espuipulas. The town was nothing special, it has some nice church

and their was a big celebration going on.  I am not sure what it was for but I know it had to do with the Church, the Mayan and maybe independence.  It was a very busy town and I was blessed with holy water.  

This is where my trip got interesting and my gut feeling came in.  This person who was leading me in the wrong direction as I will out it was found out.  I'm not sure what his intentions were and why he had to go to this city instead of letting me head to where I wanted to go and I never will but I'm happy I figured him out when I did.  He had been asking questions about the next bus I would catch Flores, and what he was telling me kept changing.  

He said my bus came at 1:00pm to Flores and his bus to the capital came at 11:00pm. He then he changed it and said mine was at 1:30am and his was at 11:30pm.  He kept telling me not to buy my ticket then to.  What didn't sit was I had understood the bus driver and he said I had to catch a bus and pay the bus driver but couldn't get the time since my understanding of numbers in Spanish is not very good. 

I decided to ask the bus driver what time my bus came, he didn't speak English at all but I did understand when he said the bus to Flores leaves at 11:00pm at another station and there was no bus at 1:30am. 

I was frustrated at this time so I bought a ticket to Guatemala City so I could catch a bus to Flores.  Once the ticket was printed I saw the time which was 1:30am.  I asked this person why he lied to me and he got all confused.  He disappeared and I never saw him again, thankfully.  I'm a smart person and have been able to figure things out this fare in my trip on my own, I do not even know why I let someone talk for me but I did.  Lesson learned always go with what you feel.  

My bus ride to Flores was all but fun.  The first part was great, I slept and when I was a wake the views were amazing.  At once stop however a group of guys got on the bus and say in the seats around me.  I could tell by the way the guy who was sitting beside me tensed up down thing was wrong.  He was relaxed the whole ride until this point.  I looked around and found out quickly why, they were drug dealers and were transporting drugs on the bus.  They put wholes in the seats and stored their supply in them, this included my seat manly.  I couldn't do anything or say anything and there was no way I was letting them know I could understand most of what they were talking about to each other.  They asked me a question in Spanish and I just said "no speak Spanish!"  The question they asked was, how was I and where was I from.   During. Their conversations to each other they kept saying it will be put on the white girl if they find anything. 

I pretty much didn't move the rest of the way and wanted to cry. On the way we were stopped and the Army came on the bus and looked at everything and made us get off, I thought for sure they would find the stuff but if they did they didn't say anything.  

The last part of the ride seemed like it took for ever and once off the bus I just booked it.  

I decided to just relax and go for a kayaking ride around the river

with a few people in the hostel I am at.  It's a nice place and after a walk around the town I went to bed.  I fell a sleep early and in the middle of everyone talking.  It was my first night sleep not on a bus since being at my adopted families house.  

Today I walked to town again and just relaxed.  

I decided to skip going to Tikal and relaxed instead, tomorrow is another day and I am moving on.  

I finally found good I could eat and I loved it.  It was a pretty much a quesadilla but it's call a tortillas. It was a homemade grilled Tortilla with pickles vegetables and two different homemade sauces as well as tomatoes and cilantro.  You could have meat as well but I asked for none.  A few people from the hostel I am at went out for a walk and this lady was cooking and had a sign up so we thought why not try it.  She was cooking in her living room and he family was sitting around eating.  She did say we could sit but we decided to take it to go. I this town people just put grills out and cook food out of their house, it's a pretty good idea to sell dinner out of the house. I only got one because my luck with food in Guatemala has not good very good and has made me sick every time I eat it.  This however was delicioso, and I was sure to tell her on our way back to the hostal.  I stopped and said "que era la mejor comida que he tenido en este país, gracias!"  Which means that was the best meal I have had in this Country, thank you! She smiled and told me in Spanish "Es usted muy amable , gracias" (it means you are kind, thank you) and something about coming back tomorrow. I wish I could come back as it was the best thing I have had since Costa Rica. 

I am going to have to take more Spanish lesson before I go to South America. 

Jessi 

 Few more pictures