The Best Medicine

Laughing on the plane, laughing in line, laughing in customs, creating entertainment again on the bus. What could ones life be like living in Colombia?



Clearly, there is a lot more components to life than laughter, but laughter is one of the best medicines in life. The Dalai Lama says that one of his core values is the ability to lighten things up with laughter. When one starts with a base of happiness, they have a whole lot more to build on.

While Colombia has its political, systematic problems, huge drug cartel history, and some pretty dangerous areas-this does not define the overall character. These  are people who have been impacted by a negative environment, a rough upbringing, a lack of support, and role models. These are people who stuck in a cycle of violence with their family and friends being involved in crime and drugs.



Again, this does not define the character.  The values are different from the stereotypes they are given.  These people have a strong family base, honest, caring, funny, and smart. They have many great things going for them that should be paid attention to rather than headlines of crime and danger. The same goes for all countries in Central America. There is much more good than their is bad. These people have warm hearts and sincere smiles. They have good intentions and their core being is good. The laughter is not a mask to their real person rather it is genuine, free spirited, and fun. The humor makes situations easier.


For example, in the airplane the bag was stuck in the overhead and five of them were all laughing.  If that was New York, someone would have pushed their way through or been feeling completely annoyed. This laughter makes the air lighter and easier to breathe in.  It releases pressure to be a certain way or be so serious and straight faced with no real communication.  It's just a horrible way to live. A life rushing forward each day with no ability to stop in a moment. No ability to laugh in a genuine manner and take the time to smile. These people are not just happy, but they are smart, efficient, and educated.  It's possible to take a dose of the best medicine and live a healthy, productive life.  You can have both and the Colombians prove that it's possible. Those who have nothing still show they have happy spirits and kind souls. 


In this lifetime, I want to live like a Colombian free spirited, happy, and loving life. I want to be healthy and take care of my body. I want to work hard and build a nice family one day. I want my base to be happiness and not working 50 hours a week with a Mercedes and no awareness into the true self and soul.  I want to be free. I want to be a happy Priscilla.

The Panama Canal

Saturday August, 16 

This was the perfect birthday weekend. It was just what I needed. After waking up around 9, my Argentinian Carlito made us some pancakes. In our hostel, they say it includes a "pancake breakfast," but they don't mention that you have to make it yourself. We were in the kitchen and I told him he looked like an expert and asked if he could make me one and our new friendship blossomed.

We sat down had breakfast together(delicious pancakes) and he introduced me to his friend Hugo and Mary. They were a fresh one month couple in love and there as the single Carlito. They all met a few months ago in Belize. They have been traveling ever since together with plans to move their stuff over to Brazil by boat. It all sounded quite complicated, but they were leaving in a few days. They stayed around enough time for me to meet them. They asked if I would like to see the Panama Canal with them and of course I said "Yes." 

        

Off we went taking one bus to another hopping on and making jokes. On the way to Panama Canal, there was the cutest boy making faces and Mary and I. We just kept playing jokes with him and he loved the attention.
When you enter the Panama Canal, you go through an average size line for tickets, which cost $18. While standing in line, we met some supercool beautiful girls from Dominican Republic. One of them worked for Pepsi events and the other was a massage therapy student.  

 

We decide to stick together since we get along so well. There is a museum, exhibits, a movie, and of course the ships coming in. They pretty much come every 15 minutes. Right when we came in, the staff told us a ship was coming. We ran upstairs and crowded behind everyone else with our eyes set on the red boat. It's pretty amazing to see the ship in front of you and to see the gates open up. It takes about 20 minutes to pass through-possibly a bit more.  When the ship passes by, I am doing my Miss. America waive.

Regardless, those on the ship are waiving at us. While I was thinking, I may not be interested in all this-totally false. Fascinating fun.

I ended up enjoying it with the museum being my favorite. It was full of history and interesting facts. There was also a live boat on some video program. You could steer the boat and act as a captain, which I did. With Carlito sitting next to me I was telling him how to turn and where we were headed. "It seems like these winds are strong so we should raise the harness." 'I was just making people laugh and it was successful.

With the group having me, we were bound to need more time in the museum and we ended up losing the Dominican girls. This was disappointing because I did not get there contact information. 

After a few hours there, we ended up leaving where we saw the little boy from the bus. I was chasing him around and he became aggressive and hit me. His mother made him apologize and he did, which was respectful and nice. I knew he was just playing, but his mom took control over the situation-good Mom. 

   
The best part of going to the Panama Canal was the face that it was the week of the 100th anniversary. It was just two days ago and they had a gigantic celebration. They had all the signs up and the blue and white balloons. It felt like it was a special anniversary and birthday time just for me. How did they know I was coming?
This was pretty exciting to come at that time. 

Priest to the Rescue

When I came into the bus station to see the French 14 year old girl staring right at me and laughing, I was not looking forward to this trip. Did I have to do 11 hours with this family?

Of course, God came through setting me up with some more wonderful people. I sat down and looked at the man next to me. I started my friendly chat asking him where he is from and where is he is going. "I'm going to visit a church in Panama for a mission." "I'm a Priest..."
 
Oh thank you Lord!

I look to the right and there is a nun.
He asks, "Would you like the window seat? " I say, "No, I'm fine here." I was focused on the seat to the right of me. The nun with the bible sitting in her hands-later on in the journey it was an Ipad in her hands-ha. Nuns deserve to participate in the technology trend too. 

As for my priest, I share my mission with him to believe in others, assist them through the church, spending time with the poor and needy, feeding them, and caring for their being. We had this discussion about being a missionary, which I was questioning this trip. He shared with me that he travels around Central America staying for certain periods of time. He has been a Catholic priest for 30 years and each day he "wakes up with passion"(his quote). I could tell that this man was just dedicated for life and there was no questioning his faith. He has never married or had kids. He doesn't feel the need to and wants to just live in his religious world. I am asking all these questions because I am always curious about the life of a priest and nun. This priest seems a bit more conservative as some priests are a bit more on the edge. 

The nun was focused on the bible, her Ipad, and book. She looked over and gave me an occasional smile. When we stopped for food, we snacked on some rice and beans together. He was my bus buddy and I was thankful to have him near me. He kept me calm, safe, and preoccupied for some time. 
When we stopped, he bought me some fruit and we were shopping around for hammocks. He would hold the hammock with the guy selling and let me sit and swing in it. When it was a cheap one, my butt would hit the ground. When it was a decent one, I stayed above ground with a chance of the bottom stretching like it might bust. When it was a good one, I was able to contently sit and happily swing back and forth.
This priest made up for the negativity I experienced and he helped me focus back on my mission and reason for travel. The reason did not involve trying to make French people happy with me.

Bonne and Clyde

As we were walking, we stopped to chat with these three old men sitting in their rocking chairs on the street sipping on whiskey. These were nice, classy old men dressed well. From this blog, it’s evident that I love the older men in this cute, adoring way.  It was so nice to see his smile brighten when he spoke with them. He also loved older Spanish men with their cute mannerisms and reminiscing of the future. They were speaking Spanish like Speedy Gonzalez (all I got was the war and how their friend died). Of course, he accused me of not knowing Spanish because he was translating for me. Along with the men calling us “a cute couple.” I was just laughing it off and swimming in embarrassment between the Spanish and the boyfriend comment.

We left and kept walking and he said he was on his way to his hotel and I was on the way back to mine. He said, “I think we should make a stop first. I want you to see this place.”

We stop into the Hotel Granada and we are walking around. He is showing me the history and I absolutely fall in love with this hotel.  It just looked so simple on the outside, but the inside felt like being in the pyramids. We circle around the back and I see this beautiful, blue pool surrounded by palm trees. It’s gorgeous. We are standing outside and he tells me this is his special place. He comes there to relax and just feel peace.  He spoke with sincerity and spirituality-it was inspiring-not romantic.

“So do you want to go swimming?” Him  

I looked around and it felt like there was not a soul at this hotel.   It felt like we were the only ones there and this was our…moment……..to swim!

He says, “So you want to or what or Are you one of those girls who can’t get her hair wet?"

The moment he said that I looked at him and shook my head. I took off my shoes, pulled my hair back, and jumped right in with my black tank top and water proof capri pants (a good outfit for swimming-Pris always fashion prepared). He jumped in and we just talked about all the suffering in the world and how the change comes from one person at a time(That was literally our discussion between two people working for the pure benefit of others). He is so passionate about his work with water treatment as he should be. That is one of the best things you can do with the world. 

The half moon was shining bright and the palm trees surrounded us. I like to lay there and just stare right at my higher power’s beauty. 

After a half an hour of bliss, we are interrupted by a security guard. He asks our room number and my friend explains that he comes here all the time during the day, but no one was here to pay for this visit.  This was partially true as he did know the owner through work, but this security guard didn’t care. He was calling the police. That’s right- the tourist police!

We didn’t think he was going to do it so we sat in the pool and there came the tourist police-angry and very serious. This is a serious offense to use the pool at night without permission. We were both using our charm with the security guards apologizing for this awful behavior. This guy sure knew how to talk to people just like me. We asked about what’s going on in the tourist world and they said they didn’t have much today. They are loosening up a bit and they escort us to the front desk to pay our fine of $20 each.  Of course, he pays for this one as I was just an innocent bystander-not really.

“I didn’t want to swim officer, he made me do it.”

Someone’s arm practically got taken off with a machete and they are haggling two tourists about swimming in hotel pool.  We even asked them if they knew about it and the stuttered, “Umm no.” We made friends with them because that is what real people do. They make a mistake, they apologize, and seek forgiveness through laughter and humility.  

That ended the night for us to as he walked me to a restaurant to eat. Um I originally came out that night to eat my last meal and look where it lead.  We planned to meet up in Chicago for a coffee or dinner or a swim….;) 

Finished by a fantastic dinner made with love by this beautiful spirit. Fish with mashed potatoes and steamed veggies and flan.

 

Hit and Run

When I was walking down the hill, I saw my leg come two seconds away from hitting a truck.  I sat there with my mouth wide open in shock. This man was reversing his truck in a completely unsafe manner. With this reverse, his tires got stuck in a ditch where he burnt rubber to get himself out. He zoomed up the hill without an apology or acknowledgment that his behavior was wrong.  He could have hit a child let alone almost broke my leg. From his face, I could tell he was an expat, which I assumed to be European.

Fast forward-

Sitting in my café reading, a man comes up to me.  He is smiling and says, “Bonjour" loudly and happily.” I look at him and smile. (Interacting with many people, it sometimes takes me a minute to place them).  This one I truly had no idea and I just sat there smiling awkwardly. 

He says, “It’s me. The crazy French man that almost hit you.”

I am thinking in my head, "Ohhh you. Great."  

I smile, “And say oh yes you!”

 

He explains that he was in such a rush and asks for me to forgive him for such behavior-so I do. We are both laughing together and I forget about the whole thing.  He shares that he has an organic farm on top of the hill with his wife. He was on his way back up to get some documents for a meeting and he was in a terrible hurry. He had been living in Matagalpa for 15 years. I shared with him my interest in making a travel reality show and he said he shares the same passion. “Let’s make one together.” I could tell that him and I would be a hilarious combo-I love the French and considered this informal offer. He invited me to have breakfast with him at the farm. Unfortunately, I am leaving the next day-go figure. This man had such a happy and joyous spirit that I couldn’t be upset with him.  He was just an adorable 60 year old French man living in the hills of Matagalpa. He may just need a bit of advice on driving... 

Sometimes we need to forgive and forget....Unknown

 

 

Volcano Board & Run

Quetzaltrekkers is a non-profit organization that has activities such as hiking up volcanoes, kayaking, horseback riding, and canopy.  What is fantastic about this organization is that 100 percent of all profits go to after school programs for children in Leon. 

In Leon, there are 14 volcanoes that can be visited with most of them being able to hike up to the top. The best part being that three or four of them are Active volcanoes.  This means that you could be hiking up all happily and then they could erupt.  Some people are reading this with such fear, but the likelihood of that actually happening is slim. It's just risk taking along with a great nice hike out in open air. 

The tour consisted of a couple rookie(new) tour guides.  The tour guides are also volunteers.  One from the Netherlands and the other from French. Of course, I had to nickname my new French buddy, "Frenchie."  And why not name the other one "Dutchie." He was like 18 and just learning about everything- always interesting listening to the fresh chickens speak.  On the tour, there was a girl from Germany, a couple from San Francisco, a couple from England, and me.  It's not shocking to see a German traveling as they always cross my path. They travel like it's nobodies business. She even said she has no interest in settling down and she just wants to travel. Most Germans are that way-travel and then settle down with the marriage and children.
                                                      Frenchie 
Off we went in the back of a truck with bumps and bumps and bumps on the dirt roads through the villages to the Serro Negro volcano. It was really nice seeing the outside of Leon because I was always in the city around the same areas.  When we arrived, he took all our boards out the truck and handed each of them to us.  They were super heavy like twenty pounds or something like that. Dutchie handed it to me and I looked at Frenchie making my questionably disgusted face.


 I absolutely love hiking- one of my favorite activities, but walking up with a heavy board or extra weights just isn't my thing.  


After fifteen minutes, I tell Frenchie I'm tired and he takes my board.  He's super cool and we have some nice conversation so he doesn't mind. As I am watching him carry it and behind me, I take it back from him because I'm the only one not carrying my board.  I'm the tough competitor, not the slow one who can't carry my board. I pick up my pace and move my way up to the front.
                                                Dutchie 


It's pretty steep and the views are beautiful. It's just one big volcano full of volcanic ash and rocks. The full details are in the previous post. 


As for making it to the top, we all did.  We were the first company to go down and us girls were definitely not ready. It looked much steeper than we anticipated. Not to mention I was wearing Keens, which had opening on the side(Really? Priscilla what were you thinking?) I had to open up my shoes to remove stones and ash every ten minutes-ridiculous.  I'm not going to act like I was perfectly brave up there. The girls and I were contemplating walking down.  You could have a wipe out and roll down the volcano- yikes.  We let the boys go first and most of them were pretty slow going down and the one German girl flew down at lightening speed.  She had a board I didn't want. 



When it came to my turn, I was just sitting there thinking about my sledding accident where I fell down on my lower back(my only injury I've ever had and it was minor).  The tourists were all laughing as I was entertaining them with my 10 year old antics.



Off I went down the mountain moving slowly like a turtle and mid way down I gained speed and let myself speed down. The boys are at the bottom with their positive praise and high fives. 
We all walked to the truck to snack on cookies and bananas.  Then he gives us a nice surprise
"Who wants to back up and run down? "
Priscilla. "I do, I do." 

The other girls were munching on cookies and looked up at him like, "Oh no we are staying right here." This means it was just me and the boys- normal for Priscilla to accept the challenge and hang with the boys. 

 It was so nice the second time up as we seemed to have some real discussion and spiritual moments.
I always love just being one of the boys and being strong and tough. That's exactly what I was this time. I was not a scared girl on a board rather I was a strong boy running down with power and confidence-nice.

                                                                                     Running Down Volcano 




For lunch, we at a tomato and cucumber salsa with tortillas. But that wasn't it. He pulled out the beans in a bag. Oh no he didn't! The refried beans in bag were surprisingly good and they were vegan so no complaints by me.

 Sitting near us there were men making the boards shaving off the outside-it's a lot of work and they said they finish one or two per hour.  Also, behind our eating space with hammocks and benches, there were peacocks and ducks.  At the end of our trip, we all got a free shirt and some more snacks. What a great company and cause-so impressed.   
This was such a wonderful reward for my work. It truly is the best motto.  "Work hard and play harder."
              

  

Wanted Reward Given

Speaking of my dearly and beloved mentally ill population, I must say that someone may perceive me as Mentally Ill with my absurd behavior.  Of course, this refers to yet another incident with food: the food being animal crackers.

At the convent, the kids were getting these animal crackers as snacks.  The sisters were always very kind offering me some and I accepted.  It was innocent all of us sitting around drinking some milk and eating animal crackers. These animal crackers had the best taste-it's so hard to get a good tasting animal cracker. These had a fresh expiration date and they were vanilla flavor with cute monkeys(now that sounds strange). Casually, I asked sister if she happened to know where these animal crackers and her response was "No idea." This was not hopeful, but I had to go on a search.  There was no way that I was going to ask the convent for extra so I kept the bag and went looking. 

A stop at the local bodega by my house- they look at the bag and say, "No, never seen them" The bodegas all around the church asking, "Have you seen these animal crackers?"
The big bodega that usually has everything, "No, never seen those." The bodegas were completely confused with these animal crackers and one guy even said," I think those are from Costa Rica." It was now reward time for these animal crackers. Whoever gave me the info. was going to get a nice tip. 
Finally, God puts an end to his and the last stop I am given the truth, "Lady, bodegas don't sell these. You can only buy them in the grocery store."

Oh thank you grumpy, old man picking his nose. Oh thank you! Low and behold he was right so I bought a 12 pack and made these animal crackers my permanent bus snack with some apple juice, milk-okay just water:)

Mi Casa Su Casa

My time in Leon was just Oh so relaxing in the sleep department.  My little 7 year old friend went to bed at 9 and woke up at 5, but she was always peeking in to see when I would be up.  It was so cute having that relationship where we both couldn't wait to wake up and see each other.  When I opened the door, she would casually walk by give me a big hug.  She would ask me where I was going and what time I would be back.  The time coming back was never consistent-poor Elizabeth. 

There was little noise and I slept very well going to sleep by 10.  There was just one thing that I was curious about....
One day I asked her, "Elizabeth, why are you always running back in forth in front of my room?
She puts her hand over her mouth.

"I'm suppose to be quiet in the morning. You hear me?"

I respond, "Yes, I hear you little feet slapping against the pavement. Then I know that your up."

She responds, "I'm sorry it's just that I'm running."
There is no one for her to play with as her sister does not live in the house. 

I ask, "Why are you running?"

She responds, "Well my mom told me that I better run otherwise I'm going to get fat. And I need to watch what I eat because the food is fattening here and not organic."  

She was wearing leggings and pointed to her adorable thighs. 

She says, "These are a problem."

I say, "Ohhh I see. You know there is one thing between being healthy, but worrying about your body at 7 is another."

She says, "Well I can't go outside and play so I have to run around inside."

I agree, "Yes, this is true, but have fun doing it and don't over do it."

I told her she was beautiful just the way she is, but that line doesn't really work when your Mom is drilling you to stay thin at seven years old.
My poor pequena amiga leading her way right to an eating disorder at 7.  Thanks Mom! Oh and thanks Miami for the need for perfection!

Haponese Haponese!!

When I get older....
Hmmm I sit and analyze my life as I am sitting in the rocking chair in front of the Old Cathedral.  How can you not ponder your life while sitting in a rocking chair? It's mandatory to sit and think on a rocking chair- okay semi-mandatory. 
Francisco is sitting and building a rocking chair and I am just talking with my thoughts out loud. Singing and singing away the only Spanish song I memorized. They are getting their daily dose of entertainment for the day, which is nice for them.  It could also be annoying to hear my singing, but that's the way the tourist goes. 

Clearly, I am also trying to entertain myself. I'm feeling like I need some attention or action of some sort.  As I am sitting there I see two large tourist buses pull up in front of the Gran Cathedral. I am thinking, 

"Oh great my lovely view of the church and park has been tainted." 

I was enjoying my time with the chair builders and all Ado about morning. Sunday was quiet and not a tourist day? 

Directly in front of me, I see the man on the loud speakers in the front of the bus. He is dressed nice and wearing a nice navy shirt and pants with white tennis shoes. He comes off the bus first to inspect the area. I am thinking that these people must be important. Of course there are the black shaded windows giving me no visibility.  

Another gentlemen hands him a large bottle of hand sanitizer.  Who would be smart enough to give hand sanitizer to each person who walks off the bus??

The Japonese!!! 

Oh one of the most amazing cultures is Japanese. I am sitting in the chair shouting, "Yaay Haponese." " I love Haponese."  The H is for the Spanish so I was emphasizing the "H.

Francisco Making Rocking Chairs 

They hurry off the bus with their cameras and wearing their large sun hats and big smiles. How could someone not love them. They are seriously the cutest and most curious tourists ever. They always ask questions, want a good bargain, and enjoy exploring all over. Their culture is completely fascinating and everyone says positive things about it. 
It was my time to make a move and interact one on one with the Haponese. I wanted to help them get those bargains they desired.  
First, I helped out the big lady sell her hammock.

This was a special hammock that she was selling for $20. For this hammock that was a huge bargain. These go for $50 in the big tourist cities. The Haponese girl wanted $14. The lady wanted $15. They kept going back and forth over $1. I finally convinced her that this was with the extra $1. She say, " Okay okay I buy." 

I asked her where this lovely group of people were coming from and she said the,"peace boat." This a boat that goes for peace missions over a 3 month journey in 20 countries. That is incredible and my first thought was "Where can I sign up?" They explained that it is only a Japanese thing. Also, besides a few young people, it was mostly older people.

Next, I helped a cute couple pick out a ring. My sales skills were in "Full power." It was one sale to the next and since some people did not speak Spanish, I helped them out a bit. It was so fun spending time with these lovely people. 
They hopped back on the bus with hand sanitizer being pumped into their hands. I went back to my rocking chair and waived at them while driving away. This is such a great culture and I was so happy to see some Asians. 

                         Peace out Haponese!

             

Love you Haponese! Hope to visit you one day in Japan!

The Shopping Cart

When it comes to the big cities in poor and underprivileged countries, the big cities always make space for their superficial necessities i.e. America's negative influence of fast food chains and American store chains.  With stores and restaurants, they form an over sized big building, which we call a Mall, Mega plaza, or entertainment arena.  It's a place for the middle class and upper class to go spend money because they have the money to spend on a $14 burger and fries at TGI Fridays and an overpriced shirt from American Eagle. 

It's pure sadness to see people spend such money on restaurants and overpriced stores. If they were living in the US, they would have groupons, coupons, and happy hour available to them to save money.  As far as clothing and electronic items, they could buy them on Amazon, an outlet, craigslist, and so many other mediums.  Instead people are stuck spending double or more for what we buy or eat.  Of course, there are markets to buy replica items and cheap local fast food restaurants, but people like and want the real thing.  It makes them feel a sense of belonging and feel good. 
Perhaps they deserve the high prices for craving this in the first place, but they are human and crave the materialism-it's normal. 

As far as La Ceiba, the have three malls or as they call it, "mega plaza." This plaza has three level and contains all your Gap to Sephora to department stores.  Perhaps, these Hondurans deserve a mall like everyone else because that is what the world's large cities are moving towards-all having malls or commercial centers. It still is upsetting for someone who sees such poverty amongst these large commercial investments and hubs. 

What was I doing at the commercial center? I was looking for a pair of sunglasses that would not break because on the road with all the sun I need to cover my eyes at all times. I brought two pairs-one disappeared and the other broke. This was the recommendation given by my lovely, adorable kind, smart girl from my guesthouse.  I always consider the source for my recommendations and I trusted her. She came back to visit her parents for two weeks from Miami as she is studying fashion and design there. We talked about boys, shopping, Miami-such a doll.

So, I arrived at the Mega Plaza and immediately went into the grocery store to get a water. I walked again, which people would not imagine doing, but I did a partial run so it worked out.  The store was dirty, things were shelved wrong and expired. I walked outside and asked how this store ended up at the glamorous mega plaza.  They were laughing and while their friendly meter was open I asked them if I could borrow a cart.  They happily lent it to me and even put my bag inside the cart for me. 

Did I really need a car for my couple bags? No.

Was I trying to be entertaining and challenge people? Yes

Testing people on their job, humor, abilities, strengths, honesty, loyalty, ability to listen and analyze, and integrity-that's where I come in and spread some humor and do some testing.

I took the cart going over curbs and causing some commotion in the parking lot.  I entered the mall and decided to take a look around for my sunglasses.  I watched the security guards keep their eye on me.  

When looking in stores, I left my cart outside and it was still there each and every time. The guard in the store said this was strange for him to see the cart in the mall. He let me keep walking around.  I did not see an elevator  so I tried to bring the cart up the escalator.  The older, adorable security guard with glasses said,

"No es possible."
 I asked him, "Why not?" I need to bring it upstairs. 

He said, "Just leave it downstairs and I will watch it."

Unfortunately, the mall was closed upstairs so I had to immediately come down. 
After one hour or so, it was time to leave the mall. I brought my cart outside and saw a Wendy's to the right side. I couldn't just leave my cart there because I had to return it.  I decided to bring it with me to Wendy's. In the parking lot, I was followed and stopped by two men.

"Maam we need to take that cart."
"I'm carrying my stuff and I can return it after."
"Maam give up the cart and we'll return it."

They were so serious, but still polite and nice as they were laughing at me. As far as my test, the security officers demonstrated integrity, patience, humor, and professionalism. If this happened in the US, they might have me in a white security car with flashing lights headed to the police station.  Love these Honduran folk- chilled out and fun to test.