Comfort Meets Attitude

With this Tica Bus, I had mentioned it went from Granada to San Jose, Costa Rica to Panama City. The one night stop over was in San Jose and then we went back on the bus Sunday at 10am.  I had previously had an extensive, fun filled trip through Costa Rica and just wanted to continue with my plan to go to Panama. 


My hostel choice was located about 5 minutes from the bus station and it was Hostel Colon. As I had read in reviews, you would never ever consider this a hostel. It was beautiful, peaceful with great food, nice tourists on their Ipads, and watching movies.  They had a great living room with a huge flat screen, nice furniture, high ceilings, great art work. It kind of reminded me of a small museum or gallery. It was just classy, sophisticated, and tastefully decorated.



I shared the dorm with two other girls in these enormous, super clean, comfy beds. One of them, a Chinese girl from Las Vegas, invited me out, but I was not in a socialization mood especially when I was in full social mood on the bus. I just felt like buying some black beans, tortillas(best tortillas I have ever had), and some green pepper/onion. Perhaps a yogurt if I could find one and an apple-done. That's exactly what I did and I stopped into the frozen yogurt shop, some fancy salad shop, and Subway. The prices were outrageous and I wondered how these people afforded this, but these were the rich Costa Ricans. The rich, arrogant Costa Ricans.


Sitting on the terrace eating my food, I was thinking about how this city is not the real Costa Rica. The people at Tica Bus in Costa Rica were completely rude. When I was asking locals about how to get somewhere, they would keep walking. It was some serious disrespect towards a tourist and I had no desire to stay another day. When I personally asked a guy why they have so much attitude he said, "Tourists made us this way." All I could think my head was Wow. 
"The locals don't like Americans because they come in and act superior to us. There are too many Americans visiting this country. "
Alright, so I got my answer there just asking him directly. It was clear that he was one of those people and I just let it go.


When I woke up in the morning to have some fresh pancakes and fresh orange juice-yum. I decided to take a long walk up towards the national landmarks. This didn't exactly happen because I seemed to misplace my Iphone charger instead of waiting I had to find a new one. I had to write while I was on the bus ride and I had to have a charge crossing the border in case I needed something in my phone. I went to a local shop and he had the original lightening cable. They didn't accept cards so I went upstairs in the mall to get cash. It's the great machine where stick your card in and then they don't give it back to you until the end of the transaction. 


Well, I just walked away not taking it back.  Someone told me they actually do this on purpose to take your card- a lot of crime in San Jose. 
I went to pay for my charger, not realizing the card, and I ask a few questions on it.  Oh boy, those questions got me in trouble. The owner happens to be there and says, "What you don't think it's good?" "It doesn't meet your American standards?" I am fighting for my rights as a customer saying I am just asking standard questions. I am continuously being cut off by him over and over. He is getting angry and he grabs the charger out of my hand. "Get out of here, I'm not selling." I had walked over to another shop and their cheap one did not work. I need this charger so I have to use my charm and be super nice and apologetic. "I'm sorry I really shouldn't doubt your product. I just bought a charger in Belize and it didn't work so I just want to make sure."
Not to mention this charger was $30??
He puts it back down and sells it to me. It's not over for him as he says, "I don't want to see you back here again."


With this waste of time, I have some time to walk around the market and the main streets. It's full of amazing fruit, pastries, full cafes selling coffee and all kind of muffins and cookies. I grabbed a coffee(can't leave Costa Rica without one) and some powdered sugar cookies.  The coffee was great before I spilled most of it running back to my hostel. Grabbed my bags and walked to the bus station for the next bus ride to Panama City. 


 

French Bully Pris

On the bus, there was a French father, his 17 year old son and his 14 year old daughter. I know this because I was originally talking to them being my nice friendly self.  These were the type of French that people talk about and say, “They’re not friendly.” The father was nice, but his children were arrogant, rude, and disrespectful. They would not talk or even say “Thank you.” It’s disappointing to see spoiled, unfriendly travelers.

I’m sorry, but “Why are you traveling again?”

After our brief conversation, the 14 year old was constantly staring at me. It was out of control staring every minute. I told her that it was not nice to stare at people.

From that point on, it was childish behavior or intentionally staring, laughing at me, standing near my seat and pointing.

Of course, my trip is never always happy go lucky perfect, blessed days. I am human and God wants me to experience these people to practice my discipline. This will then contribute to my growth and make me better at helping people. The practice of patience is truly a never ending journey and overtime I do make improvements. It’s a weakness sometimes and I work with it during these “set ups.”

She continued to laugh and then all of them would chime in. I was trying to get my bag out for customs to inspect and they are standing behind me laughing.

“What are you going to do Priscilla?” God is taunting. “What?”

It was a lot of self-control, discipline, and patience and I just kept telling myself this family is completely rude and clueless. Also, this is a 14 year old girl. I really need to calm down.  It just broke my heart to think about kids who encounter this kind of treatment everyday. How they put up with it is truly amazing. Absolutely no one deserves this kind of treatment. It’s completely unjust to any and all principles of human behavior. 

The worst part of this was that this was a 17 hour bus ride with an overnight stop in Costa Rica. I prayed that they would be staying in Costa Rica, but the next day they showed up on the bus- wearing the same clothes! The French are not big fans of the shower and perfume is a good cover up. 

When they saw me in the bus office and I saw them, it was complete shock.  Of course, they would be back on the bus to Panama, but I had hope they wouldn’t. Of course, the little one was laughing and pointing again. I am just focused on my friends on the bus (not the rude bus drivers from Costa Rica).  

Of course, I was sitting two rows in front of them on the bus(patience tested again). I had a couple nice Venezuelan guys sitting next to me and I was content tuning them out. Things are getting better making no eye contact and when she passed me with her face in my space, I turned my head around and back to her.  It really was this bad-no joke.

When we exited the bus for food and she was waiting for me to get off the bus. I just ignored her standing in the corner laughing and sat with my new friends.

Finally, it all ended when they got off the bus. I made sure they got off first and I waited until they left. And good riddens they were gone. Thankfully nothing ever lead to a talk or confrontation. It was all non-verbal childish behavior.

 

Costa Rica Bound

               Nice girl working for Tica Bus

                   

It was time to take the famous bus I heard about in  Central America “Tica Bus.” If you ever need a bus, this is the tourist bus that will take you all over. Traveling in three countries, I heard about this bus, but never really saw it. I was just happy on the local buses with the locals. 

This was going to be quite the journey all the way to Panama City. A total of 17 hours split in between two days. I thought about flying, but that would be $200 more than the bus so that was my answer for that.  There were many tourists on this bus and it was a common route-the only route through Costa Rica went directly to Panama City. There were some French, some Americans, Venezuelan, American, and of course Costa Rican.

Just waiting for the bus, I was making some new friends with a couple local Costa Rican guys and an American guy who has a home in Costa Rica. He hasn't returned to the USA in 5 years, which is something I wouldn't mind either. Buying a house abroad for 1/3 the price of a house in the states-great idea! Vamos!

Priscilla boarding the bus like this....

                         

                          

 

Viva Nicaragua!

     

 
When people think of a bus in Central America, they think of a "chicken bus." A chicken bus is a school bus that is overcrowded and sometimes stores chickens on the top of the bus.  This is the cheapest bus to take and usually it's available for short routes.  If you take it for longer routes, you have to transfer at least 3-5 times. They are really made for locals who need them, but tourists who travel with no money also use them(do not support these kinds of travelers).

A step up from a chicken bus would be a tourist bus or shuttles bus, which is what I used for traveling over the border to Nicaragua.  Of course this trip was focused on mission work and helping others maximum time.  If I was taking a boat and 4 buses and 3 days to get somewhere, this would be a waste of time.

Usually, I do not like booking the big tourist shuttles, but this was my smartest move on the trip.  After taking a morning boat from Roatan(nothing like the first ride to the island), I arrived at the La Ceiba port.  I had a man with a sign waiting for me(I never get these luxuries, but I  love it when I do). Of course, he was standing with the sign upside 
down smiling, but I got the message.  From this point forward, I was on my way to Nicaragua on a small, clean gray van.  direct bus to Nicaragua. 12 fun, relaxing, entertaining, spiritual, and interesting hours. 


As previously mentioned, when it comes to Priscilla being on a bus, it's nothing like the average journey.  With kindness and humor, I establish rapport with the driver and the assistant driver.  If they need assistance with something, I like to help them and be a part of their team rather than grouped with the tourists.  On this van, there was a communication mishap, i.e. I misunderstood what they said in Spanish. His friend disappeared when we went in the van therefore I thought the front seat was open. He told me to, "Por favor sientense."   He said his friend is not driving and not here.  

Shortly, I looked in the back and see his driver friend sitting in the back with the tourists.  Immediately, I offer to change seats, but of course Sam says, "No problem." It's a hot day outside and I have the AC blowing directly on me and I get myself comfortable.  Felipe(driver) are content up there while he is telling me about his children and family.  He tells me that Sam is his brother and I say, "No way." They look nothing alike and I think they are joking until we make a stop at his Mom's house.  I had no idea where we were and made a comment before asking when to stop at a bathroom. 


Felipe says, "Come on in. You can use the bathroom here."


At this point the tourists must think I am a relative(or at least I hope they do) because I do feel kind of bad.  They weren't asked if they needed to use the bathroom. They also were not offered a big hug and a tamale by the Mom. 

The house was lovely and in the back they had a few hammocks up staring out into lush green trees and mountains in a distance.  It was an experience I would have liked to have in Honduras-a homestay. 

I hopped in the front again and his brother jumped in the back. Usually, if there is an extra space I sit in front, but not when there's another person who sits there...? We were having this three way conversation and all eight of the  tourists just sat there like zombies.  They were all half passed out or just not interested in making any conversation. 

Being a real diva, I nicely asked when we would stop somewhere so I could eat.  After that request we made a stop at a gas station that had some hot food.  This time the tourists get to come out and get something.  We all picked a snack and drink and the driver paid for it. This was something I had never seen before as I am used to snacking on almonds for 10 hours. These guys were buying us breakfast?
This was quite a pleasant surprise and clearly this was a great company(owner was also extremely kind). 

Of course, everything had meat so Priscilla was sad and then the nice lady wanted to make me something with cheese, but I didn't want something fried.   At this point, the tourists are probably shaking their heads like, "Oh this girl."

Walking up and down the aisles, I'm so hungry and one thing catches my eye....Snack packs. Honduras has snack packs and they sell them individually. I bought a couple them with intentions of eating them in a few minutes.  Sometimes it feels good to see something from home. Perhaps this is why so many tourists buy pringles, doritos, snicker bars, and Coca-Cola. 

After another few hours of driving, there must have been a storm and we got stuck in front of some damaged trees. Finally, the tourists speak and then the ball is rolling. They are from Germany, they are traveling(Germans are always traveling more than any country), and they enjoyed the beach in Utila-blah blah nothing exciting. With this conversation, I smile and decided to lay down and get comfortable- I have my travel blanket and the extra space in the middle with the AC blowing. It's quite comfortable and they must be envious in the back as they are complaining they can't feel the AC.  When I woke up with my eyes barely open, Felipe says, "You are a special person, really special." Then he gives me a big smile.  What a way to wake up...what a way to wake up.   

We stopped for lunch and I sat with the drivers. I bought them both a Cadbury bar. When I ask about their work schedule, they say they both work six days a week just going between La Ceiba and Leon (12-14 hours). They sleep for a 5-6 hours and go back and do it again. It amazes me how people can drive such long hours whether-truck, car, taxi, shuttle.  Sam did the whole NYC cab driver thing and said that he would never do it again. Felipe was perfectly content living in Honduras and had no desire to travel to USA.  It's interesting because there are those who never want to visit and those who want to try out the American dream.  Many of them I meet end up coming back to their home country. They can say they have been there and done that and move on with life.  Truly, these guys were humble, sweet guys. They were so impressed with my work and my kind personality.  




When you are good to people, they are good to you in return. I often share my food with the drivers and bus workers and we sit and chat it up at the stops. I remember in India I met the nicest kindest, bus driver and conductor. We stopped the bus to share some local fish and fries.. They had this bean soup too that was so good. It's almost always such a pleasurable experience with the local bus drivers. 

We were finally making some headway into Leon at 10:30 pm and 70 percent of people knew where they were going. For example, when you arrive by bus late at night you should be prepared and have a few addresses for places to stay.

Unfortunately, coming in late many hostels were booked. People did not book ahead and planned on them having space.  I had researched places ahead and found a B and B that was not commercial and touristy a mile outside the center. It was truly perfect and I kept it a secret from everyone BUT I did help those tourists who were nice. I went in and set up a four bed room for four of them because they only had one big room left.  


Manager, "Are you the tour guide?" 

"No, I'm a tourist helping out."  

"Oh that's nice of you." 

"Sure." (Thinking of the drivers and how tired they are).

With this room situation, I figured they could change it over tomorrow because it was too late to be looking door to door.  This lovely couple from England were so thankful and  went on board with two other girls. 

Off we went the next place where one guy was dropped off.  Now there were three left-a cute Argentinian guitar player and his two friends(boyfriend and girlfriend). 
This Black girl had a serious attitude problem and when I asked her if she wanted to take the room she said, "I don't need you to tell me what to do. Would you just 
                 

                              To be continued......

Along the way......  

        Sipping water out of bag 

        Aguazul-only and best water

Customs and Koko Driver

The final departure from Belize was on a small speed boat over to Guatemala. People rushed off the boat walking over to the customs office. There was literally one second to get off the boat. In order to get to Honduras, I had to first stop at Honduras by land.

It seemed like the boat dropped off and everyone dispersed quickly. I asked a man selling .20 cent cups of watermelons where I could find the office. 

He walked me up 2 blocks and then pointed at a small white building next to a bodega and and gave me a lovely smile. It's so nice when people take the time to acknowledge me and serve me- it's beautiful.

Well, again another entertaining moment at the customs office. I walked in and they stamped me through with no problem with no entry fee for transit. The boss was sitting in his chair staring at me. People who stare usually want to initiate conversation or talk. I sat down looking pregnant with my small front backpack on my chest. I needed a break after all this nonsense and this was the place. I told the boss I saw a guy with a suspicious bag. It could have been weapons or it could have been ten  pounds of bananas, I guess we'll never know. That started the ball rolling as they were then sharing with me about the drug cartels and how people smuggle them in and the common borders. I won't share their details, but it's some real crazy stuff. 

The taxi driver came in and he was trying to convince me to take a taxi. I had the whole customs department focused on my conversation. Then they were all saying its better to take a taxi. With all that pressure, I definitely didn't take one and I said "Bye" to my buddies. 

With my kindness and "taking the time to acknowledge" the person, the taxi driver offered me a ride to the market. He did not pressure me to take a taxi rather he was just giving me a ride because he knew I was tired of carrying everything.   He lived in New York upstate and did the whole get married, start a family, and live the American dream.  At the end of day, he wanted to come back in live in his home country. The taxi was more comforting for him in a home setting.  He chose his home, his culture, his wife, and his daughter. 

We arrived at the market, which was busy and looked like Guadaljara, but it was Guatemala. I tried to give him money and he would not accept. After three times, I just put it in my purse and told him "Thank you" and exchanged a hug.  He was so happy and admirable of all my solo traveling. He had eyes that said, "Good luck and please be safe." Sweet, sweet, kind, amazing Guatemalans.

He left me in the middle of the busy market in a small white van with 2 women inside the same age as me.

 Of course, there is a little doubt or suspicion as I stare at the white van and the girls. I meet the assistant driver Mr. Gordito and he is totally cool so I guess I'm sold- that was easy huh? I told him I'm going to run and get a water quick and right as I say that an overweight, odd looking man yells to get in the van.  He is sloppily eating a piece of corn. I sigh and do as I am told. I jump in the van and he pulls out beeping the horn over and over to get through. 

When you travel enough on land, taking real buses and vans, not private taxis or VIP coach buses everywhere, you learn about the varying personalities of drivers.  If you take some time getting to know them and acknowledge them, you will see they are just real people making a living and...if you give them the opportunity, they can make you laugh.  Mr.Koko was quite the humorous guy trying to imitate the American accent and calling me Priscilla Queen of the Desert.

It is pleasantly surprising what people know as we spend more time underestimating their potential than taking time to learn what they do know.  PRIS

 His companion, Mr. Gordito, was on the bus and he was a teddy bear who also liked to make jokes.  One day he would like to become a musician. He loves playing the drums and he loves We stopped for 10 cent slices of pineapple and picked up a large group of school children heading to school.  Again, the dynamic just grew stronger as Mr.Koko was making the kids laugh and I was able to chime along and joke with him.  I asked them about their studies in school and who had the best grades. The all pointed to the 2 boys in the middle and I gave them some snacks, which they all shared together.   They all hopped off the bus with all of them waiving at me as I watched them become smaller and smaller and distance. 

They dropped me off at the official border, which means they check my passport and make sure I got stamped in by the office-security, security. 

My bus driver friends dropped me off close by the office and we did our cool, manly handshakes and parted ways.  

     Adorable Students

   

    Mr. Koko eating his pineapple

                                      

         Bus Assistant- Mr. Gordito

                        

                                      

Bus and Purpose

Matias is a 18 year old Belizian. He looks like a cute Spanish soap opera star. I realize that there are many Spanish and Belizian "mixed breeds."  He lives in Belmopan and we meet on the bus heading towards Belize City. He shares his parent's interest in him becoming a lawyer, but he is more interested in science. He is clearly a bit conflicted on what to do with his life, which is normal for someone his age.  He is very curious about my work and how I figured out my passion. He looks up at me with his brown eyes 
saying,



"How did you know that is what you wanted to do for the rest of your life?"

Wow, what a loaded question. I explained to him my feelings associated with my purpose, my experiences, and  I shared with him my work and feelings associated with my purpose.  He seemed to be a Belizian who had opportunity, which was great to witness. His father was an Army general and his mother worked for the embassy. He was such a nice boy and our chat was meaningful for the both of us. He gave me a big hug when he left, it was so cute. Bus therapy session number 1000 accomplished. CBC

We´re Jammin Jammin

English was back, but I was still speaking Spanish. I was not sure if I was ready to switch to Creole English so quickly. It was again a lot of culture shock.I asked about the bus and they said it would be coming in 15 minutes. I went to buy a water from a couple happy looking Pakistani guys, They looked eager to chat and immediately they asked where I was from and I told them guess. Well, I maybe chose the wrong question because their guess was loud and confident, "China." They looked so innocent and naive in their response I had no room for any comments and I just let it ride, "Sure I'm Chinese and I recognized that you were Pakistani." This was just adding to the already strange day.

What could make a day even stranger one may ask?

Well when a Bob Marley red, green, and yellow school bus shows up blasting reggae and you realize that's your bus-strange.  People load onto the bus and the conductor is very sweet and looks extra excited for his job this day. He looks like he may have had a special brownie for lunch along with those reggae bus beats.  

I hop on looking around like a complete tourist.  The people are just staring at me like, "Is this girl on the wrong bus?" I sat down in my own seat keeping my backpack on so I am ready to get off the bus when she shouts off my stop.  

Off we go  and "We're Jammin literally." We're jammin to Bob Marley going about 60mph. The bus is full and smells like burnt engine oil and fried chicken. People all have their fans waived on their face and the heat is creating more of an odor on the bus.  The drivers seat is bouncing up and down hydraulics style." I'm waiting for Snoop dog to show up and offer to "Pimp the Ride."

The thought is crossing my mind. "Why did I leave Guatemala again?" It's not that there is something wrong, but Belize is different and it is definitely in a league if its own.

While driving it seemed that after we went through the city, everything became very remote. It was just a village after a village and a few random restaurants. 

This remote stop just happened to be my stop.  The nice conductor gives me my bag. I say, "Thank you" and she says, "Your welcome baby cakes." 

Here goes Baby Cakes to the new adventure at Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary... 

Pris Declines 1970s Bus

So being an Indian, I do like to save a couple fine dimes here and there. This especially comes into play with transportation. When backpacking, I rarely  take flights in between countries unless there is no other option. I rely on buses, preferably with locals and tourists. It does depend on the country and safety, but i have taken tractors, chicken buses, and so many overfilled buses.

For this trip, I planned for tourist buses and regular buses- a mix of both, but not to the extreme as my first trip. If negative, my wallet remembers my experience the next time i book.

For my first big bus trip to the Northeastern side of Guatemala crossing over to Belize, I was asking many questions from agency to agency.  My goal was to receive my best travel quote and the advice that I received was a good one from Atitlan tours. He told me to book everything separately and the price would come out $10 shorter.

Well, I thought I was saving, but it ended up being $7 and I did not receive a big pretty tourist bus. I spent all summer a couple years ago driving around on the beautiful Mercedes buses in Turkey. When you pay that much money, they give you quality. It's partially the case for the Guatemala City buses.

After all the back and forth with what's good for me, I ended up on a crappy bus.

My loco driver Carlos was driving us to the Guatemala City bus terminal. I joke with him that he's a crazy driver and I have to watch him on the road, which I did sitting in the front seat.  When he rushes into the parking lot, the brakes screech, and I look at him and laugh as he frantically jumps out of the car. My eyes are immediately drawn to the brand new buses and I shout, "Yes" inside my head.

We  part ways and Carlos says, "Buenas Suerte" and gives me a hug. It was very sweet and kind. I go up to the window to purchase my ticket and she says 190 Quetzal, which is the expected $26. I head outside for fresh air and a man is selling used travel pillows for $3. I tell him he has a very smart idea and to keep selling(my job to encourage people and be good to them).

We head out through some security system for the bus. I was pretty impressed with it and then I give my ticket and after my joking with the security guy, I see an old 1970s looking bus in front of me. I show my ticket and I point to the new bus to the left.
He says, "No this is your bus." Pris says, "No that's my bus."

He says, "Mi corazon you can take the new bus at 10 or 1030, which was only an hour and a half away."
I excitedly went to the girl in front and asked to switch and she said,
"  No those buses are full." She looked at me like even if I did have a seat, I wouldn't give it to you because you want a new bus. I  could have tried  asking the driver,but I let It go.

There were a few other tourists on the 1970s bus and they did not even seem to care(hence their backpacker laizzez fair attitude. My main logic behind this bus interest being that new buses are less likely to break down.  I was the only one as I stared at the brand new pretty bus from my seat that sat over the engine. The seats were very comfortable, but it spelled like dirty hippie and a Burger King whopper.  Ok well I'm just going to shut up and deal with it(my new expression for my Pris Like ways).

Driving along with the engine running underneath my butt, I eat some saltine crackers, do some writing, and pass out. I'm all cramped up in 100 degree heat when I get up and see the bus stopped at some junky pit stop. I struggle to open up the 1970s window and poke my head out the window to see the driver standing behind the bus(which is where the engine is located).

 Of course I am shouting in my head, "I told you so!" People are sitting around looking dumbfounded and I step off the bus to find out what's going on. There are a few guys from the bus outside already smoking cigarettes and eating M&Ms. I am telling them in Spanish how I knew this 1970s piece of junk would break down and this is why I wanted the new bus. They are laughing and feeding me M&MS to probably shut me up, which is usually a good idea but I just kept yapping.

Another NEW bus pulls up behind us and out comes the driver all jolly with white 
hair and glasses. I let them do some work on the car before I storm up on them. When I come back, there a few guys working on the car and the driver is sitting and watching. I sit and joke with him about it being a 1970s bus that broke down once and it could happen again. We don't know it's fate. I discover that he is the 10pm driver with the new bus! I tell him to please save me and take me on his bus. I use my charm telling him the air is broken and I could pass out and then we could have a bigger problem. He is very amused and calls me his novia( girlfriend) I laugh and smile thinking sure get me on that bus!

The 1970s bus is fixed and we all start getting back on. I look down sadly like its dooms day. He shouts, " Ven aqui y dame tu bolsa." I run on the bus smiling at my buddies as they know I received my request. I made it onto the bus where there were 3 free spots!

I knew that girl was lying when she said the bus was full. I know she was probably thinking I'm not switching things around for the American girl who wants a new bus.

Well it looks like the American girl got what she wanted and made the switch at 1 am in the middle of the night.

Moral: When you pay for something and you want something, don't give up.

When you are truly connected to people, the possibilities are endless....

Autos y Ojos

Sometimes I get lost just staring out the window and thinking different things about people, life, the world, and everything underneath the sun. There is such beauty and I never get bored with it rather it always gives some additional meaning to the moments I share with the world. Whether its a man planting some corn, street vendors selling fruit, a woman carrying her baby on ber back, a sunrise, or a sky full of stars. There is always something to be seen, to be analyzed, to be curious about, to question, and to believe in. 

Always keep your eyes wide open and your mind curious. PRIS

7 Polish Lawyers and a Pris

It was time to head off to my volunteer headquarters in Panajachel Lake Atitlan-what some say is one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. I was standing in front of my hostel and my name, "Prisciyaa"(Latin America pronunciation) was called.  I jump inside to see all men and just one Pris.  I sat in the backseat next to a friendly looking guy with glasses and a friendly face. 

We got to talking and it turns out they are 7 lawyers from Warsaw, Poland all on a trip together. He told me that Chicago has the second highest Polish population. We got to talking about our lives and traveling.  He seemed to be interested by my work and I was interested by his.  It would be fun to exchange careers for a day, a week, or a month.  I think its another fascinating job and my best friend always told me what a good lawyer I would make.

Anyways, it sounded like him and his friends were leading quite the bachelor lifestyle and I joked he could be the next Polish bachelor for ABC.  Some of his friends were a bit "stiff" and kind of nerdy.  They were not really into speaking English, but it was fun joking with my a couple of them and my new buddy Eric.
Unfortunately, we got separated mid-way and by a Guatemalan baby and her mother, but we exchanged contact information and parted ways:)  Another new travel friend(starting to see how this amazing process works?)