I can only call the following a candid and emotionally driven review of today: the first day of travel. The notes are more like my personal thoughts scribbled on an airplane napkin than a planned entry of any kind. I guess I´m posting them because I made a promise to so many people to keep constant and current updates while I travel and the truth is, not every aspect of travel is quite like a dream. Particularly all the work, stress, prep and research involved before the journey even begins (like the last week for me). When disaster strikes despite all your careful plotting and planning, I'd venture to say you'd be sufficiently upset as well.
July 29th, 2013 Summary
- 2:30am Still awake dealing with last minute reminders such as backing up computers, updating ipod, uploading anything I'll need access to internationally.
- 6:00am Wake up in a panic to call Denmark in order to sort out issues with coverage and insurance.
- 8:30am Joe arrives to take me to the airport.
- 9:00am I'm still running around like a chicken without a head; double checking all lists and triple checking pack... meanwhile I'm still dealing with insurance issues online.
- 9:30am Times up. Throw your hands up in the air, grab passport, wallet and backpack. Anything forgotten is not needed.
- Drive to Toronto, pick up breakfast, drop me off at the American Airlines check-in.
- 2:00pm Board flight 1485 to Miami International
- 7:00pm Board flight 2145 to Guatemala City, Guatemala
"Shit has hit the fan before even landing at my first destination. My brand new camera, the source of endless stress, fear and major financial debt has broken before I even get a chance to use it. I just wanted to take a picture of the stupid-ass alligator statue. Now I hate the alligator. Ok fine, it's not the alligators fault."
"You don't have to do or see much more than just the Miami airport to recognize that this place is unique. The Latin vibe dominates unquestionably. Everything is done with more flare - more drama, more judgement... more sex! Must be a wild life - but it is not for me. I enjoy being a slob mostly and I love the lax Canadian attitude of 'who gives a f*ck'. (Pajamas to class? No one bats an eye) People tend to mind their own business more in Canada than in most Latin cultures and you certainly don't feel ~those eyes!~
Did I mention I'm still in U.S.?! Ah, well maybe it's an immigrant thing! My view of everything is mostly warped from too many filters and acculturations. I see and feel everything with a different light and judgement than either locals and tourists. Sometimes I even think I know how something works because I was once a part of it. Truthfully though, I don't know or understand how Latin society works nor why so many of these perfectly manicured females are giving me evil looks. I figured its my dirty Thai fisherman pants and flipflops. Or it could be the lack of makeup, fake boobs, or really any other indication that I care about my appearance. My best friends would probably just tell me that women hate me cause I'm an effortless beauty'.
I have really good friends!"
"The stress and hunger is really dragging me down. Thankfully Guate can act as a buffer zone and allow me some recuperation time... it is always just comfortable and strange enough. The opportunity to return to my birthland to see my large family is both rare and exciting. Specially for this momentous occasion: the first big wedding of our generation! Of course it will be 6 days of being on my best behaviour and dressing proper. Small price to pay for love."
Closing thoughts:
"This note is so al dente it's basically raw! In the end, only sleep and food matters and I'm severely deprived of both."
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