Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2003 - 11:10 p.m.
There's No Place Like Home!
Hola to all and wishing you the best holiday season ever!
I have finally returned to the Northern Hemisphere, more specifically, Seattle, after my year and four month adventure in South America.
I really enjoyed my time teaching English in Cuenca, Ecuador while working alongside some very talented and creative English teachers.
My 4 month travels around South America (with a 10-day stint in Antarctica) was absolutely fantastic. I had such an awesome time seeing a new part of the world, having incredibly rewarding experiences and meeting really cool people along the way.
I had my ups and downs...still have the foot fungus and sore fingers that were sprained. I also have some impressive scars on my shins from the barbed wire in Bolivia (a little souvenir). Never was able to use an ATM outside of Ecuador, but thanks to the credit card was able to access my accounts during my travels.
There were four highlights during my travels: Exploring the Incan Ruins of Machu Picchu (Peru), Holding an Anaconda in the Pampas of Bolivia, 3 days of hiking the breathtaking beauty of Nat'l Park, Torres del Pain (Chile) and Hanging out with the Penguins in Antarctica.
The last leg of my journey was very rushed (6 cities in 17 days!). I really enjoyed Buenos Aires and Iguazu Falls (in Argentina). Then I briefly returned to Cuenca to say hello and retrieve my stuff left in storage. I returned to the United States on Dec 13th, spent the night at the Miami airport and then had 3 days each in Washington DC and New York City to visit friends.
On Dec 21st I flew home to Seattle and surprised my Mom at her 60th birthday party and spent the day with my extended family...a wonderful way to end my unforgettable experience away from home.
What next???? Good question. I'm back at the parent's house for the time being until I either take off for another trip or figure out what direction in my life I want to go next. Ideas include returning to Ecuador for several months, teaching in Argentina or Asia, or joining the Peace Corps or Americorps.
As you know, my online journal has been neglected and I've fallen behind in my updates. No te preocupes, I plan to finish and continue my writing until I have completed documenting the whole outrageous, crazy adventure.
It's always great to hear from everyone about where you are, what you're up to and what adventures home or away you are experiencing. For those of you still on the road, please keep in touch. You never know what crazy coincidences will occur and perhaps our paths will cross again. (especially if we all keep using the "Lonely Planet"! Ha ha!). Thanks to all for your continual support and prayers. It has been an inspiration to me and kept me going when things got rough.
So here's wishing you and your family in your corner of the world Seasons Greetings, Merry Christmas, Feliz Navidad, Happy Hanukah and a Wonderful New Years!
* "Happiness is not a state to arrive at, but a method of traveling." (unknown)
* "A man travels the world over in search of what he needs and returns home to find it." (George Moore)
* "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you've imagined." (Henry David Thoreau)
