Thank God for Calamine

I have big blotchy patches of pink lotion on my legs. They are soothing the insect bites and large, gaping hiking/tripping wounds which have overtaken my once-beautiful legs. I’ve had a good night’s sleep, downloaded all my pictures, recharged all my batteries and am currently sipping on the most delicious cuba libre, my new-found drinking amore. Made with a $5.00 bottle of Guatemalan rum purchased at the duty free, lots of ice, and a couple of key limes, I believe it to be perfection. Ernest Hemingway would have been proud. Ah yes, it’s great to be home.

So I have been a little out of sorts since my return. A lot of information to process. Not sure what to do with it all, not ready yet to gear up for my trip next week to Belize. Vacillating about going to the gym, dozing on the couch, running some errands, doing nothing at all.

Guatemala was probably the toughest trip I’ve ever done. It was hard-core travelling. I’m thinking it might not be so much my thing, this eco-tourism business. And yet when I look back on my photos, I can’t help but marvel at the lucky and unique experience I have just had. It was satisfying to have contributed a little something to the Finca Community other than my tourist dollars and there's a lot to be said for a little Sweat Equity. But in the end, I am exhausted and feeling more run down than when I left.

But a little resume of my highs and lows for you, my dear readers:

Best use of money: The 20 Quetzales (about $2.50) I spent to pay the kitchen lady to do my laundry! It may have been unethical and encouraged a caste system in the most shameful and abhorrent way, but man! WORTH EVERY PENNY!

Worst use of money: The 90 Quetzales ($12.00) I spent making a three-minute call to my sister to make sure she was coming to pick me up.

Best memory: Hiking volcano Pacaya, seeing the Buena Vista Social Club for .75 cents and leaving the Finca by pushing a ’53 Toyota Land Cruiser down the hill and then hopping in the bed of the truck.

Worst: Last Monday night’s meal of plantains and beans (which I really can’t stomach) after a particularly bad food day; Finding out the truth about Fair Trade Coffee. Fire ants. Nasty, little buggers.

Sorry I: didn't break in my new hikers before leaving for the trip.

Glad I : improved my Spanish, went for a tuk-tuk ride, tackled the swing over the jungle, made new friends, tried new things and lived outside of my comfort zone on a pretty regular basis.

Appreciating the: hot showers, washer, dryer, dishwasher, comfy, comfy bed.

I just spent two hours writing captions for my photos and then accidentally pressed 'Delete Album' when i meant to press "Delete Photo." Too many Cuba Libres, I guess... Ah well, there's always tomorrow.