Kristen's Entry, "When all Else Fails, Just Laugh"

I am amazed by our journey so far. I was spoiled by the cruise I went on before this trip, and the two wonderful weeks in San Pedro, Belize. We were taken into the community of San Pedro, and it was so comfortable. It was relaxing and down right just fun! We got to know people more than just their skin surface, and made some new quality friends. I couldn't have asked for a better time, and great way to kick off the journey.

After leaving the island, we were into the hustle and bustle of the world. We had to get from here to there in one day, and on our own. It is amazing how small you can feel. Thankfully we met another co-heart in crime to help us get to San Ignacio, and spend a couple days with us so we found another small community to help us transition. I have to admit, I was feeling a little down and out, and not really social. I was bummed about leaving San Pedro, but with seeing new sights and some crazy adventures...I got into this part of the trip...real traveling and exploring. The Mayan Ruins, Cave Spelunking, and crazy bus rides are a trip. Sometimes I could only sit and laugh at where we are and how we got there. Times would be so hectic, that is all we could do. For an example, when we were trying to exchange money and buy the bus ticket to Guatemala City, Hana and I were at such a lost for spanish words and translations that we just lost it in front of the poor sap. We made it though...

People just tend to come into our travels at just the right time. I keep thinking to myself...it is amazing how things just work out. Meeting Chris traveling to San Ignacio, helping us decide on what to do the next day. Elsa, for explaining that the taxi from San Ignacio to Tikal is the best option, (which saved us some huge hassle at the Guatemalan boarder). Adrian and his buddy on our all night bus ride from Flores to Guatemala City, who saved our butts at 6:00 in the dark scary morning...helping us catch a taxi to the next chicken bus to Antiqua and pointing us in the right direction in town...and our new friend Matt, who helps us navigate Antiqua and finding our Hostel. People just happen to come at the right time to guide us where we need to go.

So here we are in Antiqua, Guatemala. It is a beautiful city that reminds me a lot of European towns. There is the cobble roads and the cute little cafes all over the place. Not to mention, the three huge volcanos that surround the town...one being active! I am a little sad that we don't get to explore this area some more...but we are in DIRE need to go to this language school in San Pedro, Guatemala. School starts on Monday, and we are taking tomorrow to travel from Antiqua to San Pedro, which includes more chicken buses and a water taxi. We have a full week in San Pedro, living with our own separate host families and our own private spanish teacher...one on one help. I am excited and nervous for our next adventure. I can't wait to spend a full week in another place, to get to know the community, but very nervous to be apart from Hana and learning Spanish. As one friend told me...when you feel yourself becoming too comfortable...change something. So, I am changing and going out and immersing myself into the culture. Stepping outside of the box.

Hopefully the next time I write...it will be full of spanish words!

Also, a welcome to all my new friends who are added to this e-mail and blog!

Hasta Luego,
Kristina

Hana{s Entry, "When all else fails, just take a chicken bus!¨

If there was one piece of consistent advice that friends gave me for this trip, it was to AVOID SECOND-CLASS NIGHT BUSES!!!

Well, after a LONG night and day of (unintentionally) traveling the Guatemalan highway (CA13) on second-class NIGHT buses and chicken buses, Kristen and I have arrived safely in Antigua, Guatemala - a very beautiful town surrounded by volcanoes. By the grace of God, our connections and transitions thoughout the entire trip thus far have been timely and smooth. And people keep showing up in our lives at exactly the right moments. On our night bus, two young German guys somehow knew we were headed to Antigua, so they took us under their wing when we arrived in Guatemala City at 5 o'clock this crazy mawnin and quickly got us the heck out of the city to Antigua. We are now settled into the Black Cat hostel with a new friend, Matt (from Seattle) - my first experience of communal hostel living!!

To back track a bit . . .
So we left San Pedro with broken hearts . . . much like leaving family back home. There was hardly a spare moment as we caught the water taxi and bus to San Ignacio. We were dropped off along the highway in Belize alongside a sign that said "Clarissa Falls" and pointed several miles down an old country dirt road. The three of us walked along in the glowing evening light and found ourselves in the midst of a herd of free roaming humpback cattle. Upon arrival at the ranch, nestled in alongside one of Belize's rivers, we met the owner Chena. She is a dear friend of Gary Chamberlain and the Seattle University students. It turns out that right now is the busiest season for Clarissa Falls, but when Chena heard that I was associated with Gary and SU, she said she just couldn{t turn us away!! (Gary - Chena sends her love and wants you to know that they will miss you dearly, but are excited for you in wherever it is that your journey leads.) ANd thank you to all my SU buddies who encouraged me to stay at Clarissa Falls - it was a new adventure for me in Belize.

Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) - a compelling cave tour - hands-on and AWE-inspiring every step of the way... to SWIM parts of the way, clambor through narrow passageways, climb rock elevators, ascend ladders up to burial sites deep within the cave, turning out our lights and sitting in the utter darkness for a few moments of silence... I am intrigued by the Mayan culture. Mindful of their history and curious about the mysterious collapse of their dynasty. Mindful that this cave was sacred space for them - it appears that sacrifical offerings were made, with bones remaining from both infant and adult sacrifices. Traces of fire pits in the great chamber. Was there dancing? What rituals occurred here and why? Do spirits still dwell in here? Approximately thirty tourists are allowed in the cave per day. Yet the Mayans do not eagerly enter - the space is intimately entwined with their heritage, yet I wonder why they do not return... if it is out of respect or fear of what occurred in the caves, or what presence remains in the caves? I do not know, but I wonder. At first encounter, the cave was seemingly lifeless, but as we began to explore and observe, I noticed life energy throughout - bats, crickets, spiders, WATER, energy continues to circulate - to create and destroy - stalactites and stalagmites are forming as we speak, though very SLOWLY (1/16th inch/yr) and bat guano slowly dissolves large bat holes into the limestone that are scattered spontaneously throughout the chamber ceilings. It is it's own ecosystem, very much alive. I can't believe I was allowed to be a witness.

Hablas Espanol?? Aye Aye Aye!

(New Years!)

New years Eve was spent pretty low key. San Pedro was sooo packed with tourists that we couldn't even move in our local bar, Fidos...we spent the turn of the new year in beach chairs watching the stars...keeping away from the noisy scene. Agh...just as well...that is exactly how I wanted it! New years day was spent all day pool side soaking up the last rays!

(Hana and the rest of our buddies in San Pedro!)

(Last night in San Pedro...our new friends)

So we have left San Pedro, and are now in San Ignacio, Belize. San Pedro was amazing...and it was very very very difficult to leave. I can't explain it all due to the fact that I don't have free Internet anymore...but let's just say it was the time of my life! We caught the water taxi at 11:30 am...with a direct boat to Belize City. But, just 10 minutes left on the boat ride...it broke down...We were stranded in the open ocean. It only took them 10 minutes to fix it and we were back on our way. We walked our way to the bus station, and happened upon catching the bus just as we arrived...amazing how that happens. But again...just a few miles out of town...one of the tires blew...must have not been that bad because we didn't stop or slow down. Crazy! We met Chris, from London, on the bus we he decided to join us at Clarissa Falls Resort just outside of San Ignacio for the night. It was beautiful there!

(Chris, our new friend from London...just as we got to the Clarissa Falls turn off road...)

The next day...we came into town and tried to figure things out. It took us awhile to decide if we were going to go this cave tour...or go to Rio Dulce in Guatemala...because we had to pick one or other other due to time. So...I finally made the executive decision to do the cave tour the next day and skip out on Rio Dulce. We booked the tour with Chris and made our way to some local Mayan Ruins in town. They were awesome! It felt like I was back in Europe looking at the old castle ruins! Crazy how we don't have anything that old in the states! The energy of these old places is so unique and all three of us ended up sitting in the quite for awhile...reflecting. After getting eatin' alive by bugs...we headed out.

(The new "trio" at some ruins in San Ignacio)

Oh...the ATM Cave tour was well worth it! Amazing and I don't quite have enough time to explain all that is to be explained. We crossed the river three times by foot...had to literally swim into the cave entrance...once inside, we had to swim, crawl, climb, and maneuver through all these intricate caverns, while hiking upstream. Something that would never be allowed in the states! We got to see many mayan pottery that was still located where it was found...and old bones! It was crazy!

(Mayan Skeleton)

(Just before enter the Cave!)


So...with running out of time...I will say that we are heading out of Belize tomorrow...and off to Tikal Guatemala for some more ruins...I guess the biggest around! Tomorrow night we are staying in Flores, Guatemala...eventually making our way to San Pedro, Guatemala to our Language School starting on the 8th. Goodbye beautiful Belize and welcome to Guatemala! I am ready for some cheaper costs, but I sure will miss Belize! Agh...how will we survive the Spanish?

Do One Thing Every Day that Scares You

"Now here was I, new-
awakened, with my hand
stretching out and touching
the unknown, the real
unknown, the unknown
unknown."
-D.H.Lawrence


Though the past week has been filled with lots of rest and relaxation by the pool, I have experienced several liberating moments for my body and soul . . .

First, one evening as the sun was setting, we were laying out by the pool when we saw a torrential downpour moving towards us across the Caribbean sea. Within minutes, the rain hit us and it hit us HARD. My spirit longed to be out in the rain, but my mind kept rationalizing me to duck and cover. After a few minutes of internal bickering, I ran out on our roof and let the rain soak me!!! It was a wonderful feeling of liberation!

(one of Kristen's many talents)
Second, while sitting at the swim-up pool (after taking numerous pictures of Kristen jumping into the pool), I struck up theological conversation with a Belizean man named Bambo. Turns out he is Muslim! He was SHOCKED that a young American tourist, sitting in her suit and towel by the poolside while on vacation, was willing and open (and smart enough) to talk theology!! I was delighted and in my element! Turns out Bambo is also an excellent chef, and being that our Muslim sisters and brothers are celebrating Eid right now, he came over last night and cooked up an incredible Belizean feast. We invited a few friends to join us and thoroughly enjoyed feasting and new friendships. Bambo sends his regards to all my Muslim sisters and brothers back in da states! Asslamo alaykum.

Third, Kristen and I headed to south Fido's (restaurant, outdoor pool and bowling) for dinner with our energetic friends from San Francisco. The restaurant is a palapa hut on the seaside with no walls. In the midst of dinner, another torrential downpour hit us. As we all ducked for cover, Melody and Tara got the great idea that this was the PERFECT MOMENT for someone to run out into the rain and do a CANNONBALL into the swimming pool. My spirit leapt at the thought of it, and I was ready to go in clothes and all!! But my mind justified against it. All it took was for Melody and Tara to put money on the line and I peeled off my layers of clothes and cannonballed into the water! It was so LIBERATING!! For those who know me, I am in my ELEMENT when I am in the water. So once I was in the pool, I couldn't help but SWIM -- lap after lap of freestyle and butterfly. My spirit soared at the freedom of da wata. Water has been a significant symbol in my spiritual journey, in my understanding of God, and in my understanding of myself -- so to be in the water was very LIBERATING for body and soul!! And about the wager . . . the experience itself was rewarding enough for me, but in the end Melody and Tara very generously bought both Kk and I's dinner. Happiness IS.

Lastly, After dinner KK and I went to Fido's for live music like we usually do. But this night was different . . . I am someone who constantly feels the gravitational pull to DANCE . . . BUT, I always "need" at least one other person to join me and get my feet on the dance floor. Without all my dance buddies (Ian, Mary, Joey, Beline, Tuseef, Wes) I had not been dancing the past few nights. THIS PARTICULAR NIGHT, however, I found the freedom within my SELF to go out there, alone, and dance. WOO HOO!! I even went so far as to ask someone to dance with me. He knew how to swing dance very well, so I danced with him for the rest of the night!

I feel my spirit re-energizing as I'm learning to live out of my Self and not out of my ego (trying to please others). There is freedom in this transition and I'm loving it!

Hana T.

PS. Remember how I would say "DO ONE THING EVERY DAY THAT SCARES YOU??" Well yesterday KK and I did just that. We jumped off a palapa bar and got in close with a crocodile! The whole adventure began when we met two gals by the pool, Tracy and Amy. They wanted to rent a golf cart for the day and invited us along. It ended up being a WILD (and muddy) ADVENTURE!
(Wild golfcart ride)

We headed up towards the north end of the caye to the Palapa Bar, where Megs, Tara and I had jumped off back in fall 2004. I found where we had signed our names on the ceiling and decided that it was time to jump off the palapa bar once again. Kristen and Tracy joined me and were initiated in!
(We jumped off a palapa . . . and survived)

Then we headed to the south end of the caye, and happened upon the crocodile lagoon. It turns out that some of the local boys were just about ready to feed one of the local crocs (Flora), so we pulled in to watch. One of the other tourists there went across the street and bought a whole, frozen chicken. The local boys tied the chicken to a rope and threw it in the water for Flora. I was quite fearful of the crocodiles at first, fearing they would chase our golf cart for some gringo grub. But as I observed the local boys actually petting the 8 ft + croc, I gained some confidence and got in close with them. ay yi yi!!
(Flora the crocodile)

Well friends, thanks for following up on our travels! I'll be sending you peace and adventure as we bring in the New Year!

Luuv yu moa.

The Freedom of Barefeet

Hmmm, where to start. Since Christmas, life has been pretty relaxed, mostly spent sitting pool-side and reading books in the sun.
(Our BYC buddy and bartender, Roberto)
One day was spent scoping out the local shopping in town, in which we both didn't really find anything extravagant to buy (which was probably a good thing). Our nightly routine has consisted of going out late one night, and going to bed early the next night (an every other night type of thing). Seems to work out well. So for a blog post, there really isn't much to say as to what we have been up to. I did finish one of my two books that I brought. So, that was productive.

We have met several interesting people, and have shared many a stories. We met two brothers who are on their motorcycles from Mexico down to Brazil, and we have been talking about meeting up with them somewhere in Honduras. We also met two couples at the bar who are a BLAST to hang out with, all sorts of energy.

(Melody and Tara from SF)
Hana and I have been talking the last few days how at home we feel here in San Pedro. The other morning, I walked out of our condo and was bombarded with friendly hello greetings by Ed, our neighbor and many locals who have come to know us quite well. I love our walk on the beach from the Condo down to Fidos night club, which has become quite routine. We are well known throughout the island as the girls from Idaho. One night we walked into Fidos and the owner started asking us how the other night club was earlier that day. He found out from someone else that we were there. The island is small and we seem to be immersed right in it. It is fun to feel apart of the community. Today, I was even told that I am starting to look Belizian (due to the wonderful tan I have accumulated). We have even resorted to walking barefoot throughout the streets and into the restaurants and clubs. Oh the freedom of bare feet, although we did recently learn of some dog feces fungus you can get by walking bare feet, which has deferred me from doing this...but it was fun while it lasted.

This morning was the true local feel, when we biked in the down poor to a "hole in the wall" breakfast taco joint...3 for 1 belizian dollar. Oh, it was good! Also had some freshly squeezed OJ. We have even found makeshift pets, two dogs that we have named Pipito and Bomba.

(Our precious Pepito - Jim, is it alright if we bring him home?? :))
Pipito even comes by his name now, and they tend to find us and follow us all around town. A good distraction from missing Bentley. I imagine that if I stay any longer on this island, I won't want to leave. So, we have decided to head out on January 2nd. Headed to Flores, Guatemala to trek around the Mayan Ruins. New years eve will be spent at our Fido's night club for one last hurrah before we leave.

Keeping it real in San Pedro,
Kristen

Kriismos een da Karibeean.

Happy Holidays everyone!! Santa found us all the way out here in da Caribbean, and you know what he brought us?? He brought us the gift of solid poop. (And instead of cookies, we left him the pineapple). :)

(Hana having the Christmas spirit!)

(Kristen having the Christmas spirit aboard the Catamaran!)
This Mawnin' Kk made us a Christmas breakfast FEAST of eggs and potatoes.

(Christmas Breakfast!)

KK and I kicked off the holiday season with a couple of sailing adventures. KK met an older couple staying in the same resort as us, John and Carol, and they have a 44 ft. Catamaran that they like to take adventuring from Caye to Caye. We joined them the past two days (Christmas Eve DAY!) as their first mates. We toured around to the reef for snorkeling, diving, lobster hunting and spearfishing. In return, KK and I paid our dues in labor . . . we were hoisting and dropping the sails, dropping the anchor and pulling it back up, cranking this way and that to lift the dingy (skiff-lil' boat used to get to the catamaran) out of the water.
(Hana with scary face)

(Kristen diving...with Steve's sailboat in the background)


(Kristen spearfishing...didn't catch anything though)

(Self picture of us snorkeling)

(Hana holding up a Conch Shell)


(The Awesome Spotted Eagle Ray we saw when we first jumped in to Snorkel)

I had a delightful SURPRISE yesterday as we were snorkeling by the reef. A big 'ol black sailboat pulled up beside us and there on board was my old buddy STEVE - a local tour guide from Caye Caulker that was a good friend of Tara, Megs and me back in 2004!! And today when we stopped in for lunch at Caye Caulker, we ran into my old buddy POPEYE!!! He is a very old RASTA mon who taught me all the Kriol I know! He is ALIVE, which means he's doing well. However, his dear wife Olive is not doing so well :(. Keep her in your thoughts and prayers, for all those who know her.

(This is Steve's sailboat, and he's there on the stern in da green shirt!)

Kk's highlight from the sailing experience was her first underwater encounter with a SHARK!! Rather than being scared, she chased that poor thing all around the ocean floor with her video camera :).
I wish you a peaceful holiday season . . . Channukah, Kriismos, Eid, Winter Solstice. Dat a life.

Luuv yu mo,
Hana T.

(Christmas Eve Sunset on the Catamaran)

Sickness and Sailing

(Home sweet home, The Robinsons decked out with Christmas decorations (this was in Belize City))

Yesterday was interesting. I woke up to find Hana on the couch...when I asked what was up...found out she was sick...some sort of something that made us both poop liquid. Must've been the pineapple we got at the fruit stand. Now whenever Hana thinks about pineapple, she wants to puke. Her highlight of being sick was the fact she got to see the sunrise.
(Hana's picture of the Sunrise)

I decided to sit by the poolside again and soak up more of the rays. I checked in with Hana every couple of hours to see if she was still alive and tell her to drink water and try to eat. It just so happens that while I was sitting poolside meeting and greeting with people, I got asked to join Ed (our buddy who lives below us in the condo) and John (another condo owner who also happens to have a Catamaran), to go fishing on the boat. Hana was still under the weather...so I decided to still head out. We went out past the reef and trolled for fish. Got a couple of bites, but caught nothing. Then, once we got back to the dock, John took me out snorkeling at the reef and we saw a sunken' ship! Very cool!


(Kristen on the 44 ft. Catamaran)

So, since John's girlfriend isn't quite the water person, and she has a broken leg...he offered to take Hana and I out on his boat today, to go diving and snorkeling for LOBSTERS! We are up and ready to head out on this journey. (Brent, I am going diving!!! I can't wait!)

Until later...