I am convinced that a falling coconut is going to clock me in the head and render me unconscious, if not otherwise seriously injured. Dislocated shoulder anyone? Within three days, two huge palm fronds and two coconuts have fallen within five or less feet of me, resulting in varying yelps and I’m sure rather humorous expressions. The coconut trees are laughing at me, especially as a run underneath them trying to avoid their random attacks.
Huh, I didn’t realize how long it’s been since my last update. Things have been busy – moved into a new room, said good-bye to new friends, making new ones, work, snorkeling, trying to get rid of my watch tan line and other important occurrences have left me t.i.r.e.d.
My new room is bigger and has a private toilet, but is not as breezy. I’m trying to figure out if I made the right choice. Given the amount of mosquitoes flying around me, I’m second guessing. Thankfully, the mosquitoes don’t bother me too much, their bites don’t itch me (knock on wood) and I have a net. I have a new found appreciation for bug spray.
Colin, the assistant manager here left yesterday. A STHM (School of Tourism and Hospitality) Alum, he set up the internship program for Casa Iguana. It is he that I have to thank for this wonderful opportunity. (Thank you Colin). Last night the official intern torch was passed on, in the form of a faux-hawk. Yes, he gave me a new doo. Naturally, I love it, but beware future intern – I will be hawking your hair as well.
The ebb and flow of people on the island is really dynamic. It’s a funny feeling to become “close” with your guests, then to see them off in a week, times one thousand. Every day, I’m bidding friends farewell as I welcome new guests with open arms. While there is always some level of detachment, with some people it’s hard not to want to be their friend. This place draws a special kind of person, people I’ve been looking for. It’s great to finally meet you all!
A mosquito just bit my back. The one place I didn’t bug spray.
More importantly, I saw my first coral reef this week!!! Amazing, beautiful and accessible via my backyard. Snorkeling is my substitution for snowboarding. A great workout with nature. The first time I went out I was by myself. I remember the first fish I saw. The following is our exchange:
Me: Oh, hey. What are you doing here?
Fish: I’m a fish. I belong here. What are you doing here?
Me: You know, just checking things out.
Fish: Well, you sure do look funny.
Awkward silence.
Me: Alright, well… I guess I’ll go now.
We both swim off.
Since then, I’ve met lots of fish and they all tell me that I don’t look so silly anymore, but plenty of the guests have had a good chuckle watching me splash around in the water. Getting used to breathing, being in the ocean and trying to get your fins on makes for a good ten minutes of me looking completely confused, disoriented and out of my element. I can’t wait to see what diving does for me.
I wrote this on the 21st... it's now the 25th. I write a lot in my room, where I don't have a wireless signal. It's hard to get my laptop to the office (or maybe I'm just forgetful) to post new entries... I do have updates, since I last wrote.
We've had carpenters from the states come in, Sean and Alfonso - totally awesome guys. The wood for the lodge expansion hasn't come in yet (it was stuck in customs) so they've been working on the casitas and other little projects. One of these is my room!!! The four windows that couldn't open are now fully functional and I have a fabulous breeze!!! Thank you Alfonso!
I went snorkeling again today and saw my first eagle ray! Beautifully elegant. The rest of the trip was eh... murky and choppy, but loads of fun and quite a work out. Speaking of which, I've been getting up at sun-up (shocking) and running on the beach. Then doing crunches and other fun things... but the dogs usually foil my plans after they see me. Apparently, they think me lying in the beach is an open invitation to jump all over me, throw themselves down and beg for love and play. How can I deny them?!
Spanish lessons rock. I'm picking up new stuff everyday, learning how to form sentances and flying through my lesson book (thank you Rachel! again)...
I saw a holistic/natural healer, actupuncturist this past week. It was a great session and he really helped me out with my ailing feet (they've been in great pain and swollen due to the new envirnoment. At 85% now, which I'm very happy about). He inquired about a lot of different things, including mind, spirit and body into one... taking all into consideration. He shared some remarkable things, after only talking with me for just over a half an hour, which I know think about every day. Funny how we manifest ourselves into places and how our lives cross with others.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Island Life
I didn’t think island life could be so busy… My usual schedule is work breakfast (7 – 9:30), do room checks and get the am panga (9:30 – 10:30) then do check ins (10:30 – 12), lunch, afternoon free-time, pm panga and more check-ins, help serve dinner, clean up, relax, bed. While it can be a bit tiring, it’s great walking into town twice a day to welcome new travelers off the panga, which for some is a traumatic experience. They’re always happy to see friendly faces.
Yesterday was my first day off since I’ve started working. What an amazing day. Slept in, ate lunch at the lodge and then went adventuring with Charlotte, our massage therapist. As we walked up the beach, we bumped into one of the locals – Dariel, who they proceeded to give us a tour. We saw most of the eastern and northern beaches. The north beaches, where Ensuenos, Dereck’s and Farm, Peace, Love rest are the most beautiful and secluded areas I’ve seen thus far. Covered in this silly, poofy yet prickly grass, it’s like you’re walking on a cloud… They grow into little bubbles (?) that you can sink into. Pictured below is Charlotte sitting in one of the bubble mounds. Along the way, we came across this little girl playing with three one month old adorable puppies, so we sat down and chilled with her, appreciating the ocean view, crazy grass, puppies, company, sun… Very tranquillo.
After moving on, Dariel surprised us by climbing up a tree, like it was no big deal to fetch some coconuts. He borrowed his friends machete (everyone on the island has one and kids learn to use them at a very young age) to cut off the tops of them so we could drink the milk. Imagine, a long walk on the beach, time with puppies, then sitting on a piece of drift wood with our feet in the ocean drinking coconut juice. Ridiculous.
Around this time it was getting to be a little late so we cut through the jungle to the lighthouse – the tower on the island that looks up and over the trees. We stopped here for a little while, then went down through the village to Aguila’s, a little pool/dance hall on the beach, to watch the sun set. I’m living a postcard.
I have very few complaints about it here. My feet have been giving me a lot of problems – blisters, swelling and shin splits, so walking hurts. Not that I’m going to let that stop me. Today I went snorkeling. I saw so many fish… it was so neat having them look at me and question what in the hell is that awkward thing splashing around in the water??? I’ll be doing my diving certification with-in the next month. It’s super busy right now so I need to wait till it slows down a bit… but I’ll be doing my first out in the big ocean snorkeling trip hopefully on Friday!
Do I miss Philadelphia? Not so much… of course, I miss all of my wonderful Philadelphian friends, but cold Philadelphia? Naa…
Yesterday was my first day off since I’ve started working. What an amazing day. Slept in, ate lunch at the lodge and then went adventuring with Charlotte, our massage therapist. As we walked up the beach, we bumped into one of the locals – Dariel, who they proceeded to give us a tour. We saw most of the eastern and northern beaches. The north beaches, where Ensuenos, Dereck’s and Farm, Peace, Love rest are the most beautiful and secluded areas I’ve seen thus far. Covered in this silly, poofy yet prickly grass, it’s like you’re walking on a cloud… They grow into little bubbles (?) that you can sink into. Pictured below is Charlotte sitting in one of the bubble mounds. Along the way, we came across this little girl playing with three one month old adorable puppies, so we sat down and chilled with her, appreciating the ocean view, crazy grass, puppies, company, sun… Very tranquillo.
After moving on, Dariel surprised us by climbing up a tree, like it was no big deal to fetch some coconuts. He borrowed his friends machete (everyone on the island has one and kids learn to use them at a very young age) to cut off the tops of them so we could drink the milk. Imagine, a long walk on the beach, time with puppies, then sitting on a piece of drift wood with our feet in the ocean drinking coconut juice. Ridiculous.
Around this time it was getting to be a little late so we cut through the jungle to the lighthouse – the tower on the island that looks up and over the trees. We stopped here for a little while, then went down through the village to Aguila’s, a little pool/dance hall on the beach, to watch the sun set. I’m living a postcard.
I have very few complaints about it here. My feet have been giving me a lot of problems – blisters, swelling and shin splits, so walking hurts. Not that I’m going to let that stop me. Today I went snorkeling. I saw so many fish… it was so neat having them look at me and question what in the hell is that awkward thing splashing around in the water??? I’ll be doing my diving certification with-in the next month. It’s super busy right now so I need to wait till it slows down a bit… but I’ll be doing my first out in the big ocean snorkeling trip hopefully on Friday!
Do I miss Philadelphia? Not so much… of course, I miss all of my wonderful Philadelphian friends, but cold Philadelphia? Naa…
Thursday, January 1, 2009
01 January 2008
Life on Corn Island is amazing. I got here three days ago in the afternoon. By the time I arrived to the Casa Iguana property, it was too dark to really see much... The people here are more than welcoming and genuine...
Before I go further, I must mention that I'm sitting here at 2 pm, soaking in some sun, with a fantastic ocean breeze cooling me down. While I thought I was going to be miserably hot, the breeze on this side of the island makes it cool enough to be chilly at night.
As I was saying... I arrived here Monday. Infamous braised beef night, served with mashed potatoes, chef's vegetables and a demi glaze with a view of the ocean. Dinner is a three course meal - salad, main dish and dessert, usually alternating inbetween a fish and meat every other day. Breakfast is just as good - it's like brunching everyday... of course not as special without the Phila crew, but I guess I'll make do for now. Lunch is a hodgepodge of whatever the "ladies of the kitchen" feel like serving...
I share a casita with Colin, a fellow STHM alumn. The casita is split in two with a wall going down the middle and a shared bathroom - sink and toliet. The shower is outside next to the casita. When I got here, I desperately needed a shower... nothing like showering under the stars! There is no hot water, which can be a bit breathe taking at times, but it's lovely being outdoors.
The guests that stay here are, for the most part, a great breed of people. Environmentally conscious, adventurous travelers who understand that often times, there are other things to worry about. I bartended last night for our New Years Eve and everyone had a blast... how can you not with an 80's theme party? (Pictures to come!!!)
I'll be posting more as I explore more of the island... I walked up the beach and then through the island back through the village yesterday... it's a totally different world here. (Apparently inmost of Central America paper does not go in the toliets. The sewage system simply can't handle it.) As I strolled through the village, a large group of children stood around a pinta, their parents watching. It was a great thing to watch.
Adios for now!
Before I go further, I must mention that I'm sitting here at 2 pm, soaking in some sun, with a fantastic ocean breeze cooling me down. While I thought I was going to be miserably hot, the breeze on this side of the island makes it cool enough to be chilly at night.
As I was saying... I arrived here Monday. Infamous braised beef night, served with mashed potatoes, chef's vegetables and a demi glaze with a view of the ocean. Dinner is a three course meal - salad, main dish and dessert, usually alternating inbetween a fish and meat every other day. Breakfast is just as good - it's like brunching everyday... of course not as special without the Phila crew, but I guess I'll make do for now. Lunch is a hodgepodge of whatever the "ladies of the kitchen" feel like serving...
I share a casita with Colin, a fellow STHM alumn. The casita is split in two with a wall going down the middle and a shared bathroom - sink and toliet. The shower is outside next to the casita. When I got here, I desperately needed a shower... nothing like showering under the stars! There is no hot water, which can be a bit breathe taking at times, but it's lovely being outdoors.
The guests that stay here are, for the most part, a great breed of people. Environmentally conscious, adventurous travelers who understand that often times, there are other things to worry about. I bartended last night for our New Years Eve and everyone had a blast... how can you not with an 80's theme party? (Pictures to come!!!)
I'll be posting more as I explore more of the island... I walked up the beach and then through the island back through the village yesterday... it's a totally different world here. (Apparently inmost of Central America paper does not go in the toliets. The sewage system simply can't handle it.) As I strolled through the village, a large group of children stood around a pinta, their parents watching. It was a great thing to watch.
Adios for now!
28 December 2008
28 December 2008
I’m sitting at Puerta (Gate) 15 at the Panama City International Airport, waiting for my connecting flight into Managua. It’s about 5 pm…
The first thought after the clouds cleared as my flight started to descend into Panama City was, “Wow – I’m actually in Panama.” It gave me the flutters. Unfortunately, I don’t have enough time to explore the city – I’ll be stuck in the airport the whole five hours during my layover.
From what I can tell, the city is pretty small and surrounded by rolling hills, lush mountains and a generally much prettier landscape than Philadelphia, but then again, I was in a plane…
My second thought – holy smokes, I need to learn some Spanish. Fast. The airport is easy to get around in. It’s small and almost all the signs are written in Spanish, with the English translation, but not everyone speaks English. I don’t think I’ve been so scared to order a pizza in my life. I have a feeling this is going to be more of an eye opening experience than I expected.
Oh, I totally chickened out when it came time to order the pizza. Instead, I opted for one of the premade ham and cheese (ugh) sandwiches, trying to get out of the situation without too much harm to my ego. Alas, I still felt like a fool when they told me the total of my bill in Spanish. I’m pretty sure my eyes went crossed. Silly American, at least learn how to count!
Guess I’ll start reading my “Spanish for Dummies”… (Thank you Rachel! You’re a life saver!)
I’m sitting at Puerta (Gate) 15 at the Panama City International Airport, waiting for my connecting flight into Managua. It’s about 5 pm…
The first thought after the clouds cleared as my flight started to descend into Panama City was, “Wow – I’m actually in Panama.” It gave me the flutters. Unfortunately, I don’t have enough time to explore the city – I’ll be stuck in the airport the whole five hours during my layover.
From what I can tell, the city is pretty small and surrounded by rolling hills, lush mountains and a generally much prettier landscape than Philadelphia, but then again, I was in a plane…
My second thought – holy smokes, I need to learn some Spanish. Fast. The airport is easy to get around in. It’s small and almost all the signs are written in Spanish, with the English translation, but not everyone speaks English. I don’t think I’ve been so scared to order a pizza in my life. I have a feeling this is going to be more of an eye opening experience than I expected.
Oh, I totally chickened out when it came time to order the pizza. Instead, I opted for one of the premade ham and cheese (ugh) sandwiches, trying to get out of the situation without too much harm to my ego. Alas, I still felt like a fool when they told me the total of my bill in Spanish. I’m pretty sure my eyes went crossed. Silly American, at least learn how to count!
Guess I’ll start reading my “Spanish for Dummies”… (Thank you Rachel! You’re a life saver!)
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