Events from January 26th and 27th. (I am trying to catch up, I promise)
So I don't know how I woke up in Florence, but...
No just kidding. I did wake up in a Hotel called Villa Florencia just a few blocks from downtown San Salvador. I slept like a log, and probably looked like one until I took a shower.
Breakfast was only about 3 dollars for some "Casamiento" also know as rice and beans, eggs and flied plantains! Oh yeah, that is 3 dollars for 2 people. Cheap and good eats. I am really looking forward to this kind of diet.
Then it was off to the local bus stop to catch a ride to the Jesuit University in town. This was an interesting bus ride because it was the end of rush hour traffic, so there was limited space on the bus. I stood for a while, hanging on for dear life, and then found a seat so that John could point out all the sites that he knows from living there for a while in the early 90's.
Oh maybe I should let you know how John Donaghy is. John once worked for St. Thomas Aquinas, and maybe still does, I am not sure. But in any case, he now lives in Santa Rosa de Copan, Honduras working for the Latin American version of "Catholic Relief Services." He is 62, on the shorter side, but in Honduras he fits right in... minus the rest of his white/gringo appearances and actions trickster actions that you may hear about in future blogs entries. John met me in San Salvador to show me the sites and help me get to Honduras to spend a couple of weeks with him before I have to start studying in Costa Rica.
John took me to the University to see location where the Jesuit Martyrs were killed in 1989. This museum is very powerful, and saddening. I would rather not go into the details, but I will say it is a visit that I will not be forgetting very soon, if ever.
Afterward we went to the bookstore, and there I looked through their Architecture section. Yes, my fellow LA's, they do have to worry about grading in Central America as well! I found a couple of books devoted solely to that! I also found a 2010 Daily Gospel Readings book in Spanish that I had been looking for, for a while. More practice, yay!
Then for a snack. "Licuados" are pretty much a kind of creamy milk with fruit and sugar. I think I found my new favorite drink, a cheap price.
Back to the bus stop to get another bus out of town to a small Catholic Hospital run by a group of Sisters than I can't remember the name of. The chapel in this complex was also the location where Monsenor Oscar Romero was martyred in 1980. If you haven't heard about him I advise you to look him up. I guess everyone in Central America, Catholic or not knows him. He was martyred just while he was celebrating Mass. Shot from outside the church. This was another moving visit because his home is now a museum that includes is vestments that he wore when he was martyred and outside there is a grotto that has his heart, which was still in tact even after being shot in the chest, placed within. I guess when they moved the heart to build the grotto, they found the heart, buried underground in its old location, still very well preserved, and with liquid blood still present after many years. Ok, I don't think I am doing him any bit of justice. This is just what I remember, so look it up yourself because it is really amazing.
Then we walked to for quite some ways, I am not sure how far, and ended up after a couple of stops at one of two malls in San Salvador to get a bite to eat. The mall is just like any mall in the US, so don't plan to visit there if you come down. It isn't anything special.
Then we caught a bus to my favorite part of the day! Downtown, the Cathedral and Iglesia (Church) El Rosario. This meant walking part of the way through a crazy market place for a few blocks, where I had to duck many times so as not to hit my head on a beam or low hanging chicken for sale. I guess I am tall for Central American standards. The Cathedral was architecturally very similar to a Cathedral in Europe, but there were a few added touches, such as the style of paintings and mosaic tiling on the front entrance that we very local to El Salvador. In all I though it was nice.
But then as we were about to leave the central square, I mentioned to John that I really liked the use of concrete in the Cathedral and it made him think of another church, located only a couple of blocks away. So we headed there to check it out.
I must say that when we entered the park in front of this church from about a block away, I had no idea that it was a church at all. I was guessing that it was some kind of museum. See John Donaghy's blog entry called "seeing with other eyes" (http://hermanojuancito.blogspot.com/2010/01/seeing-with-other-eyes.html) for pictures (until I get mine up), and such. This church is amazing. It was built in the 60's and is completely made of concrete, re-bar and glass, some of the most common building materials found throughout the world. What makes it so amazing though is how the architect designed this church to complement the qualities of the materials. First let me tell you about the use of light and glass. Warm color fills the entire space, but with different intensities and shades, especially in the late afternoon and early morning, as the main window face East and West. This wonderful palate streams onto what would be thought of as drab gray concrete walls, but the texture catches the light just right that it works. I have no idea how you could even plan this. The Tabernacle is also a good example of how the designer too a common material, glass, and gave it a personal identity, by smashing it (as if it were being pierced by a bullet or shattered by a bat.
Then the use of concrete and re-bar are best seen in the Stations of the Cross. I could almost see each one of these pieces of artwork (see Johns blog/pictures) as if it were springing up from the actual streets of San Salvador, calling out the Passion of Jesus Christ as it does so. It is vernacular, it is local, and if I were to bet, it is re-use material from those very streets. I'll just have to let pictures do the talking though (so I promise to get get them up next Tuesday when I have my own computer and internet).
All these elements give such a tremendous physical and personal feeling to the space, that you may become overwhelmed with emotion. I was, and then to top it off, I even got to celebrate Daily Mass! What a blessing!
Then it was back to the hotel to sleep before another day of traveling. I wrote in my journal that evening, "This day gives me a bright hope and assurance that God is with me on this trip."
Wednesday John and I were to the bus stop by 8 to catch a ride to the border of Honduras. This WAS an actual "chicken bus" as many of you may wonder, I was sitting right next to a box of little chicks. Not to mention all the other produce that was heading, with its owner, to markets elsewhere in the countryside.
We walked across the border, a pretty neat experience, and then took a quick taxi to the next town to catch another bus to Santa Rosa de Copan. Finally I made it to my destination at around 3pm. Finally, now I could relax, or so I thought. Not quite. We stopped by John's house to drop stuff off, but then walked through the cobblestone and dirt streets to Caritas (Catholic Charities) to do a little bit of work before the day was over. I got to see Padre Efrain, a priest who visited St. Thomas last fall which as great to catch up a little bit, but also a harsh reality because I realized that I really need to increase my vocabulary in Spanish. I was really struggling.
Then we walked around town a bit more, including seeing the Cathedral for the Diocese of Santa Rosa, and changing Dollars out for Lempiras. Then we went to a local pizza place for some really great pizza (John claims the best in Central America, all local ingredients), and back to his house to actually rest this time. After letting the parents know I was safe, I sat back and enjoyed the beautiful evening, 60 or so degrees Fahrenheit and clear. What a glorious first evening in Honduras! Praise be to God for safe travels!
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Friday, January 29, 2010
Another day of traveling...
This entry dates to January 25th.
OK, so here is another belated update on my journey.
I met some nice gentlemen in the terminal where I was waiting for the bus. They were from the US but now living in Guatemala and Mexico, and are directors (or something like that) for the Lions club all throughout Central America. They were retired and had some, let me just leave it at, interesting stories to tell. They did help me figure out what I was doing with the whole bus trip and were even going to take the same bus. This was a great blessing and helped calm my nerves.
We boarded the bus finally at about 3:30, I was in seat 10, which meant I had a an aisle seat. This was a nice bus too (think of a greyhound in the US) because it had bucket seating and air-conditioning. I know I took the easy route, but really it was very cost efficient, and was the most direct way to get to were I wanted to go. Oh yeah, I never told you where I was going. The city of San Salvador in El Salvador would be my final destination, after an expected 18hr trip.
OK, so what I was getting at is that there was a young man who sat next to me throughout the trip whose name was William, from San Salvador. He was visiting some friends in Costa Rica for a while and was returning home. Throughout the day we had periodical conversations (in Spanish) about random things. We talked about his family, and his studies in psychology at the government university (he is 19) in San Salvador, as well as my family and my studies. Many times it just ended up that we couldn't figure out what each other was saying and we would leave it at that, but by the end I would like to say that we were friends. I got his email and phone number (just in case I got lost in San Salvador) and we parted ways at the bus station, but I hope he keeps in contact.
So, they even provided 3 meals on this bus trip! Burger King french toast dipping sticks for breakfast and a cheap sub sandwich for dinner, but what was actually good was the lunch. They had rice, beans, chicken and some kind of salad. This was my first, somewhat Central American meal of the trip. I liked it, but I do look forward to something better soon.
At each "frontera" (border) we had to get off the bus with our passports in hand. The first few of these were very tense for me because of my experiences crossing the Canadian and Mexican borders in the past. I was ready for a complete luggage search and some harassment, but there was really none to be had. Each border was filled with people, so many times we just got in line to get our passport stamped and they sent us on our way without any further difficulties. Many times we were left to wait as the bus driver went to take our information to the customs agent to allow the bus to pass through. Throughout this time we were bombarded with people selling, purses, watches, tortillas, fruit, you name you got it. There were also a number of money exchangers who would constantly nag you about exchanging for the national currency. I would say it was a very uniquely hectic place, and not one that I would want to linger at very long. It was a great time to get out of the tight bus, stretch my legs and toes, and breathe some fresh air.
There were three movies that we watched throughout the day. I was very surprised at the choices. The first was the most surprising, "Avitar". I didn't even think that they would be able to get a hold of the film yet since I assumed it was still in theaters. It wasn't as good to watch it on a small screen though. The second was "Shooter," which I have seen once before, and it was entertaining. But really, should they have been showing an "R" rated movie on a bus with small children and Religious Sisters watching. Yes there were quite a few Sisters aboard, which made me smile. The third, I don't remember the name of, but it was even more violent and bloody than the previous, and it started with a fact that "there is a kidnapping in Latin America [some amount] every day, and then the story line is all about the corruption and bad stuff that happens in Mexico. Is that really something that you show to those traveling in Central America? Really?
On a lighter note, I experienced my first sunset just as we crossed the border into El Salvador. It was beautiful, especially since it was over a short mountain range along the pacific coast and a few clouds to add a finishing touch. The sunsets are pretty short here though because I am so close to the equator, but you don't see them over mountains every day in Iowa. Never, unless you include the hills of HWY 30 east of Tama-Toledo, which I have see many a good sunset.
The bus ride plunged back into darkness once again, just as it had started, and there was still quite a few hours to go.
We pulled into the San Carlos station in San Salvador around 10:30 that evening, and I started to worry. I could not see John Donaghy, my contact who would be picking me up. There was another stop about 20 minutes away, but I was unsure which stop I told him I would be at. William was leaving at this stop too along with the English speakers, so I would be on my own. I do not like to be in situations where I don't know where I am or how to get anywhere, not to mention, lacking in the ability to speak well, and the fact that it was very dark. I decided to keep going on to the next terminal. At this point, I knew that all I could do once again was pray, and pray hard. I must thank Amanda at this point, because her Rosary ring was the best gift I could have asked for. I am not sure how many times I prayed it throughout the day, but I was bound and determined to get through a rosary before the next stop. To keep my mind off of daydreaming into what could happen, I prayed for everyone I could think off, besides myself. Then finally I made my petition for John to be at the terminal, and just as I finished the bus came to a stop outside the terminal. I looked up and out the window, and the first thing I saw out of everything was a short, balding, gringo (white person). Praise the lord! My prayers were answered and I now know the power and comfort than can come through prayer, especially a meditative prayer such as the Rosary.
After saying a quick prayer to thanks, I got off the bus and met John. Unfortunately, he had been waiting around the terminal for quite some time because the bus was very late; nearly 2 hours. We grabbed a taxi and went to the small hotel that he had already found. I was so relieved to just sit down with familiar company, and be able to speak English. Not to mention being able to sleep well for the first time in two days. I fell asleep that night in peace, my muscles relaxed, and with my mind finally being able to dream about the exciting times to come.
OK, so here is another belated update on my journey.
I met some nice gentlemen in the terminal where I was waiting for the bus. They were from the US but now living in Guatemala and Mexico, and are directors (or something like that) for the Lions club all throughout Central America. They were retired and had some, let me just leave it at, interesting stories to tell. They did help me figure out what I was doing with the whole bus trip and were even going to take the same bus. This was a great blessing and helped calm my nerves.
We boarded the bus finally at about 3:30, I was in seat 10, which meant I had a an aisle seat. This was a nice bus too (think of a greyhound in the US) because it had bucket seating and air-conditioning. I know I took the easy route, but really it was very cost efficient, and was the most direct way to get to were I wanted to go. Oh yeah, I never told you where I was going. The city of San Salvador in El Salvador would be my final destination, after an expected 18hr trip.
OK, so what I was getting at is that there was a young man who sat next to me throughout the trip whose name was William, from San Salvador. He was visiting some friends in Costa Rica for a while and was returning home. Throughout the day we had periodical conversations (in Spanish) about random things. We talked about his family, and his studies in psychology at the government university (he is 19) in San Salvador, as well as my family and my studies. Many times it just ended up that we couldn't figure out what each other was saying and we would leave it at that, but by the end I would like to say that we were friends. I got his email and phone number (just in case I got lost in San Salvador) and we parted ways at the bus station, but I hope he keeps in contact.
So, they even provided 3 meals on this bus trip! Burger King french toast dipping sticks for breakfast and a cheap sub sandwich for dinner, but what was actually good was the lunch. They had rice, beans, chicken and some kind of salad. This was my first, somewhat Central American meal of the trip. I liked it, but I do look forward to something better soon.
At each "frontera" (border) we had to get off the bus with our passports in hand. The first few of these were very tense for me because of my experiences crossing the Canadian and Mexican borders in the past. I was ready for a complete luggage search and some harassment, but there was really none to be had. Each border was filled with people, so many times we just got in line to get our passport stamped and they sent us on our way without any further difficulties. Many times we were left to wait as the bus driver went to take our information to the customs agent to allow the bus to pass through. Throughout this time we were bombarded with people selling, purses, watches, tortillas, fruit, you name you got it. There were also a number of money exchangers who would constantly nag you about exchanging for the national currency. I would say it was a very uniquely hectic place, and not one that I would want to linger at very long. It was a great time to get out of the tight bus, stretch my legs and toes, and breathe some fresh air.
There were three movies that we watched throughout the day. I was very surprised at the choices. The first was the most surprising, "Avitar". I didn't even think that they would be able to get a hold of the film yet since I assumed it was still in theaters. It wasn't as good to watch it on a small screen though. The second was "Shooter," which I have seen once before, and it was entertaining. But really, should they have been showing an "R" rated movie on a bus with small children and Religious Sisters watching. Yes there were quite a few Sisters aboard, which made me smile. The third, I don't remember the name of, but it was even more violent and bloody than the previous, and it started with a fact that "there is a kidnapping in Latin America [some amount] every day, and then the story line is all about the corruption and bad stuff that happens in Mexico. Is that really something that you show to those traveling in Central America? Really?
On a lighter note, I experienced my first sunset just as we crossed the border into El Salvador. It was beautiful, especially since it was over a short mountain range along the pacific coast and a few clouds to add a finishing touch. The sunsets are pretty short here though because I am so close to the equator, but you don't see them over mountains every day in Iowa. Never, unless you include the hills of HWY 30 east of Tama-Toledo, which I have see many a good sunset.
The bus ride plunged back into darkness once again, just as it had started, and there was still quite a few hours to go.
We pulled into the San Carlos station in San Salvador around 10:30 that evening, and I started to worry. I could not see John Donaghy, my contact who would be picking me up. There was another stop about 20 minutes away, but I was unsure which stop I told him I would be at. William was leaving at this stop too along with the English speakers, so I would be on my own. I do not like to be in situations where I don't know where I am or how to get anywhere, not to mention, lacking in the ability to speak well, and the fact that it was very dark. I decided to keep going on to the next terminal. At this point, I knew that all I could do once again was pray, and pray hard. I must thank Amanda at this point, because her Rosary ring was the best gift I could have asked for. I am not sure how many times I prayed it throughout the day, but I was bound and determined to get through a rosary before the next stop. To keep my mind off of daydreaming into what could happen, I prayed for everyone I could think off, besides myself. Then finally I made my petition for John to be at the terminal, and just as I finished the bus came to a stop outside the terminal. I looked up and out the window, and the first thing I saw out of everything was a short, balding, gringo (white person). Praise the lord! My prayers were answered and I now know the power and comfort than can come through prayer, especially a meditative prayer such as the Rosary.
After saying a quick prayer to thanks, I got off the bus and met John. Unfortunately, he had been waiting around the terminal for quite some time because the bus was very late; nearly 2 hours. We grabbed a taxi and went to the small hotel that he had already found. I was so relieved to just sit down with familiar company, and be able to speak English. Not to mention being able to sleep well for the first time in two days. I fell asleep that night in peace, my muscles relaxed, and with my mind finally being able to dream about the exciting times to come.
Solid ground...
This entry actually covers the events of January 24th.
My journey has begun but is far from being over. My flight from Cedar Rapids took off at 11:55 or so and I made it to Dallas in about 2 hours. While in the air I was able to say farewell, gradually to the snowy landscape of Iowa. It looked magnificent with a such a great contrast between the pure white of the farmland covered by snow and ice and the groves of trees that cluster around rivers, valleys, roads and farm houses. To all my Landscape Architecture friends... you could really see the Ecological Structures that we learned about in LA 302 (I know I am Landscape nerd).
Once in Dallas, I found that my flight was delayed so I decided to take the Skyway rail system around the airport. If you ever fly through Dallas-Ft. Worth airport, try it out. It is pretty much a large figure 8 track, but it gives you a great view of the entire airport facility as well as a distanced view of Downtown Dallas.
My flight to San Jose was much more interesting than the first though because I sat next to a family that lives in Costa Rica. They spoke a quite a bit of English so I was able to talk with them and practice my Spanish while doing so. They seemed very interested in why I would want to learn Spanish. This has never been asked of me but I was prepared because I have asked myself the same question.
I first began to learn Spanish in high school because it would help me to get into college and get a better job in the long run. This was my opinion for a long time until, during my sophomore year at Iowa State, the Landscape Architecture program gave me the chance to live in a small community outside of Monterrey, Mexico for a few days. This was an eye opening experience that allowed me to realize that I wanted to be able to relate to a person/people in their own language, especially if I were to be in a Spanish speaking country. The ability to speak in another person's native tongue means some much to them, and I wanted to be able to do that. It is personal, and it shows that I care to go at least halfway to understand their lives. As me about this some time if you are interested.
Ok so back to the trip. The landing it San Jose was a bit bumpy but we arrived safe none-the-less. Customs and entrance into the country went very smoothly, as well as getting bags. The airport had taxi's ready for everyone so I was able to grab one quick and get to the Hotel Balmoral by about 11:30pm. But I did not stay there because I had bus tickets leaving from San Jose at 3am in the morning. So I just stored most of my luggage at the hotel, since I will be returning there for orientation. Then I was off to the bus station again, in another Taxi, but this guy was a really Tico (Costa Rican) driver. He was flying through the empty streets at 1 in the morning, barely checking both ways before entering an intersection. THIS IS HOW I KNEW I WAS BACK IN COSTA RICA! Somewhat thrilling, somewhat terrifying, but hey... whatever gets me to my destination, right?
Then there was a bit of waiting around at the bus station filled with people from all over Central America. I met people from Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala and Mexico. I don't think I met anyone from Belize. I will say that I was pretty anxious at this time as well, because I didn't know exactly what to do. Truthfully, I have never ridden the public buses across the United States, let alone, across national borders, so I had no idea what I would be in for. Prayer was all I could do to keep myself calm, and as I have learned recently, and many times over, prayer is powerful. More on that will be forthcoming.
Oh yeah, let me also just say, my toe-ed shoes have been quite a conversation started so far, or at least they catch people's attention. They are quite comfortable for long flights, and moseying about an airport, as well getting around San Jose. We'll see what else they are good for soon, I hope.
So there is pretty much my first day, although it is posted almost a week behind schedule. I am sorry there are no pictures. I do not want to bog down John Donaghy's internet. Instead I will do that when I arrive back in Costa Rica. But just so you know, I am safe in Santa Rosa de Copan, Honduras (the journey there, of which I will post later). I hope everything is well for you all. May the snows of late winter only enhance your hopes for the spring thaw even more.
Peace and Blessings from south of the Border.
My journey has begun but is far from being over. My flight from Cedar Rapids took off at 11:55 or so and I made it to Dallas in about 2 hours. While in the air I was able to say farewell, gradually to the snowy landscape of Iowa. It looked magnificent with a such a great contrast between the pure white of the farmland covered by snow and ice and the groves of trees that cluster around rivers, valleys, roads and farm houses. To all my Landscape Architecture friends... you could really see the Ecological Structures that we learned about in LA 302 (I know I am Landscape nerd).
Once in Dallas, I found that my flight was delayed so I decided to take the Skyway rail system around the airport. If you ever fly through Dallas-Ft. Worth airport, try it out. It is pretty much a large figure 8 track, but it gives you a great view of the entire airport facility as well as a distanced view of Downtown Dallas.
My flight to San Jose was much more interesting than the first though because I sat next to a family that lives in Costa Rica. They spoke a quite a bit of English so I was able to talk with them and practice my Spanish while doing so. They seemed very interested in why I would want to learn Spanish. This has never been asked of me but I was prepared because I have asked myself the same question.
I first began to learn Spanish in high school because it would help me to get into college and get a better job in the long run. This was my opinion for a long time until, during my sophomore year at Iowa State, the Landscape Architecture program gave me the chance to live in a small community outside of Monterrey, Mexico for a few days. This was an eye opening experience that allowed me to realize that I wanted to be able to relate to a person/people in their own language, especially if I were to be in a Spanish speaking country. The ability to speak in another person's native tongue means some much to them, and I wanted to be able to do that. It is personal, and it shows that I care to go at least halfway to understand their lives. As me about this some time if you are interested.
Ok so back to the trip. The landing it San Jose was a bit bumpy but we arrived safe none-the-less. Customs and entrance into the country went very smoothly, as well as getting bags. The airport had taxi's ready for everyone so I was able to grab one quick and get to the Hotel Balmoral by about 11:30pm. But I did not stay there because I had bus tickets leaving from San Jose at 3am in the morning. So I just stored most of my luggage at the hotel, since I will be returning there for orientation. Then I was off to the bus station again, in another Taxi, but this guy was a really Tico (Costa Rican) driver. He was flying through the empty streets at 1 in the morning, barely checking both ways before entering an intersection. THIS IS HOW I KNEW I WAS BACK IN COSTA RICA! Somewhat thrilling, somewhat terrifying, but hey... whatever gets me to my destination, right?
Then there was a bit of waiting around at the bus station filled with people from all over Central America. I met people from Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala and Mexico. I don't think I met anyone from Belize. I will say that I was pretty anxious at this time as well, because I didn't know exactly what to do. Truthfully, I have never ridden the public buses across the United States, let alone, across national borders, so I had no idea what I would be in for. Prayer was all I could do to keep myself calm, and as I have learned recently, and many times over, prayer is powerful. More on that will be forthcoming.
Oh yeah, let me also just say, my toe-ed shoes have been quite a conversation started so far, or at least they catch people's attention. They are quite comfortable for long flights, and moseying about an airport, as well getting around San Jose. We'll see what else they are good for soon, I hope.
So there is pretty much my first day, although it is posted almost a week behind schedule. I am sorry there are no pictures. I do not want to bog down John Donaghy's internet. Instead I will do that when I arrive back in Costa Rica. But just so you know, I am safe in Santa Rosa de Copan, Honduras (the journey there, of which I will post later). I hope everything is well for you all. May the snows of late winter only enhance your hopes for the spring thaw even more.
Peace and Blessings from south of the Border.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
So... Seriously now...
My feet are really moving this time. My flight out of Cedar Rapids, Iowa departs at 11:55am today and I must say this date has really crept up on me. I am completely ready, but I just don’t feel like I should be leaving right now. There are so many more friends to see and things to do, but here I go, off and running on two feet. Thank you to all the friends that made these last couple of weeks in the States so enjoyable. I am going miss you all!
So here is the path I’ll be taking. I will be flying into Dallas-Ft. Worth and from there I will be leaving for San Jose, Costa Rica. Toe-ed shoes and window seats all the way! Since there is no time change between CR and CR (get it… Cedar Rapids and Costa Rica) I will be arriving in San Jose at around 8:30pm (Central Time). I will make a quick run through customs and then be off to downtown and the Hotel Balmoral. This is where I am storing my luggage because I have no intentions of staying in Costa Rica for very long, at least at the moment. After reorganizing my essentials into one backpack, I will be off to the bus station to catch a bus at 3:00am headed for El Salvador. Eighteen hours on a bus sound like fun to anyone? This is where my vacation begins, or so I think. Luckily I many highly recommended books along, including Captivating by John and Stasi Eldredge and A Journey in Faith by Eboo Patel. Not to mention hours of music and all the tropical scenery outside my window that I could ask for. What do you think? I am thoroughly entertained by the landscape of Iowa while driving along HW 30; it should be nearly impossible to get bored on this trip.
I will be visiting John Donaghy, a former staff member of St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Ames who now lives in the Copan Province of Honduras. He will meet me in San Salvador, El Salvador so that we can head over to Honduras together. Once there I have no idea what I will be doing. Just enjoying myself I guess. So I will have to fill you on that later.
I appreciate all prayers directed my way, especially those concerned with traveling.
Peace and Blessings,
Cody
So here is the path I’ll be taking. I will be flying into Dallas-Ft. Worth and from there I will be leaving for San Jose, Costa Rica. Toe-ed shoes and window seats all the way! Since there is no time change between CR and CR (get it… Cedar Rapids and Costa Rica) I will be arriving in San Jose at around 8:30pm (Central Time). I will make a quick run through customs and then be off to downtown and the Hotel Balmoral. This is where I am storing my luggage because I have no intentions of staying in Costa Rica for very long, at least at the moment. After reorganizing my essentials into one backpack, I will be off to the bus station to catch a bus at 3:00am headed for El Salvador. Eighteen hours on a bus sound like fun to anyone? This is where my vacation begins, or so I think. Luckily I many highly recommended books along, including Captivating by John and Stasi Eldredge and A Journey in Faith by Eboo Patel. Not to mention hours of music and all the tropical scenery outside my window that I could ask for. What do you think? I am thoroughly entertained by the landscape of Iowa while driving along HW 30; it should be nearly impossible to get bored on this trip.
I will be visiting John Donaghy, a former staff member of St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Ames who now lives in the Copan Province of Honduras. He will meet me in San Salvador, El Salvador so that we can head over to Honduras together. Once there I have no idea what I will be doing. Just enjoying myself I guess. So I will have to fill you on that later.
I appreciate all prayers directed my way, especially those concerned with traveling.
Peace and Blessings,
Cody
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