TravelStream™ news feed for member marycoon on TravelPod's free travel blogs service http://www.travelpod.com/syndication/rss/marycoon en-us Copyright ©2009 TravelPod.com Mon, 02 Oct 2006 00:11:46 -0400 http://www.travelpod.com http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/marycoon/around_c._am./1151099940/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/marycoon/around_c._am./1151099940/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/marycoon/around_c._am./1151099940/tpod.html Mon, 02 Oct 2006 00:11:46 -0400 My vuelta in Cental America, my journey through self discovery

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Antegua, Guatemala

This charming little town is one of the oldest in Guate. It is nestled in between three volcanos, and in order to get there its mountain traveling all the way! The mountain/volcanos here are beautiful, i almost felt at home, except everything so soooo green. Rachel and i took the "public transportation" to get to our "bus" meaning in both cases, big yellow school buses from the states. I will give guate credit though, they paint their buses up here beautifully, and take pride in them. When we arrived we were greated by the Turist Police of Anituga. They were nice, and gave us a map. We walked through the crowded market, and were greeted by two other men, "trying to help" us find a good hotel. We ended up walking around and running into a small one, that was cheap and nice. Casa Rana, or Rana guesthouse. The owner was super nice, and the view from the roof was gorgeous! We walked around, and there are about a zillion and a half churches to look at. Some in ruines due to so many earthquakes. The cathedral has survived 17 earthquakes, and is under major restoration. We passed by a dance school, and the guys told us to come back later for free salsa lessons, and when we came back they were closed. They so lied to us. The next day, we had a delightful breakfast and meet Beau from Canada, whom we spent much of the day with, exploring the city. We visited a art museum that used to be the seminary, strict it was. We also went with the tourist police to Cerro de Cruz, a short little hike up to the cross on the mountain with a beautiful view of all of Antigua. Unfortunantly, it was time to say good bye to Rachel, who was traveling to Tikal that afternoon. I wish her the best on all her travels. I hung out with Beau that night, and we went to a Cuban Salsa bar, that was greatly disapointing because it was packed with gringos. Oh well, better luck next time. And on to my next adventure, Rìo Dulce!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/marycoon/la_prusia/1153022280/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/marycoon/la_prusia/1153022280/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/marycoon/la_prusia/1153022280/tpod.html Mon, 02 Oct 2006 00:03:01 -0400 La Prusia the School

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Granada, Nicaragua

It was hard to say goodbye to all those beautiful faces that I had fallen in love with. My heart just split in half when I realized that this was going to be my last day at the school. In peparation for flag day, it was yet another short day. We made and colored flags in the preschool class and in the 3rd and 4th grades. Then they got all the kids rounded up, and lined them up for practice. I guess the plan was for flag day to walk down through the village in that line and display all their flags!! It was fun to watch! and I also got a picture of the whole 1st grade class! I will never forget this place I came to call home for a couple moments in my life. Eventhough I am physically leaving I know a piece of my heart will forever live on in each of the little one's dark eyes! I can only hope that I made a difference in some way, and maybe touched a life or two, cause everyone of their lives has blessed mine!
Farewell Nica, farewell La Prusia! A dios les bendiga! may God bless you!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/marycoon/around_c._am./1150736640/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/marycoon/around_c._am./1150736640/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/marycoon/around_c._am./1150736640/tpod.html Wed, 20 Sep 2006 13:21:32 -0400 My vuelta in Cental America, my journey through self discovery

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Guatemala City, Guatemala

Funny story about waking up in the morning, when I work up this morn I packed my bags and was all ready to get on the bus. I went to check in and the lady said the bus leaving was is now going to Nicaragua. Ok, I thought my ticket said to Guatemala, but then she continued to tell me that my bus leaves at 6am, of course this I knew. Yet, it still seemed like something was missing, and then it all clicked, she told me it was 4:20 am when I thought it was 5:20am, I had no idea there was a time change at the boarder crossing, Go Dar!
The ride to Guatemala was pleasant, and I nice older man sat next to me and we talked a bit. He is traveling to Atlanta for some church assemble thing. He thought I was German, the first time someone thought I wasn´t Americana, its quiet an accomplishment. Traveling to Guate City was very nice, and through the mountains, I loved it. We first peaked over a mountain, and the sight of the city was astounding! Laid nestled in the valley of all the mountains, I was taken in! After I got all fixed into a hostel, I roamed around the city. The endless streets of markets, and I came upon a mall that consisted only have video arcades, food, computers and a cine on top. I stopped in for a bit in a net cafe, and the guy who worked there keep bothering me to take a picture of me. I was like "are you crazy, there is no way I´m gonna take a picture and give it to you" but really he seemed harmless.
The following day I spend the morning at the Zoo, oh it was wonderful!! Expensive cause I had to take a taxi across town, but well worth it! There were so many new animals, I couldn´t have ever imagined existed! I thought I would have the zoo to myself, until school busses drove in by the dozen and out flocked school age children! It turned out not to be so bad, except they all asked me questions about the animals, and I didn´t know the answers! Later that day I took a tour of the palacio national, and it was amazing! All the paintings depicting the combination of Spanish and Mayan cultures, as well as a 2000kg gold, bronze and Bohemian crystal chandelier. This located at the Parque Central, I also spent time in the Cathedral, and then went to see a movie. After the movie I decided to visit my little internet man, and had a drink with him later. He turned out to be very nice, and inquisitive about everything. He has had many worldly friends, and enjoys learning. We walked to the parque central to see it all lit up at night, and then he walked me back to my hostel. Gracias Jorge!
At my hostel I meet the very sweet Rachel, and we passed some of the night hanging out with local artists. I decided to travel to Antigua next because Jorge and the Taxi driver talked so wonderfully about it, and that is where Rachel was headed.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/marycoon/around_c._am./1150561740/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/marycoon/around_c._am./1150561740/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/marycoon/around_c._am./1150561740/tpod.html Fri, 01 Sep 2006 19:09:13 -0400 My vuelta in Cental America, my journey through self discovery

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Managua, Nicaragua

For the first time ever, I am gonna travel all my by myself. I caught a bus to Managua, and am staying very close to the Tica Bus station. I am not really staying in a hotel, but rather some family´s home who happened to have an extra room. It´s nice and coozy, plus I have my own t.v. I ended up watching ER all night cause that was what was on TV. The night guardsman was nice enough to walk me to the bus station at 4am in the morn. Its funny, his job is to circle a couple block on his bike and blowing his whistle all night long. It was rather annoying to hear, but I guess you just get used to having noise all the time if you are in a city.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/marycoon/around_c._am./1150648500/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/marycoon/around_c._am./1150648500/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/marycoon/around_c._am./1150648500/tpod.html Fri, 01 Sep 2006 19:07:05 -0400 My vuelta in Cental America, my journey through self discovery

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San Salvador, El Salvador

Boarder crossings, funny things really they are (I sound like Yoda, ha) It wasn´t so bad, and the best part about crossing the Nica/Salvador boarder was the cool drug sniffer dog! I get kicks out of small things. The air conditioning on the bus is sooo cold I had to wear a long sleeved shirt, and wrap my beach towel around me just to keep warm. What a sight that must have been. I can´t explain how handy that towel is, as a blanket, pillow, beach towel, and wrap all in one! Another thing about these Tica busses, is they show the worst movies, and usually the worst 80´s movies. Its almost unbearable.
San Salvador at first glance was dirty and polluted, but after I got my hotel figured out I began to explore. (it really wasn´t much of a hotel, just a room and a super deluxe bathroom combo, otherwise know as Tolet, with sink a foot away, and the shower above the sink). My first adventure was to the market, most adventures include a market, just cause they are so crazy. The first thing I stumbled upon was an Artesanía Market, that just sucked me in on a whirlpool. Every lady was practically grabbing at me to come look at their things, when all I wanted to do what just browse around. Obviously that wasn´t an option. I finally fought the current and made it out alive, vowing never to return. Soon after this market, I found the main market street that stretched on for miles and miles, or what seemed like it. It was block upon block of fresh fruit and veggies, and clothes galore. Almost every stand filled with flags, representing the main teams of the World Cup, since that is a big deal down here. Next I stumbled into a beautiful cathedral, and took a couple moments there. I have found that when ever overwhelmed, find a church and you can relax with out anyone bothering you. My next goal was to find an interne cafe, which was seemingly impossible. I walked for ages to find one, i walked all the way down to the University, and since it was Sunday, almost everything was closed. Alas, I found one, and was able to communicate! Later, I wondered into the Palacio National, and to Liberty park, where there was a statue of Liberty with wings.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/marycoon/nica-2006/1147403280/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/marycoon/nica-2006/1147403280/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/marycoon/nica-2006/1147403280/tpod.html Mon, 21 Aug 2006 14:09:05 -0400 Exploring nicaragua one step at a time, learning with children, and realizing dreams

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Granada, Nicaragua

The people of Granada are so colorful in nature. The children I work with all all pretty much eager to learn. I have been working with the first grade students, or really Kindergraden. So we do lots of ABCD, and 123, and I try and have fun with them, like not just make them write letters, but you know, really putting my psychology to work on the learning process, and how we learn and retain info. So hopefully, one of the kids will learn something, if not, that americans are nice! I have also been teaching art classes, which go well when its just me teaching. I donno why, but the other person, Bagona and I have very different teaching styles, and I just used to having more structure and preperation for my class. But all in all, I am having a very lovely time at the schools.
The best part is during recess when we have helado, or icecream. But its not icecream in the sense we know it, more like frozen juice and sugar. Its some kinda mix like that, but they service it in a little tie bag, and its fabuloso! anways, enjoy all the photos of all the beautiful children I work with and our really neat school! We have some of the best kids of all the schools!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/marycoon/nica-2006/1150253880/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/marycoon/nica-2006/1150253880/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/marycoon/nica-2006/1150253880/tpod.html Mon, 10 Jul 2006 23:07:56 -0400 Exploring nicaragua one step at a time, learning with children, and realizing dreams

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Granada, Nicaragua

Today be had to say good bye to a very good friend, Lauren. We decided to go eat at Kathy`s Waffle House, yes a very American place to eat, and you get free coffee with any meal. Then, along came the big precession, come to find out it was St. Anthony`s Day, not sure who he was, but all the high schools in town plus one from Masaya did a precession through town, and it ended at San Fransisco Church. Enjoy the cute little nun!!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/marycoon/nica-2006/1149564420/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/marycoon/nica-2006/1149564420/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/marycoon/nica-2006/1149564420/tpod.html Mon, 10 Jul 2006 22:56:38 -0400 Exploring nicaragua one step at a time, learning with children, and realizing dreams

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Granada, Nicaragua

We celebrated a week worth of events for International Children`s Day. Each day all of the volunteers spend a day at each school. We ran relay races for them, had face painting and cookies. It was just one big field day! We started off the week at La Epifania on Tuesday, Wednesday we were at La Prusia, but it rained all day long, and we had to do the games inside. Thursday we went to Elba Zamora, and Friday we finished off at Las Camilias. I was pooped by the end of the week, but it was so much fun to see the other schools, and all the cute kids!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/marycoon/nica-2006/1149635280/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/marycoon/nica-2006/1149635280/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/marycoon/nica-2006/1149635280/tpod.html Sat, 08 Jul 2006 23:26:20 -0400 Exploring nicaragua one step at a time, learning with children, and realizing dreams

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San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua

One of the rainiest weekends I have spend in Nicaragua. It would go to figure that is how our luck would go, it was sunny and hot all week long, and as soon as we get to the beach, bam! it rains almost the whole time. We made the best of it, Chloe, Loren, Emily, Sage and I had a fun girls weekend. We stayed at Hotel Estrella, beach front hotel. It was an amazing view of the little cove called, San Juan del Sur. We decided to make the best of the weekend by starting with some Flor de Caña and coke. We doodled around the town, and ended up eating at Big Wave Daves, where they served us Rum Punch. It was kinda like Sangría but made with rum instead of wine. The night went pleasantly by! The next morning we went with some locals who offered to take us to the beach. It was cheaper than taking a taxi. We had the whole beach to ourselves, and it was even kinda sunny. Around 1ish people came and so did the rain. And that pretty much sums up our weekend! It was beautiful there, but I didn´t get to witness the world famous sunsets, but I will find them somewhere in the world won´t I?!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/marycoon/around_c._am./1151360340/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/marycoon/around_c._am./1151360340/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/marycoon/around_c._am./1151360340/tpod.html Thu, 29 Jun 2006 18:27:38 -0400 My vuelta in Cental America, my journey through self discovery

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Copàn, Honduras

Wow! what an adventure it was to trample through Mayan ruines. They were amazing. I could have passed the whole day there just wondering around, imagining what life for them might have been like. I was defantly taking in by the sculpted towers, and green valley that they Copàn Ruines are so famose for.
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