After Playa Gigante, I began my journey north...first stop, Leon. Leon was hot. I mean really hot. I went for a walk to see the city at 7am thinking I could beat the heat. Nope. Sweating before the end of the block. Normally, this wouldnt bother me so much, however, the heat coupled with the chaos of the market and every primative form of pick-up sound coming from nearly every male over the age of 5 and I was not in a mood to be reckoned with. I fled in a fury. Headed to Esteli where I heard it was cooler and there was a natural reserve nearby. It was a breath of fresh air. Not much to do in the town, but not so hot and way less chaotic.

I had intended to break up my trip back to Guatemala with numerous stops, however, once I got going, I just had a desire to be somewhere. Unpack my bag. Feel a bit at home. So, that put me on local transportation for 3 straight days and was one of those experiences I will never forget and am happy I did (but would think twice about doing again). Over the course of those 3 days, I rode 10 different buses, took 2 taxis, crossed 2 borders, slept in 2 of the worst hotels I have ever been inside (one shower consisted of a metal locker in a hallway with a bucket and cup), spoke 0 words of English and saw 0 white people (after the first day I really started looking). I also saw some gorgeous countryside, met truely wonderful people, and ate one of the most impressive tacos of my lifetime. There was a striking difference between the same trip on a TICA bus and this one. Most notably, it was real.

I finally reached San Pedro (where I started my trip) and splurged on a room all of my own. I unpacked my bag, put my shampoo in my shower, and made myself at home. I am still here and havent been doing all that much. Im finally buying some things since I dont have to carry them around anymore, taking a yoga course (2 hrs each day), and doing the last of the things I wanted to do. We went kayaking today, I will hike San Pedro Volcano on Sunday, I get out on the town a little bit, but mostly I just am here. I am enjoying my last days and feel ready to go home...in 9 days... get ready Wisconsin!