– January 9, 2008
Another restless night of sleep because my skin was itching a lot and I’m not sure why, but I was up by 8 drinking a cup of coffee. A quick run to the local panaderia for some pan de banana and we were off to Aqua Termales, the local hot springs. We arrived there shortly after 9:30 am and were soon soaking in the hot water. After several months of only showers, some only cold, this felt good. It was so nice to sit and soak in the hot water and swim a bit. For an hour we just relaxed in the quiet, wooded area enjoying the luxury of the heated water and being fully immersed in the water. We had another hour before the tuc-tuc would arrive to pick us back up so we dressed and walked to the nearby hotel and restaurant for a quick lunch.
Upon our arrival Ariel had to quickly grab her bags and head to the bus area to catch her bus to San Pedro Sula. I found out that the only banks that could take a MasterCard were in Santa Rosa, the same town Ariel was going to first before catching another bus. Thus I walked with her to the bus area and rode into Santa Rosa. My Spanish is improving, but I still feel inadequate for conversation, which was proven on my return trip when an older man sat next to me and began talking to me and I couldn’t understand anything he was saying. I returned alone to Gracias and rested for a bit in the hotel room before going to get dinner. Today was a relaxing day, however, I really think I have to make a stronger attempt at learning Spanish. The best thing is that I can now at least get most of the words out in some order to get information and the best part is that I can actually understand why the people say.
I decided to stay another night here in Gracias in hopes of getting a lot of rest tomorrow before taking a day in chicken buses to Tegucigalpa and then onto Managua, Nicaragua. I have set my intentions to be in Tegucigalpa for a few days to get a travel guide and access the internet before going onto Nicaragua. Shannon in Austin sent me a contact for a place to stay in Managua, a lady she knows that owns a couple of orphanages. I had sent her an email and the lady replied so I may stay for a few days helping as I can in exchange for a room to stay. Leon, Granada, and Isle de Ometepe on Lago Nicaragua are some of the places I hope to visit on my way back to Costa Rica. For now I’m re-reading my Spanish notes and listening to Spanish TV in hopes of improving my Spanish. Buenos noches y Buenas suenas (good night and good dreams).
Thursday, January 10, 2008
A day of rest was called for today, however, I had hoped to be able to explore the town of Gracias a bit more. After writing in my journal I took my medicine and was fast asleep by 11:30 pm, but the night was restless and full of dreams, which meant I actually got to rem sleep. Waking up at 4 pm today wasn’t something I had planned, however, I suppose my body needed the rest after all of the strenuous things I’d been doing. I managed to get out for an early dinner and then returned to my room, where I’ve been ever since watching Spanish TV and playing computer games. Now I have to pack and get ready to depart here early in the morning. I hope to make it to Tegucigalpa tomorrow, however, if the buses don’t get me there before dark then I may stay in one of the small towns along the way. Now to pack up my things and set my alarm for 4:30 am to catch the 5 am bus out to La Esperanza. I hope there are buses there that will take me on to the capital.
