Al: Thanks for the Ripples Paul & Costa Rican Dogs

4/13/14

“Ripples #829: ‘Life is a gift, and it offers us the opportunity and responsibility to give something back by becoming something more.’ –Tony Robbins”

Today Paul Wesselmann and his Ripples did it again! I’m pretty sure Paul has some weird direct connection into my brain as 95% of the time his Ripples seem to relate directly to my life! Thanks Paul. Keep ‘em coming!

I officially start work at the shelter tomorrow. This first week I will mostly be working with the financials and getting the books in order and into a spreadsheet. This is something I have done for years (personally and professionally) so I should have no problem getting everything done fairly quickly. I am very excited to have found this time to be able to give back. Volunteering (in any aspect) has always made me feel like a more complete person.

my new office

My attitude towards Costa Rican dogs has changed so much since my initial arrival. On my first trip to Costa Rica, I believed dogs were indifferent. They seemed to roam around freely and answer to no one. They appeared to do what they wanted and didn’t really seem to have owners.

On the reverse side, on one of my first days here I took a video of myself talking about how said it was that I thought most of the dogs were homeless because they were roaming around. I thought people ignoring them was a sign of people’s disinterest in dogs and pets. I was (unfairly) judging people for what I perceived as poor treatment of animals.

But I have come to learn that is far from the truth. My first night out I met a 3 legged dog. He was sweet, but not overly friendly. The next time I met him, he was with his owner. He almost seemed like a different dog. His owner spoiled him with fresh meat and he followed him everywhere. He was friendly, wagged his tail and rolled over onto my feet. I was surprised to learn that dogs here mostly have owners. They are well fed. Yes, most of them roam around town, but at the same time, most of them are rarely more than a few feet from their owners. They are independent but attached. It’s a very interesting dynamic to watch. These dogs clearly love their owners and they gain strength and confidence from being around them. The owners clearly love their dogs and take them pretty much everywhere.

I have even made a dog friend in town. I have no idea who his owner is, but he has found me multiple times. The first two times he showed up to two different bars on two different nights. He also found me twice today. The first time I was walking, he came up to me to say hi and then went on his way. Right now he is sitting on my feet while I type and eat my lunch. 

I am excited to be working with the animals here in town. I miss my puppy so much (it doesn’t help that she’s sick and I can’t do anything about it). I’m hoping helping less fortunate animals get medical care and find homes will help with my puppy-sickness. I look forward to the challenges that volunteering will bring.

Until next time,

Love you!

-Al

Al: Starting to Feel At Home

4/12/15

Thousands of years of breeding and evolution has created a human (me) whose body should never be able to survive in Central America. If it was 1859 Charles Darwin would be shaking his head at the silly American girl who thought she could survive in Central America. When I mentioned my “hives” to my mom she reminded me that part of the reason I hate summer so much is because since I was a kid I’ve gotten terrible heat rashes. Not only have they persisted, but they have spread.

Besides the heat rashes (that now cover about 30% of my body) my hair has turned into a fluffy mess, it’s a good day when I can get a brush through it. My milky white skin seems to turn tomato red after just a few minutes in the sun. My blood seems to be a rare treat that local bugs (not just mosquitoes) are lining up to taste. My light eyes can barely stay open in the bright sun. I have chosen to move to a climate that was not made for light skinned, light eyed, mosquito delicacies. Clearly I didn’t pay enough attention to the whole “survival of the fittest” part of Evolution in high school.

Lucky for me I live in 2015 where the magic of science has created things to help silly American’s like me be able to live our traveling dreams.  I am constantly covered in—and reapplying—sunscreen. The anti-itch medicine has made the bites bearable and has even helped with the rashes. Unfortunately, I discovered TSA confiscated my Benadryl (really?), but I was able to buy more here. Bug Spray is my new best friend. I carry it with me everywhere (I have 2 regular size and 2 travel size bug sprays). Thanks to my amazing sunglasses, I can see and enjoy the views around me.

The farmacia has become one my favorite places in town. If you are traveling (especially in Costa Rica, but everywhere else too) try to make sure you know where a local pharmacy or doctor is. In Costa Rica, the farmacias have trained staff that can do things that in the US only doctors can do (like prescribe medicine). Here, the idea is that going to a farmacia is usually as effective as going to a doctor. It’s quite convenient and has really enhanced my trip. There happens to be one two doors down from my new apartment, which makes it even more convenient.

Speaking of my new apartment, my life here is coming together quite nicely. This weekend I got a cheap hotel room in town so I wouldn’t be trapped all the way out in Aguas (this is the town I was technically living in, I don’t think it would even show up on a map). I splurged for the extra $4 a night so I could get AC. It was the first time in 8 days I had AC and it was completely worth the money. When I checked in, they seemed confused that it was just me. I didn’t realize why until they showed me the room. There 3 beds! 3 BEDS!! From no bed to 3 beds in one day.

my room with three beds

I had gotten very little sleep leading up to my trip, even less while traveling, and I hadn’t really slept since I’d gotten to town. The first afternoon I checked in, I passed out and didn’t wake up until 9 the next morning. It was exactly what I needed. That afternoon I went and got a SIM card for my phone and activated it. I guess it’s now official, I live here.

I had a very low key day. I decided to be a tourist in the morning so I took my camera around town to take pictures. I got some good ones that I'll have to post eventually. It has started raining most afternoons here. I decided to relax at a restaurant with ceviche and a beer and watch the rain. It’s a beautiful way to spend an afternoon. Later in the evening my new roommate invited me over. She made homemade sushi (it was amazing) and then we went out. I met quite a few great people. There is an interesting international community here. Everyone comes with their own history, their own experiences, and their own baggage. I loved hearing people’s stories and learning about the journeys that brought them here.

          Mixed Ceviche (shrimp & fish)                                    a few minutes before the rain started

This morning (Sunday) I moved into my new home. I will have a bed in the next few days, but at least I have a mattress now. The upstairs is air-conditioned. The apartment is nicer than anything I lived in during my years in SLO/ Paso. It is right downtown, so I can walk to and from anywhere. It is gated and locked at all times, which is probably not necessary, but makes me feel incredibly safe. I’m about a block from the main market and two blocks from the fruit market. My roommate has already shown me a couple local sodas which are less expensive than the ones on the main road and tend to cater to the local residents as opposed to tourists.

I may still look like I don’t belong here (my yoga pants, Osprey backpack, and pink laptop are probably a dead giveaway) but people have stopped treating me like a tourist. The local taxi drivers that sit on a corner and ask every touristy looking person if they need a ride haven’t asked me in a few days. The owners of a few local stores have started to talk to me and introduce themselves. Although my Spanish is still lacking, I am starting to find the words to be able to communicate. I feel like I have begun to my place here.

On Saturday night one of my new friends told me “This place changes everyone, there is just something special about it. Every single person that comes here, even if only for a few months, changes forever. I can’t wait to see what it does to you.” Well, me neither!

Until next time,

Love you!

-Al

Al: Allison's Grand (Mis)Adventure?

4/9/15

Omg! The last few days have been eventful to say the least. Where to even begin? I guess I’ll begin where I left off. Initially I was overwhelmed to say the least (to be honest I still am). That night there was supposed to be a red moon. We went to a beach in the middle of nowhere to see it. The moon came up around 8:45. It was stunning. For the first time since I had arrive in Puerto Jimenez it felt right. I feel like for some reason right now in my life, this town, this place, is where I needed to be. We ended up staying out very late. I didn’t want to be hung over on my first day of work so I only had a few beers. I was surprised by the amount everyone else drank and then got in cars to drive. Part of me was terrified to ride home. I was unable to drive because I can’t drive a stick. [For years my mom has been trying to teach me and I’ve told her it’s never been a problem. Well mom, as usual, you were right. When I get home you can teach me to drive a stick.] By the time we got home it was 11 p.m. and I was starving. I ate dinner and went to bed.

you can't tell in the picture, but the moon was bright red

I woke up at 5:30 the next morning and took a shower. My beauty routine that used to consist of painting on a face, doing my hair, and spending way too much time picking out an outfit has changed significantly. Now after I get out of the cold shower I put my hair up as quickly as possible, usually I don’t even brush it. However I happen to put it up is how it stays for the rest of the day. I put on my first layer of bug spray, followed by max strength sunscreen, followed by another layer of bug spray. After that I put calamine lotion on my oh-so-many bug bites and I grab whatever clothes are at the top of my pack and I’m good to go. It takes me about 10 minutes including taking a shower.  Yesterday my roommate saw a picture of me from the day before I left and she said “what happened to you, you used to be so pretty.” I couldn’t help but laugh. I guess humidity is not a good look on me.

I guess a lot can change in a week

It wasn’t until halfway through my first day that I realized I was not teaching the students, but that I am in fact a student, a legit fucking high school student. I’m not sure where the communication breakdown happened, but it did. I was mostly supposed to be with the same class, a group of kids who the school wants to improve their conversational English skills. I was registered for Math, Biology, Spanish, History, Civics, English, and a traditional cooking class. To say I freaked out when I realized is an understatement. I ran to the nearest restaurant with wireless and called my mom almost in tears. I hated high school, I barely survived the first time. There was no way I was going to spend 2 months as a high school student. This is supposed to be Allison’s Grand Adventure, not Allison Goes to High School Part II.

I contemplated packing my things that evening, getting on a bus and backpacking around until I found a new volunteer program. Or better yet enjoying another two week trip around Costa Rica and coming home. Maybe temporarily moving to Costa Rica wasn’t for me after all. But then the image of the moon the night before popped into my head and I calmed down. I found an actual internet café and started checking into other volunteer programs in the area. I found an organization that has multiple projects in the area. I contacted them and within an hour I had heard back from a local animal shelter. They need help with the animals, but also with social media and online marketing and management. I will meet with them tomorrow morning.

They are also setting me up with an apartment closer to town. While living 20 minutes from town is beautiful, I don’t have a car and there is no bus and I am constantly dependent on Jessica for rides. Although Jessica has been more than helpful and patient with me, because of the location, I basically have to go where she wants when she wants. Coming from the US, I also have a very different view of drinking and driving than the ticos and ticas. It makes me quite nervous when we have 4 or 5 beers and have to drive home. I would much rather be walking distance. Also, part of this adventure is me learning to be independent, having to count on someone all the time for things is not helping with my independence. My new home comes with air conditioning and a door (my current room does not have door and attempts to hang a curtain failed miserably). Although it is a bit more expensive than my current location, my safety and sanity are worth it.

Although I’m starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel, I’m having a much harder time emotionally then I thought I would. I miss my dog, a lot. Even when things have been hard the last few years, I could always count on puppy snuggles to make everything better. I miss my family and friends. I miss all of the craziness and stupid situations I am running from (yes I am more than willing to admit I’m running away from things, life gets messy and when you don't want to deal with it, moving to paradise is a great option). I miss watching tv with my mom and a good bottle of wine in the evenings. I miss my life. I miss not sweating ALL THE TIME. I miss being dry. It’s so damn hot I feel like I’m suffocating. My brain hurts from a combination of the heat and trying to think in Spanish. I’m tired I haven’t slept well, mostly because I can’t go more than an hour throughout the night without being attacked by a rouge band of mosquitoes or sweating through my blankets. Part of me thinks this was a terrible idea. I want my bed not an air mattress on the floor. I want to take a hot bath and go to an air conditioned gym. I spend more time at the internet café than I should just so I can have some connection to my friends and family at home.

But then I remind myself what I’m doing. Why I’m here. I wanted an adventure. I wanted THIS adventure. No, it’s not playing out like I thought it would, but what good adventure does? I wanted to push myself farther out of my comfort zone than I have ever been. I wanted to throw everything I knew about life out the window and try something new. I’m sure this would all be much easier if I had a friend with me, if I had convinced someone else to come on this insane journey with me, but I didn’t, it’s just me. And that is ok. I will be ok. In fact I will be more than ok. I will thrive, because for me, success and happiness is a choice. Every day at home I wake up and tell myself to “choose your attitude” (thanks WOW). Why not do the same thing her? So for today and the rest of my trip I choose to enjoy every moment. I am here to learn about myself and about what I am capable of. I am here to find a direction or a path in life. I’m here to discover new cultures and languages. I’m here to volunteer and make a difference in the world. I’m here to have fun! I’m here for me.

This is the reason I am on an open ended trip. I can go home whenever I want, but I can also stay as long as I want (and can afford). When I think back to my time in Paris, I realize that it was very similar. The first week I felt like I was on vacation; the second week I got unbelievably homesick; by the end of the second month, I wanted nothing more than to stay and travel longer. When I left for college it was quite similar as well. I think freaking out a few weeks into the unknown is just something I do. Committing to things for long periods of time terrifies me. I love having adventures, but usually second guess myself once the adventure begins.

But I will make one long-term commitment and that is to myself. I will listen to my heart on this trip. I know that sounds like some cheesy line a Disney Princess would say right before her prince shows up on a white horse to whisk her away from some evil witch, but I really do mean it. I will stay in each location as long as I am happy. I will travel to the places that feel right. I will open myself up to the possibilities that await. And when the moment comes that I feel like it’s time to go home I will buy yet another one way ticket.

I have much more to write about my experiences over the past few days including information about my awesome new home town, my thoughts on the high school, how ticos are teaching me to live simply, and more, but for now this is what I needed to write about.

And thus we begin Allison's Grand (Mis)Adventure. Stay tuned to see how things unfold! 

Love you!

Al

On another fun note, as I was writing this, my whole right arm broke out in hives. I thought it was just mosquito bites but when I turned on the light to look at it I realized there are hives on my whole arm. Awesome…my first travel “sickness.” I don’t have any allergies I know of, but I guess they can always pop up. Hopefully I’ll be ok since the only 24 hour hospital is over an hour away. Good thing my dad made sure to put Benadryl in my mini pharmacy. 

Al: And So It Begins...

4/6/15

Well, I wanted the experience of a lifetime and I’m definitely getting it!

After a four hour bus ride, that included switching busses in the middle of the road, I finally made it to Manuel Antonio. I met up with my friend Danika. She helped me get my things temporarily put away. I went into Manuel Antonio and grabbed a quick dinner. On my way back I got my first mosquito bite (welcome back to Costa Rica).

When Danika got off work we went to a bonfire at the beach. Apparently the Friday before Easter is a big holiday here. There was a DJ, drinks, and a lot of interesting people. Unfortunately my lack of Spanish made it difficult for me to communicate. But I still had fun. After the bonfire we met some other friends for a drink, but we were both very tired so we called it a night early.

Later that night I took my first cold shower. I panicked slightly when I realized that I probably won’t have warm water the entire time I’m here. But, guess what? I have now taken 4 cold showers and I am just fine. I even enjoyed the one I took today because it is so hot out! I am on this journey to explore myself and my limits, and sometimes I am going to be uncomfortable but that is all part of the adventure. It’s what I signed up for. The adventurer in me is excited every time a new challenge arises.

The next morning Danika had to work early, but she wanted me to be able to catch up on sleep. I woke up around 9 a.m, ate breakfast, took another cold shower, and went into the town of Quepos. Unfortunately because it was Easter and a Sunday most places were closed. I decided to go into Manuel Antonio since it’s a touristy town I figured more would be open.

I met Danika at the hotel, but she still had to work for a few more hours. I decided to go down to the beach and walk around. On my way to the beach, one of the peddlers stopped me. He is a hilarious gay man who stopped me to tell me I was wearing my wrap wrong because I was not showing off enough skin. He proceeded to show me 4 or 5 different ways to wear it until he found the one he thought was just right, it was a little revealing for me, but when in Rome... Costa Rica is different from the rest of Central America in that way. People here have no problem wearing tight, small, or practically no clothing. I ended up buying a moonstone bracelet from his brother. He got my email address, told me not to date Tico men (good thing before I came I decided dating was off the table for me for a while), gave me a million and one kisses, told me never to change my figure (if only it was that easy), and then I was off to the beach.

I walked down the beach. I took pictures. Manuel Antonio is known primarily as a gay friendly community in Costa Rica. But it is also one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It is very popular and always crowded. I decided to walk all the way down the beach and enjoy the setting. With my newly (muy) shorter dress, I was able to walk somewhat far out in the water. Towards the end of the beach, I found a beautiful little hotel with a bar overlooking the beach. It was around 1 p.m. so I decided to stop for lunch. I ordered ceviche, which is the one thing my mom would not let me order on my last trip, out of fear we would get sick. I figured I had enough medicine in my pharmacy (thanks dad!) that if I got sick I’d be ok and I just wouldn’t eat it again (it’s been over 24 hours and I still feel perfectly fine).

Happy enjoying Manuel Antonio

After that I went back to meet Danika. She pointed out that I was bright red. It seems that although I was covered in sunscreen, I have gotten my first sunburn of the trip.  I called my mom one last time before I didn’t know when I would have internet access again and then we were off to Danika’s mother’s home. We were going to stay there one night and then Monday (today) I would go to the school and begin working.

Danika has been an amazing host. For almost the entire 2 hour car ride to her mother’s house, Danika taught me random words in Spanish. She also wrote down some basic phrases for me to practice. Turns out, Danika’s mother had made us homemade ceviche for dinner as well. Her ceviche was amazing! She promised to teach me how to make it before I leave. She also made rice with shrimp and so much flavor I almost forgot I was in Costa Rica! After we ate we went about 20 minutes down the road and saw Danika’s niece and nephew. They are beautiful, sweet children and I can’t wait until I can communicate with them better. She and her sister are trying to encourage her nephew to learn more English and they hope me being around and having me speak English around him will help.

Enjoying a beer with Danika

After that we went to bed in preparation for todays a big day. We got up around 7 a.m. and went to Danika’s mother’s elementary school. Originally I was going to help there instead of the high school, but things changed. Danika’s mother still wants all of the children to know me though, so she took me around to all of the classrooms and introduced me to the children. After that we went to her father’s restaurant. He made us a delicious tipyco breakfast. His fried plantains are the best I have had yet. I’m not sure how he made them, but I want to learn.

After breakfast, we got in the car again for the 1 ½ hour drive from Piedras Blancas to Puerto Jimenez. I will be living with Danika’s sister I will be working at Puerto Jimenez High School. I met with the principle, Jessica (Danika’s sister), and an administrator to figure out what I am going to be doing. The school is fairly advanced and focuses a lot on math and science. They already have 6 English teachers. They want me to work with specific students in conversational Spanish. My understanding is that I will be with a specific group of children all day and I will go to all of their classes with them. I am only allowed to speak to students in English EXCEPT during their Spanish class, which is when I will get to learn.

I am staying in a modest two bedroom home with Jessica. We are about 20 miles outside of Puerto Jimenez. Our home is in the country. We have two neighbors, and lots of land surrounding us. There are even a few dogs roaming the property. My room is small, but more than enough for me. I have an air mattress and plenty of room for my clothes. Today the school is putting together my schedule for the next few months so I have a couple hours of free time. I wanted to go on a run or exercise, but it’s so stinking hot that I decided to take a nice cold shower instead. I am going to have to get up early and exercise, but I need to make sure to maintain that as a priority.

my bedroom

This evening when Jessica gets off she is going to take me to the beach closest to her house, which is supposed to be beautiful. Jessica loves teaching and is only going to be speaking Spanish to me at home. I wasn’t here 30 minutes and she had already given me my first lesson. I am fairly overwhelmed right now with the amount of Spanish being spoken to me. I don’t understand much, and people speak so fast. But I know that it is a very important part of this adventure. I am here to learn Spanish, I am here to immerse myself in another culture. Being overwhelmed is a part of the process.

Eventually I will start to understand more and I will be less overwhelmed; cold showers will not bother me, the heat will be normal, my hair will be under control, and I will be used to the bug bites.  In a few months I will start traveling and understanding these things and being able to speak Spanish will be absolutely necessary for me to get around. The reality of my adventure is setting in and I can’t wait to see where it goes. 

Love you!

Al

Al: Travel Day 2

4/4/15
Last night I had a fantastic dinner in Houston. My mom’s boyfriend took me to a New Orleans style restaurant. Thank God I didn’t grow up in New Orleans. I would be 500 lbs!!! The food was rich, crab filled, and delicious. I’m already planning a trip to New Orleans just to eat!

After I got back to the hotel I had a decision to make. I knew most of the solo travelers were at the bar upstairs. I had seen them and even met a few of them when I came in to the hotel. Everything in me wanted to take a bath, put on a movie, and go to bed. I had traveled most of the day and knew that I would be traveling for the next 2 days. But I knew if I was already having trouble opening up and meeting new people when I still spoke the language, that this whole trip would be a waste. I figured I could make excuses or I could buck up and go say hi.

Turns out it was a very interesting mix of people. There was a 50 something year old Canadian lady who was traveling solo to Guatemala. There was a gentleman going to visit his wife in Columbia. She had moved back there to help with her mother six months before, but he can’t leave his job in the U.S. There was a professional golf caddy who was in Houston with the PGA Tour. There was also an airplane pilot, who stressed how safe flying is and made me feel even better about flying. And finally there was a chef from Belize who had lived in London since he was 18. He is classically trained in French cuisine and is moving back to Belize to run the kitchen at 2 resorts.

I nursed two beers for a few hours and realized how easy it is to get talking to people when on the road. It was a great confidence booster for me and I’m glad I took the initiative. I went back to the room around 10:30 but ended up not falling asleep until 2 a.m. anyways, and I don’t think that would have been any different if I’d tried to go to bed early. I was too excited for today.

Day 2 begins:

I woke up at 4 a.m. (way before my alarm went off), got ready, and was at the airport by 5:30. It only took me 15 minutes to check in and get through security. I bought my last U.S. coffee and I ate a large breakfast. My flight was a little bumpy but mostly uneventful. I was seated in the middle of a group of high school kids from Redondo Beach. It was a little awkward, but I guess I should be getting used to being around kids. None of their chaperones were seated near us and I helped a bunch of them fill out their customs forms. Sitting near them, reminded me of how happy I am to be in my late 20’s and how much independence I have already achieved.

I arrived in Costa Rica around 10 a.m. I quickly went through immigration and customs. Thankfully I had done my research and I had all proof of my onward bus ticket, bank statements, etc. so it was fairly painless. I was picked up by a shuttle that I had arranged to take me to my next bus. I’m still getting used to having a backpack even though it’s small, its somewhat awkward. I’m already trying to figure out what I can dump.

I am currently waiting at the Holiday Inn Express for a bus pick up in 2 hours. This bus will take me into Quepos tonight. There, I will meet Danika, the girl whose mother I will be staying with. Tomorrow (I think) we will be driving to my final destination. I am exhausted and doubt I’ll get too much sleep tonight either, my mom even told me I look terrible, but I’m ignoring the tired and really enjoying my time.

Speaking of which, good news, the line app that my sister has been using in Tokyo works really well here too. As long as I have wifi I can text, call, or video chat anyone who has the app (so get it)! Anyways, that is all for now. I’m going to go have some empanadas.

Love you!

Al

P.S.-The empanadas were delicious!

Al: I'm On A Plane!

4/3/15

I’m doing it! I am on the plane. I have officially begun the journey that is the next phase of my life.

Two hours ago I said a tear-filled goodbye to my puppy (I probably have an unhealthy attachment to my dog). I rode to the airport, said goodbye to my mom and went through security.

Upon learning that there would be no inflight movie due to an internet malfunction, I immediately decided it was time to start writing. If writing can’t calm my fear of flying I doubt anything else could. So here goes.

The last 3 weeks has gone by so fast I’ve barely known what was happening. The minute I bought my ticket life became automatic chaos. I spent days researching, trying on, and ordering the stuff I would need for my trip. Since I don’t know how long I am going to be gone, where I am going, or what I will be doing, that meant buying a lot of stuff! I’m pretty sure the whole local REI staff knows who I am.

I rushed to visit every friend and family member I could get to. I spent much more time hanging out with friends than I had in months. I cooked all of my favorite meals. If I wasn’t cooking, I was going to all of the restaurants I had talked about going to for months. I made fantastic life decisions that I am beyond proud of. I made terrible life decisions that I never want to think about again. I went to my cousin’s wedding. I spent time with family. I drank more and stayed out later than I have since I was 21. I worked 6 days a week trying to save money. I had 2 going away parties in 2 days in 2 different cities (my friends & family are awesome). I have never felt so loved.

Unfortunately I got more stressed than I planned on. The emotional roller coaster I have been on has been like something out of a T Swift song. I go from excited, to scared, to sad to be saying goodbye to friends, and then back to excited all in a matter of minutes. I stopped sleeping and I barely ate. I was going to the gym to try to burn energy but that didn’t really help.

Yesterday I started packing (because who needs to pack ahead of time). I quickly realized there was no way all of my stuff would fit in my 55L backpack. I knew it was small when I chose it, but I am a petite person and I refuse to be weighed down by a bag that is too large for me to carry. I started pulling out everything that I thought I might not use. With a little help from my mom, and a lot of self-control I finally made everything fit.

On my first international trip (I was 14) I insisted my mom buy me this hedgehog figurine. That figure has been in a box for years. My mom suggested I bring him with me so I can have my own “traveling gnome” if you will. We decided to name him Happy the Hedgehog and his adventures will probably be more documented than mine.

On this first flight I am surrounded by children and families. The energy and excitement of the little ones has me even more excited than I realized I would be. When I land in Houston I will meet my mom’s boyfriend for dinner. Thank God my 14 hour layover happened to be in the same city my mom’s boyfriend lives in. It means I won’t have to sleep in an airport terminal just yet.

I feel so blessed to be able to have this experience. I understand that this adventure will be something I remember for the rest of my life. I am not going to take any of it for granted. I will live every day to its fullest.  I am so excited to see where this journey leads and I can’t wait to share more. I am sure I will write more when I am actually on my way to CR.

Until then, here is a picture of me leaving:

Love you!

Al