Rough travel and long bus rides have taken a toll on this weary traveller wandering afar. By now my skin has been kissed golden by the tropical sun and my limbs have seen the battered scars of countless insect assaults. Yet, some how it´s all worth it to see a glimpse of the extraordinary ordinary of simple life in trying enviroments. The surprise is always recognizing the triumph and resilience of the human spirit inspite of all that might be hurled our way.
Such like last evening, after having spent the entire day traversing from Leon, Nicaragua through Hondoras, then crossing the El Salvadorian border, changing busses twice just to get to San Miguel, and finally a taxi ride up the hills to an unspoiled town of Alegria. The altitude here is about 1,500 meters – after being exposed to weeks to the fiery sun, it´s good respite to have a hint of temperate weather. Again, in these parts the towns are not much to speak of, but the people, as with everywhere else, make all the difference. They know you´re passing through only, but it´s still a blessing to greet them as they greet you; and for a moment, enjoy the humbling experience with unaffected smiles and forget the troubles of the world. Most everyone in these parts will go out of their way to help you. And despite what the travel guides might caution, thus far I´ve seen not the least iota of trouble.
As with all the passing fancies of life, I´m not sure how long I´ll linger here, but locals speak of a legendary mermaid in the laguna thirty minutes from here, formed from an extinct volcano.