Thank You Muchas Gracias

It is amazing what alone time can do to rejuvenate the mind, body and soul. My hermit tendencies are an essential aspect of my Being. Thank you Nicaragua for this confirmed revelation. My previous post was rushed and a compilation of word vomit; my last ditch effort to somehow have a written record of a weeks worth of crazy adventures squeezed amidst 14 hour work days. Yesterday, after a blitzkrieg morning on autopilot, I retired to my hotel bed around 2pm and stayed there for 19 hours. Only getting up to use the bathroom and order dinner - delivered to my room of course. Today, after another crazy morning of work, I went for a long run followed by yoga in my room. Now I sit alone, drinking a glass of wine, listening to music, reading Absolutely On Purpose, and absorbing the energy of this restaurant (El Tercer Ojo) and most importantly this exact moment in my life. Less than 24 hrs ago I was feeling broken and over-used. An intention of mindful reconnection with ones Self has truly provided an unexplainable shift in perspective and energy. I feel grateful, happy and open. All smiles.

 

On another note, contemplation, thought and energy have been projected towards understanding my unquenchable need and desire for adventure, experience, and freedom. There's a fire within my soul, my whole Being, that continuously expands my vision of possibilities. Thank you Holly Beck for introducing me to the saying and therefore meaning of, "Anything is possible." That has changed my life, truly. I've listened and felt the extreme moments of euphoria followed closely by hardship. With those experiences, this adventure has thus far reaffirmed my need to "continue and keep on." Continue to laugh so hard my belly hurts, continue to clasp my hands together to find stillness from adrenaline and fear, continue to let go of control and schedule, continue to smile and project positivity no matter the situation or obstacle, continue to bow my head in exhaustion and allow tears to fall to release the utmost feeling of complete defeat, continue to be vulnerable and confident with that state, and and to continue to absorb energy, knowledge and experiences. Thank you life, thank you universe, thank you food and water, thank you to all whom have helped me find the inner confidence and self love I've lacked for far too long.

Tree along the drive to Momotombo

 

View from Tree House

 

Some food for thought: never doubt yourself. Never doubt a decision or choice - it's the choice you made, so it is correct. "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams, and live the life you have imagined" - Henry David Thoreau
We are all here to be a part of one another. Be kind, because it feels correct to be kind. So much love and gratitude to all whom have touched my life and my heart. I appreciate you.

Laguna at Momotombo

 

Laguna at Momotombo

 

 

Momotombo and lots of driving

Two things I have recently learned: Every day (or every few days – realistically) I want to do something that frightens me (just a LITTLE, so my heart races and I become a little braver) and volcanoes are amazing.

 

My most recent excursions have consisted of visits to Momotombo, Momotombito, and all the beauty and awesomeness around that area. It’s hard to truly explain the fun and craziness that I have had, other than my heart and soul are so happy.

 

Before the attempt to drive up the side of Momotombo

 

 

I attempted to drive up the side of Momotombo by paying a security guard 100 Cordoba. Pretty squirrelly situation. Needless to say, after driving up stream beds, past aloe plants, other plants not to be “identified”, and some of the wildest squirrelly situations, the route was blocked by a tree which had been struck by lightning the day before. I definitely was beyond nervous and felt the adrenaline pumping. WORTH IT! After a 10 point turn, we safely made it back to the bottom and clearly stopped to take some epic pictures along the way.

Tree along Momotombo

 

Another excursion consisted of exploring the Laguna below Momotombo. That was an experience in itself. We had to pay 50 Cordoba to a local landowner and ended up hiking down a pretty steep hill. The terrain is all volcanic rock, so super super slippery and of course I was wearing sandals. Anyways, the Laguna was unreal…unlike anything I have ever seen or experienced. It was completely secluded and there wasn’t road access. It was crystal clear water, silent and void of any human life. UNREAL.  The Laguna Masaya is supposed to be similar to the one I visited, except there are restaurants and touristy things to do there. Anyways, the hike back to the car was beyond amusing. I almost lost my Amigo, he had to stop twice because “his heart was beating in his head and he couldn’t breathe.” I have never laughed so hard. I have also visited Old Leon as well as Old Managua.

Old Managua

The past two days have been 8-10 hours worth of driving due to round trips far out east. I am pretty tired, but the experiences are beyond worth it. This world and life has so much to offer. Anyways, five more days of work – then the real Nica exploring and adventuring begins!!! Oh, and now, I am staying through December 18^th…maybe I will just buy some land and take up residency in Nica?! Anything is possible. Peace and Love!

San Miguelito

 

The moon is pretty special down here

 

"Peace" with Growth and Evolution

 

Peace from Brito

 

I am grateful for the growth and self-discovery this adventure continuously offers. Letting go of all control (schedules, plans, times, etc.) and always being able to adapt and evolve to any situation with no notice has been my past week…ha, who am I kidding, my whole stint here in Nicaragua. I guess it’s just starting to hit deeper as I get more exhausted and pushed harder.  Oh, and on top of literally “going with the flow;” I’ve definitely been forced to feel and acknowledge my boundaries in terms of being pushed to accomplish the overall goal no matter what is thrown in my direction (example: typical 14 hour days with unforeseen obstacles and more “errands” to rectify situations than I can even begin to describe). Anddd, getting all of this accomplished in a country where I still don’t speak the language (trying to learn a little more everyday) and a culture that is beyond foreign to the “hustle and bustle” lifestyle Americans tend to lead… life down here is best referred to as operating on “Nica time.” With all that said, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

 

The most kick ass boat ever created. Literally floating on air.

The geology, geography, biology (obviously all the other ology(s)), people, lifestyle, weather and overall experience have been truly life changing. Every single moment of every single day is an adventure. I don’t really know any other way to put it. By referring to each moment as an adventure actually feels as though I am generalizing this experience and not giving it the true respect and attention it deserves, but honestly it’s not something that can possibly be articulated. This experience truly has to be felt with your heart and soul and lived with your pure self. I really believe and feel as though everything I have been through thus far in my life has had a purpose and has prepared me to appreciate the present moment of where and who I am. If you know me in any intimate capacity you know this belief in self-confidence and enjoyment I am living and feeling has been a struggle, journey and challenge (but aren’t we all facing our own battles?). Anyways, my point is that I have never felt this comfortable and confident; coincidently while being the furthest I have ever been from anything I have ever known to bring me comfort and security.

Yewwww life is truly amazing. I leave you with two quotes that have inspired me today:

#1 – A line from one of my favorite groups and songs: “What good is living the life you’ve been given if all you do is stand in place?”

AND

# 2 - This quote was sent to me today when I was getting super squirrelly (Thank you Barb J). Today especially, it truly resonates: “People grow through experience if they meet life honestly and courageously. This is how character is built.” –Eleanor Roosevelt

PS – 3 ½ weeks in Nicaragua with 2 ½ to go. Time has FLOWN bye. I am wowed.

Lots of peace, love and happiness...

Liz

 

 

Gringo Everything

Life in Nica is finally starting to feel real. The newness and adrenaline of a different country, culture, and opportunity is fading. I'm starting to find my routines and actually didn't say "bonito" nonstop today when passing the multiple volcanoes while cruising from town to town. To be clear, I'm blown away and feel incredibly open and appreciative of each and every adventure; however, I feel like an adult (maybe my 8yr old self verses 3yr old), and not totally squirrelly - like a kid in a candy store.

 

 

Other exciting news, I got my first few days off since arriving in Nica over two weeks ago. I spent my time at El CocoLoco with some Amiga's I connected with through Surf with Amigas (still recommend doing it, if you're even thinking of it, stop thinking and just commit!). I can't quit explain how awesome it was to see familiar faces and have a bit of comfort. Also, the food was awesome, walking barefoot with my gringo footsies was killer, the surf stellar, hammock time my favorite, and I got to experience baby turtles. The perfecto few days off to recharge if you ask me. Most importantly I had some down time which gave me the opportunity to think and reflect. Honestly, I don't miss "home." I feel a little lost in terms of what that feeling truly means, but I am solid in knowing I'm destined for adventuring and experiencing beauty beyond words. I've been pretty hell bent on independence and confidently knowing I don't need anyone or anything except true love and respect for myself to be happy; but I had a serious realization surfing alone around sunrise this morning. Brandi Carlile says it best: "All of these lines across my face, Tell you the story of who I am, So many stories of where I've been, And how I got to where I am, But these stories don't mean anything, When you've got no one to tell them to."

 

 

So, after all the craziness my life has been these past 6 months which lead me to this moment and this experience, I'd say I'm grateful. I'm grateful for the people currently in my life in which I get to share my experiences with. (Huge shout out to beach4barb, FaceTime for life laaaaady)! Thank you awesome people, I'm stoked on life :)
Lots of love and happiness!
Liz

 

Kissing the cutest thing ever...BABY TURTLES!

 

Seriously one of the most adorable things I have been a part of...releasing baby turtles :)