Cabarete, Dominican Republic - Workaway experience

I haven't updated my blog for 2 whole weeks. There's a reason behind, and I will explain it shortly. On April 13, I landed the capital, Santo Domingo. I was hosted at my friend's 3-story house for a week. Forgive me if I spoil the story of my two weeks in this town full of the fusion of humble successful people and people that are too afraid to leave, oh, and locals that spend every minute trying to rip money off tourists. 

Features: 

Surfing ---- Sankies --- ear infection (deaf experience) --- Articulation inability syndrome --- consistent weariness --- everyday is weekend --- the influence in personality --- the question of purpose --- Long distance relationship --- home sickness --- acquisition of new skills --- 'fucking make things happen'

Given my reluctance to do research prior to visiting a place, I ended up working at a hostel at a gated community in exchange for free meal and free accommodation. Typical traveler in Cabarete would stay for at least a month or two, for this reason, the hostel life here is very familial. You wake up to see the same people in the kitchen, lounge and swimming pool everyday. Surfing, Kite surfing and beaches are inextricable to Cabarete. There is not a single person I met that had not tried surfing, if never before, Cabarete would definitely give you enough incentive to try. This is where I started my first surfing session, on the translucent Caribbean water. 

For the first time in my life, I lived without reasons, without feeling the urge to jump off the bed and achieve a goal. Strangely, two weeks past speedily, especially when there is really not much of a difference between weekend and weekdays in Cabarete. There's always restless nightlife Mondays through Sundays and then Sundays through Mondays. They kept convincing me ' it is alright. You are on vacation.' But then, these are people that are constantly traveling without a set return date and are forever in vacation. I would like to think that I am out on a mission making an impact; if not on others, at least on myself.  Aside from meeting ever-wandering travelers, sankies (a dominican term for local domnican men who mostly work on the beach and try to make foreign women fall for them, then get them pregnant to achieve the great ultimate purpose of legally leaving Dominican Republic), rich foreigners that successfully set up business here, I also met this last group - foreigners that detest the majority of Dominicans, but are subjugated to the excitement in a lawless territory. They end up staying here for months or years. They know they are not going to spend the rest of their lives here, but are somehow too afraid to leave. 

Long-distance Boyfriend VS adventures 

I was inspired by these young folks who chose to leave their own countries and manage to make a living with nothing but their bare hands, the agility of minds, and the ability to seize opportunity. Everything seems possible here, like my 22-year-old British buddy from the hostel said you just have to 'go fucking make things happen'. For a week, my mind was stirred up to believe in myself and take initiative to make things happen. Then my boyfriend who is left behind in the US asked me few questions 'what is your priority in life? Am I in it? Do you still miss me? Are you never coming back to California?' To be honest, I was speechless. 

Then I asked myself do I want a regular life - graduate, work a mainstream job, get married, have kids. Do I? And do I want to spend the rest of my life with someone that is completely the opposite of myself? I struggled for one whole miserable week to come up with a bucket list/ life goals or whatever you name it. 

1. I am going to complete this journey and make the most out of this adventure
2. I am going to nursing school in September
3. I am going to be a writer
4. I am going to set up my own business in central/ South America
5. I am going to get a Spanish- English and Italian-English translation certificate 
5. I am going to get married (hopefully at 28)

About my boyfriend, I don't know where the relationship is going to go as I won't be going to schools in California for the next two years, but I know I love him and he loves me no matter what.  

Ear infection & Articulation Inability Syndrome

My week had been miserable also because without a describable reason, the amassed stacks of words discreetly slipped off my head day by day as if a parasite has been consuming the linguistic part of my brain. I have been having a hard time expressing myself as well as understanding others in any one of the languages I know of. My brain lagged and processed slowly like a bicycle cautiously making its way through pebbles and sand.  For this reason, I was not able to write. It is not an excuse, but a scary syndrome that I cannot find ways to explain. And I cannot blame on the ear infection I got from surfing either because it happened after. But soon, I will find a cure to that!  

And then water filled up my left ear, I have not been able to drain it out for days. I had never broken my arms or twisted my ankles, so being partially deaf was the closest to physically disabled experience I've ever had. The most repeated phrase of the week has been 'what? I can't hear you!'. Now I know how it feels to be different. I could just helplessly smile and nod when a big group of people was firing words and they sounded just like muffled humbles to me. I automatically tried to read lips as people asked me questions in order to get more clues. I might have replied wrongly or I might have been shouting, I wouldn't know. It is not easy and I bestow so much respect on those who have been dealing with more severe long-term condition and have a positive attitudes. 

I know I will be okay soon. I have been telling myself  'this is just temporary.' 

Change in personality & the acquisition of new skills

Cabarete turns me into a stronger person that stands firm and stands up for myself as well for others. Almost every single motor taxi driver would try to rip you off at least triple the reasonable price. Innocent tourists are the deadly victims. It is not about few dollars, it is about honesty and matter of principal. 

A month on this small piece of land gave me an incentive to pick up new hobbies and take the chance to master them.  I tried surfing, biking, playing pool...


The castle-like hostel 

Cooking by the river. Traditional Banana and chicken soup. 

Kite beach!

Look at the waves! They are just there to solicit for the laughter from the bottom of your heart?

8 Interesting "Facts"About Honduras

After spending one whole month in Honduras, I would conclude my stay with the following observations and first-hand accounts from the locals.

1) Age 21 is not exclusive to United States
 United States is probably the only country on earth that legally prohibits the consumption of alcohol under the age of 21. The minor can drive, live alone, and travel around the globe, but savor a driblet of fermented ethanol. In Honduras, from 18 years old, one is allowed to take up conventional adult responsibilities except for traveling. Before turning 21, don't even think about leaving the country without your parents' signatures on official documents.

2) Breastfeeding is Culture-bound
There is not a definite answer as to how many months should moms be breastfeeding their children, however, different culture might have greater tendency towards certain duration. Honduran women tend to breast feed their newborns for up to at least 6 months.

3) No Smoking While Driving
Without questions, "No phone while driving" and "No driving under influence" are universal laws. However, tucking a cigarette in between fingers are risky enough to get pulled over and fined. I accentuate I am not promoting corruption, yet in Honduras ( as well as most Latin American countries), police is known to be "the thieves". Your fate wouldn't be as painful if you simply pay off the fine directly to the cops. 

4) Some Hondurans cannot drink green tea
A pot of steamy green tea after meal is known to be a secret formula for weight loss and better digestion. As far as I noticed, some Honduran women would end up with a terrible diarrhea or slight upset stomach after the consumption of  green tea. However, as we learned in school,correlation does not imply causation, so we could likely suggest that certain Honduran women lack digestive agent for green tea.

5) Monthly Minimum wage of $540USD
Different countries, or even different states have their own law regarding the minimum wage to protect workers' rights. Take California as an example, the current minimum wage is $10/hour. Given the normal working routine of  a normal full-time laborer- 8hours/day, 5 days/ week, the monthly minimum wage would come out to be $1600. In contrast, the minimum wage in Honduras in roughly about $540USD. It is understandable why the underprivileged would rather risk their lives for a chance in the United States of the land of freedom.

6) Invasion of American Chains
Before I left the U.S., the last meal I had wished to have so badly was Johnny Rockets. I was quite disappointed I didn't get the chance to, but then I found out there is Johnny Rockets here in Honduras. More of its American fellows came along to Honduras too! McDonalds, Burger king, Friday's, Denny's, Dunkin Donuts, KFC, Popeyes, payless, little Ceasers,Basket Robin, forever 21... Honestly, what is in United States that is worth to be remembered for?    

7)chicken wings +beer
Food is always the single most significant foundation that connects people. The combination of teriyaki/fried/honey chicken with an ice-cold beer is the newly-submerged trend for social gathering!

8) Treatment of Criminals/Suspects
In Honduras, Police troops usually cruise around town in trucks. The front seats can mostly fit 3-4 people. And criminals/suspects and the rest of the crew would be hanging out in the bed of the truck shamelessly parading around the city. 

i) Insect repellent
ii) Cream for insect bites
iii) Hand sanitizer (some places don't have hand soap in the bathroom)
iv) bandage
v) a small pack of tissue paper
vi)  moisturizer (some places get really dry!)

Gracias, Lempiras, Honduras - Town of Peace

Most tourists would follow the Lonely Planet route and make a brief stop at Gracias, a town around 2.5 hours away from Copán Ruinas. I reached Gracias on a Sunday afternoon. The first action I took was to replenish myself with a cup of Honduran cafe con leche at this two-level domed coffee house in the heart of the central park. That sort of westernized coffee house called Plaza café attracts many other tourists to take a panoramic view and mull the to-do list over. What I like Gracias the most is that you can easily access to different public Wifi within a short distance. The second thing I like the most about Gracias is that most hotels allow you to pay after. I walked around the entire town center looking for the cheapest hotel room. In the end, I accommodated myself at Hotel Colonial (about $9.5 USD/ 200 Lempiras per night for a private room and bath.) I pulled out my wallet and realized I barely had 270 Lempiras! So I thought I would still have 70 Lempiras for dinner after paying for hotel, but to my surprise they had no problem with me paying whenever I decide to check out. Instead of utilizing computer record, the business functions through Trust system. 

I would totally recommend customizing your own Pizza at Kafe Kandil. Melting cheese is strewn all over the surface! Yummmm...Mine was mushroom, spinach and tomato! ( about $12USD)

The old Churches are worth to be admired. 

This is the Coffee towel I was telling you about! 

I had this Pescado fritto for Lunch. Fried fish is quite typical in Honduras, especially in small towns.

Take a motor taxi to Fuerte san Cristóbal and have a bird's view of Gracias. 

La montaña Celaque is the highest mountain in Honduras where it is said to be a legend that on the very top of the mountain, one can feel the definition of Gracias (gratefulness) from inside and out. Unfortunately,  I did not have the right equipment to climb up the summit since it is more of a 2-day camping trip. But I caught a glimpse of its magnificence! 

These household jars of preserved food look like a exhibition of Art.

You are recommended to go to the local hot spring ( agua termales) too! It is only 30 Lempiras ( about $2 USD) for a luxurious warm-water immersion! Have Fun! See you in Dominican Republic next! 

Los Naranjos - The Great Land of Green (No photoshop done!)

I opened my eyes from the fantasyland feeling determined to explore the real-world fairyland for my last couple days in Honduras. So I finished up my breakfast in fiber-optic speed, and spontaneously left for the central bus station (La estación central) in San Pedro Sula. I took the El mochito bus (50 Lempiras) for about 2.5 hours to a lodge called D&D Brewery in Los Naranjos. I briefly read through info of this lodge on the internet and I ended up staying here for 3 nights. I shared a room with 3 other international travelers who soon became my dear friends. The beauty of backpacking is sharing a brief part of your life journey with like-minded people that hold similar values, cherish independence and individual uniqueness, and aim for inner peace and happiness as opposed to bank notes and infinite materials. In today's world, society squeezes the juice out of each brand-new production, mashed it up with others to form a mass equally-flavored product. Growing up, I have had strong desire to rebel. I wish I could be like others that are willing to submit and ingratiating themselves with others, but that idea disgusted me. In this hub, I felt immensely connected with these minority of 'divergent population'. Everyone is passionate about loving others and having full control of his/her own life. And in the end of the day, we all have to split ways and head to wherever we need to go. 

With my new buddies, we explored Los Naranjos, a region which is gracefully impregnated with rain forest mountains, Yojoa lake. precious species of birds, plantation, national parks and waterfalls. It is doubtlessly a land of super Green! 

Panacam - Parque national Cerra-Azul
From Peña Blanca, we took a bus (5 Lempiras) to Santa Elena and then a motor taxi up to Panacam. The entrance fee for the national park is about $7USD. The entire hike is 7km. The mountain is like the miniature of Amazon rain forest. The surrounding space is covered by fresh green leaves. The panoramic views from the 4 vista point of different sea level are magnificent. The whole world of nature is under your feet and we can trust mother nature to keep us safe and peaceful. 

 fairytale woods!

The waterfall is such an incredible natural massage to improve blood circulation.
  

Of course, We couldn't miss out on the deep blue Yojoa Lake, the largest lake in Honduras. The best way to feel the water is to be in the heart of it. We rowed a boat out to the lake for 50 Lempiras. I was feeling the dreamy romantic boat rowing scene in the Notebook and The painted Veil! 

 Not only is the lake stunning, but the little passage along by the lake is full of green vitality as well.

$6.8 a dorm with 4 beds. The secured area composed of a swimming pool, a bar restaurant, dinning area, cabins and tents, and my favorite bonfire place. The Blueberry pancakes are fresh and delicious and the staff are very amiable.

Tip!!!! DONT FOREGET TO SPREAD insect repellent! It is a tropical area after all!

Copán Ruinas - The Mayans and Mountains

Copán Ruinas is a small touristic town about 2 hours of distance from San Pedro Sula. It gives a completely different sensation diffused with strong tradition, culture and safety in oppose to that of San Pedro Sula. Almost every single villager know one another. Their happiness comes from making an impact on someone else´s day and connecting with come-and-go people. Everyone is very friendly and is eager to be your friend. I couldn´t help but believe this place was the resurrection of the old-time medieval peace. It is blessed with magnificent mountains and valuable bird species as well!



At Parque de Avez. Entrance fee $10USD
Honduras prides itself on its tropical birds.
Toucan (los ranfástidos)






The rainbow-colored Honduras national bird- Scarlet Macaw (Guacamayas). One of them literally said 'hello' to me!



It was my first time seeing an owl twisting its head 360 degree.






Freshly made Paletas (like our Popsicles). You could taste the fresh fruits flavor and chew on the strawberry seeds <3





Parque Arqueológico de Copán. Basic entrance fee for foreigners- $15 USD. Among all the countries of Mayan evidence (Mexico, Guatemala, Beliz, Honduras...), Honduras has the least amount of architectures or Mayan legacy, yet the drawings were the most definite and detailed.











The Mayans had foresight of today´s hamburger!




Luna Jaguar Spa & Resort (Aguas Termales). Entrance fee $10-15USD depending where you get the tickets.Aguas Termales de Copán Ruinas is right up the mountain with clean and fresh stream of mountain water. The journey uphill is very pleasing. I was embraced by mother nature. Every passing 'mountainer' greeted us with the utmost sincerity and brightest smile.

 You can totally stay here for the entire day! After such natural treatment, I felt more attractive from inside out! 

 Mud!

To fight against 28Degree of heat, what is a better method than dipping yourself in cool water in the river?  

Happy quality family time!  

i learned the word Tadpole in kindergarten, but had never actually seen one!

The wooden bridge that seems ready to split itself  just anytime the lucky one pass through!

 Cars need to cool down too!

Night life is quite vigorous here! When weekends come, who cares about the end of the world? Just go dancing in the local bars! I wish I had pictures of the bars and people dancing, but I was too busy being part of the scene, I didn't get to take pictures.

Street food in the central park is the best! 

I was lucky enough to catch this festive moment n Copán Ruinas. Throughout all parts of Honduras, Easter is celebrated in a similar manner. Over night, people volunteered to help design and pave the roads with color powder to form las alfrombras (the carpet)

The following evening, procesión occurred where religious figures are demonstrated around the town.