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08 June 2012
Farming requires patience -- especially a solo operation. With so much to tend to in the garden that is time-sensitive, it can become overwhelming. The options are to either try to do it all or accept that you simply cannot get to everything and let that be okay, maybe even find comfort in the continuous cycle. Sometimes, despite the wisdom we've acquired from trying to do too much in the past, we repeat this behavior anyway. I am coming off one of these cycles myself and have embarked on a little journey to Central America to unwind and explore.
I've never been a diligent journal writer, but I'm doing alright so far and I'll share my perspective here on the blog in The Backpack Chronicles, covering the places I visit, people I meet and their community, the environment and attitudes toward it, food and anything else that I think you might enjoy.
I left last Friday in quite a rush after having packed up most of my life to sublet while I am gone. A 14-hour layover in Mexico City offered a peek into the metropolis which I've been very curious to visit. I hear (from the New York Times) that the living wall scene is booming and that Mexico City is championing innovative ways to create green spaces and reduce pollution. I got to see one living wall upon exiting the metro station to head to the Condesa district. It was funded by Nissan, presumably to support the CO2 absorption from the massive car exhaust pollution, and had an interesting shape that arched over the busy street.
One thing that is noticeably different than the last time I traveled is the availability of wifi, which is really helpful. My friends will tell you I need to go offline in a major way which I've been doing for the most part, but the convenience really changes how you travel. No need to set aside internet time to figure out the next destination. I've had it in all but one hostel so far. Anyway, Mexico City was a breeze, but an enjoyable one. It reminded me a great deal of Cairo in that it's very dirty, littered with trash and has a similarly laid back attitude. Very different mentality in the acceptance of visible trash. I had amazing flautas on the street that didn't need any hot sauce (for once!) and had my ear chattered off by a lovely middle aged woman who wasn't at all put off by semi-unintelligible Spantalian. Everyone I met was incredibly kind and helpful (everyone = approx. 25 people I asked for directions).
One delay and 7 hours at the airport later, I arrived in Guatemala City around 3 a.m. last Friday... which I'll tell you about in the next chapter: Guate.
Hasta pronto,
Natasha
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