Posts filed under ‘Honduras’
Year in Review
It feels like just a few months ago that we were out drunk celebrating the arrival of 2009. After reading Time’s Year in Review, I got to time traveling to the highlights of this year for me.
If I could sum up 2009 into one word, it would be: travel. And not travel where I sit poolside, basking in the sun while some handsome waiter serves me Pina Coladas. In fact, the most memorable of these experiences was hardly planned and consisted of making the most of a small budget.
2008-me wouldn’t have ever imagined that she’d be volunteering in Honduras, witnessing Obama’s inauguration in DC, driving along the California coast in a rented convertible, flying in a small plane across Maine, and traveling all on her own to Spain for a week (and loving it). Ok, it feels a bit weird speaking about myself in third-person.
Like any year, 2009 had its downs. One of my close friends passed away and I am still haunted by how quickly we lost him. Sometimes it doesn’t feel real.
What I choose to carry on onto next year is the memories. Cherishing what experience has taught me (and continues to teach me), reliving the happiness I felt, the risks I took, the changes I accepted and the friendships I built.
Bring it on 2010 and here’s to another exciting, adventure-filled year! Happy (early) new year blog-readers 
Saints Bracelets
(sold on Gringas and Company)
Saints bracelets were never that common while I was growing up. Most people use prayer beads or cross ornaments. Others overdo it with layers of crosses, 3D Christ on the crucifix or Mary symbols.
It wasn’t until my trip to Honduras that I learned about Saints bracelets. I brought one for my friend who was in the hospital while I was there, and have worn one since.
I’m not particularly religious, but have been raised with Christian beliefs and traditions. One of them, for example, took place today. My mother and I drove up to Harissa (a large statue overlooking Jounieh and the sea). Whenever you have a new car it’s tradition (or maybe even a little superstition) to drive it up to Harissa for blessing and protection from accidents.
While there, I wandered into the souvenir shop (Harissa is extremely touristic with people visiting from all over the Arab world). I just couldn’t decide on which Saints bracelet I wanted! They all looked so interesting!! I love how detailed the images on each one is and the stories behind all the saints that wrap around your wrist.
South American, or Latin cultures tend to wear these bracelets more than others. A salesman once asked if I was Puerto Rican because of it! I’ve started spotting them in trendy shops, like Metropark, but the religious implications remain.
Countdown to Honduras!
A little more than a week to go and I’ll be making my way down to Honduras!!! One of my dreams is finally coming true and here’s a chance to make a big difference to people who really need it.
Ever since my cousins made their way with “Builders Beyond Borders” to Ecuador and Guatemala a few years ago, I’ve had my heart set on doing the same thing when the opportunity came forth… and it did in a delightfully unexpected, unplanned way 
This experience will certainly change my life in ways I can’t even imagine right now. As part of the program, we’ll be in La Esperanza for a week building homes for impoverished families. I’ve also never been to that part of the world so that in itself will be a huge eye-opener.
Just today I received a little kit from the organization (i-to-i travel) that we’re going with. Check out the cool t-shirts we’ll be wearing:
says "Meaningful Travel"
I still have two more vaccines to take (this week) and some light shopping to do. We’ll be getting down and dirty most of the time, so tees and shorts will be the most essential. Ahhh… it’ll be so nice to be in tropical weather for a few days! Where does one buy a mosquito net btw?!
My parents are naturally freaking out. Parents will be parents, right? People travel the world all the time and it’s not like I’m flying to Baghdad. And you’d think that being from Lebanon – which is a country the world has a negative image of because of political disputes and war-torn history – would make them more gutsy about sending me to a similar country. I’m not worried. Can’t wait is closer to how I feel right now!
