Just got back from Antigua today- such a great trip. But before I get into that, I want to talk about life in Santa Lucía.
We’ve kind of been saying that the “honeymoon period” is over- which is true to some degree. Things just aren’t new and exciting- life is more routine- or as routine as things can get around here (which isn’t very…).
Although, I do have some exciting news. So I’ve mentioned before how my job is definitely a part of Shoulder to Shoulder, but yet kind of stands alone- I don’t report to anyone here, and I basically work alone. While I absolutely love the study, I’ve been wanting to do something that’s more involved with Shoulder to Shoulder itself. When Art and Dick were here, they mentioned to me becoming involved with pharmacy. Alex leaves in December- for good- and his work here is incredibly important. Doris would ideally take over, but she is unsure about her future here with S2S. So that’s kind of where I come in—I am to observe what she does and work with her to learn how to work in the pharmacy. Which is awesome because she and I get along so well and she’s great about helping me with things. She and I talked today about me leaving for good—a sad conversation, so we cut it short. So while originally I was to train and learn about her job, because she recently told Alex she wasn’t sure if she was going to stay here, I am now training for Alex’s job as well—pharmacy director. I’m not sure exactly where it will go- whether I’ll actually do the work, or just train someone else to do the work. Either way, I’m incredibly excited to work with pharmacy. Art, Dick, and Alex phrased it well with “welcome to team pharmacy”. I tried my best to contain my excitement when talking to them about it- but it’s hard for me to not let on when I’m excited.
So I’ve been really busy with that lately. The beginning of the month is when med orders go through meaning Alex (and now myself as well) first unload and stock the bodegas with meds, then review the orders from the outlying clinics, see if they should receive more or less meds (a puzzle really), then pack up the boxes of meds to be delivered to the clinics. It is quite the process. Alex is also really great about showing me stuff. I’m sure I’m annoying always asking questions and wanting to help- but he handles it well and appreciates my efforts and excitement. We definitely spent a ton of time doing pharmacy stuff last week- I felt like his shadow, but it was fun. I’m posting a pic of the stocked bodega here in SL below:
Now that med orders are out, we have to prepare for the brigade coming. There is also going to be a 2 month supply store here in Santa Lucía and in Conce starting soon—something that will definitely change how pharmacy runs, in a good way. It’s exciting to think where this will all go…
Side note- last weekend we all hung out drinking and smoking hookah on the porch. Such a blast.
Anyway- on to Antigua:
Ashley and Beth left Wednesday, while Yuan, Alan and I left Thursday. The bus left at noon and we arrived in la Esperanza for dinner. The following morning we left from Esperanza around 4:30, arrived in San Pedro, and from there took the bus to Copan which continued onto Antigua. Finally arrived in Antigua Friday night around 9 or 10—a lot of traveling, but so worth it.
Met up with Ashley, Beth, and Karla and we all went out to eat—finished dinner around midnight, grabbed a beer at a pub, then crashed. For real, it was SO good to see Karla! Really do miss her around here, but she is really enjoying life there and I’
m so happy for her.The following day we strolled around the city and got breakfast at a really cute and chill café- Rainbow Café. From there we walked around some more, shopped at the market for a while, then caught a 2pm bus to Volcan Pacaya. The bus ride was fun- there were all kinds of travelers on the bus- 2 gorgeous women from Norway, an couple from India (and the guy went to NC state for grad school!), two Estonian women, and us gringos. It’s incredible to think how so many people from so many different places travel around and meet
each other. I absolutely love witnessing it. Sergio, ou
r tour guide, labeled us the tigres, and after an hour and a half of hiking and sightseeing, we got as close to the volcano as we could. We brought marshmallows with us, so Sergio roasted them over the lava that was under some rocks. The sights were unreal. We were able to see the sunset with only a few clouds obstructing the view. It’s crazy to think- we spent the evening hiking to a vol
cano, and we toasted marshmallows with people from all over—is this really my life?That night we went out to eat again and then hit up a dance club. Took a while to settle on a place, but once we were there it was a blast. Some of the group left early, but Yuan, Karla and I stayed and danced until close- fun times.
The following day was the highlight of my trip. After getting brunch at the Bagel Barn (so good!) we got a jalon up to Earth Lodge- an avocado farm outside of Antigua. Legit, this place was incredible. We hiked down for a bit, following signs leading us to the lodge. The place was amazing—wish I could describe the vibe there. The first thing you see when you walk up is just a beautiful patch of land, with a cabin/lodge area, with hammocks and lounge chairs scattered around. The view was amazing—in the distance you could see Volcano Fuego and another city. The people working there were so chill- very down to earth and mellow. Exactly what I needed at that point. We all dropped our stuff off in the cabin dorm (the tree houses were booked—sad) and then got drinks at Happy Hour (3pm). There was a hoop laying o
n the gro
und, so naturally I picked it up and began to hoop. Met Ramona, the receptionist/bartender and she and I chatted it up about hooping. She taught me a new trick I want to work on. Wish I could describe how awesome it was to be there- hooping while taking in the view, and then lounging in a hammock with a gin and tonic in my hand. I really want to go back. At 5 pm was the main event- Canadian Thanksgiving. Jazz and some 
of the others that work there made the most amazing dinner! Stuffing, eggplant, turkey, salad, potatoes, etc. And pumpkin and apple pies for dessert. We also met two other travelers—a woman from England who is beginning a 6 month travel adventure and a guy from Scotland who was so great! It was a blast to just hang out, laughing and enjoying each other’s company. The rest of the night was chill- I hung out outside on the hammock for a while after dinner, bought some new earrings from Jazz (they’re pretty sweet), then joined everyone in front of the fire until we all were too tired to keep talking.
Ashley and I stayed at Earth Lodge the next day until after lunch, while everyone else went back to do various things. The afternoon was spent lounging in the park in Antigua before moving our stuff to the Jungle Party Hostel. I have to say, I wish I could do more traveling and hostel-ing. I love the vibe in hostels (not that I’ve been to many…)—young travelers from all over hanging out and wanting to have a good time. Definitely something I want to do in the future.
The following morning at 3am is when we began the trek back to SL. Short funny story-- I had to run after the bus because it left me as I was using the bathroom in a gas station...of course, that would happen to me. After I got back on the bus- it hit a cow in the road. Yes, that actually happened.
After 2 days of traveling, we are now back home, and we actually just moved upstairs to the apartment. It’s weird to have moved- I was really comfortable downstairs living with Ashley and Yuan. Now I have a room that I’ll be sharing with Jess and Yuan- but they are also living in Conce, so I’m sort of on my own? Another girl, Caitlin, is coming soon, and I’m pretty sure she’ll be staying here as well.
So those are all the updates I have—not very reflective, I know- but I’m sure I’ll be back to that soon :)
Miss everyone at home—only 2 more months and I’ll see everyone again!
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