From Honduras to Mexico

In the month of November I was in Honduras and went through El Salvador and Guatemala pretty quick. My goal was to arrive in Mexico by December 1st to spend as much time as possible with my family who lives here.

So after Honduras I took the TICA Bus which goes from Panama to Tapachula, Mexico. Very great service and not too expensive. From Honduras to El Salvador I paid $15; from El Salvador to Guatemala $17, from Guatemala to Mexico $32. Tica Bus is a great way to cross borders because of their good reputation with immigration, it makes the process a lot easier.

The only border that where I was checked more than usual was El Salvador. From the entire bus only two were asked to get off to check their baggage, and I was one of them. I think they thought it was unusual to see a girl on her own traveling. So I took my bag off the bus and poor officer had to go through all my bags. The way I pack to create more space and organization is by putting everything in ziplock bags (good packing tip).

my packing technique!

So to check my backpack took about 30 minutes; the other passengers weren’t so happy about that. I in the other hand did not mind, and actually was grateful that there was some form of immigration checking.

In El Salvador I only spent two days. I spent it eating pupusas, at the beach and with my Salvadorian friend. 

After El Salvador, I was back on the TICA bus on my way to Guatemala. Crossing to Guatemala was simple as well and I was excited to finally see anti-trafficking posters at the border cross. I was impressed that the poster was not only to bring awareness of trafficking but it educates the reader about the difference of Smuggling people and Human-Trafficking.

Anti-trafficking poster

As soon as I arrived to the City of Guatemala I went straight to Antigua, which is about an hour away. In Guatemala I spent only 3 days. My time in Antigua was spent with the indigenous women who go to the city to sale their hand made art. I had an amazing time chatting with them and helping them attract the “gringos” to their stand 😀 Here are some pics of the ladies in my photoblog: RaquelCorina Photography

After Guatemala I took a bus to Tapachula, Mexico in Chiapas. OOOHH and how happy I was to be heading to Mexico. I had a smile the entire drive to Mexico which was about 7 hours. I was so happy one because I have family to see in Mexico and two because the ENTIRE year I was waiting for the moment to step on Mexico land. On the bus I think the reality of this incredible trip hit me. I kept thinking, WOW I cant believe I just crossed South and Central America in a span of one year and most of the way on my own! Its exciting when I think about it 🙂 

So now to Mexico! I will be stopping in Oaxaca, Guanajuato and Chihuahua. If I had more money I would go everywhere in 20 days! But I am in my last dollar so I figured if I go see family it will save me $$ jaja 🙂 

AHH Life is good! 

Next Stop Oaxaca!

Critical time in Honduras

I arrived to Honduras from Nicaragua five days ago. It took, thankfully only ONE bus, and twelve hours to arrive to San Pedro Sula. The cross was very simple with no security at all. I didn’t even see an immigration officer, the bus driver took care of all the passengers passport entry stamp. All I had to do was pay $8USD. With the way I think and see borders, I hope there is more security in the future to prevent the already heavy flow of human trafficking.  One day I will return and bring awareness or do something!

As I arrived to Honduras, I realized that the country was in election season, which I SHOULD have read before coming. Any who.. I went straight to San Pedro Sula where my cousin William lives with his family. I haven’t seen my cousin in 5 years so it was a great three days to see him and meet his precious baby.

After three days, I took a 5 hour bus to Tegucigalpa, the capitol. On the bus I began to hear talking about fear of the elections. I sat by a very informed 19 year old, whom is fed up with the violence and government directions of his country. He and other people informed me that there might be rioting due to the elections and Honduras being as dangerous as it is already, I was taken back a little. The 19 yrold was kind to help me find my place in the big city.

As I arrive to my host home (very comfortable and nice apt), I was introduced to a Salvadorian and a Chileno who are living in Honduras. They start to tell me of the fears that they feel due to the elections and they advice me to leave asap just in case something happens and I am stuck for a week or months in Honduras. The fears come from the rioting of the people due to fraud that they witness years back. The fear is also in the government rioting against the winner of the elections, if it is not in their favor. So there are currently lots of eyes opened while they wait for a new president. At the moment there is just fear but being here and as I was out in the streets, all I see is government militants to provide security. NO violence, NO people in the streets, it seems deserted. 

So as I wait with my host, watching the news every hour and looking out our window, we are hoping for a better future for Honduras.

Tomorrow I leave to El Salvador in the wee hours. Even though it is a bit unsteady, it is amazing to see history take place in Honduras. 

Until next time Honduras!

To see more info on Honduras check out these articles

WashingtonPost

Four days in Nicaragua

Me with the Nicaragua flag!

My time in Nicaragua was very brief and only in Managua. I arrived during the evening to Hostel Backpackers Inn, where they charge about $10 the night (no breakfast included). Overall it was a good hostel, with a nice pool and comfy pillow. There was only one restroom that was functioning, so that was a little iffy, but not too big of a deal.

The first day in Managua I spent doing NOTHING, which is so wonderful if you have been traveling for a long period of time. You know how everyone who has a routine life, usually spends Sundays or Saturdays at home watching tv, eating, sleeping and lounging around? Well when you travel that is very hard to do! Since I am being hosted in people’s homes most of the time, I feel like I have to always do something. Or I dont feel too at home to just turn on their tv, prop my feet up and watch endless reruns of friends 🙂 So the day in this hostel of doing nothing was wonderful! I just ate, watched tv and met some awesome travelers. One of which is a Brazilian guy who is doing the same trip as me BUT on his bike!

We spent the day talking about the places we visited and our experiences, trading info and listening to Brazilian music! He has kept an awesome blog and website of his travels, check this guy out! TripdoQuintal. Amazing guy to meet and follow 🙂

My other days in Managua was spent in a Couchsurfers Home, Zamir. What a great guy and what luck I had to find him! He was quite the tour guide and it was great to hear about his country from his perspective. I told him he should write a blog! With Zamir, we shared good conversations, meals and walks. I actually met him through the couch that took me in Panama. So it was a good connection! I actually met his mom who is a SocialWorker. I had a great conversation with her about my passion of Anti-Trafficking works in the country. Next Year, they should start seeing more awareness on the issue.

Couchsurfing Home= My Home

After two nights at Zamirs place I woke up at 3:00am to catch a 5:00am bus to Honduras. Oh the JOYS of traveling 😉

Next Stop San Pedro Sula, Honduras!

Entre Familia en Ecuador

While I was in Ecuador, my friend Laurel Arias came to visit me.

We had the amazing privilege to stay in an amazing home of a friend, through Couchsurfing. The home came with animals and beautiful fruit trees, it was a peaceful place. So our host had just began working in another city, so he kindly gave us the key to his home and didn’t return daily. During that time we climbed volcanoes, saw waterfalls, went to markets, went to the middle of the earth, had lot of laughs and amazing conversations. Laurel was great company and I was so blessed for her visit 🙂 

after climbing the crater of a volcano

Laurel and I

Thermal Waters

with the animals

our host

There was ONE incident that did occur during Laurel’s visit; but an incident that ended very well. One morning while I hand washed my clothes outside and Laurel fed the animals, we accidentally locked the door with the keys inside the house.  We were locked out and we knew that the host was not going to arrive that day. SOOO as SMART as I am, I had a BRILLIANT idea to open the door by bending the bottom of it and trying to reach the key from the bottom. Laurel suggested to break the window and just pay to fix it later, and I said OH NO, this can work 😀  After about 4 to 5 hours of trying to bend the door with all of our amazing strength, we had NO luck (of course). Than an ANGEL came from heaven! The neighbor, who is a sweet and smart 13 year old. She offered to help us, than this girl called her mom and the mom called her son, so by the end we had the entire family trying to help us get in the home. Every time a new person came to help, they said, why didn’t you just break the window?! 😀 AHH so I was pretty embarrassed by that point. Even more so, while I was using my intelligence in opening the door, I caused Laurels finger to be jammed and I believe it was broken SORRY again Laurel!! 

So finally we had the door fixed and we were able to get in. During that time we met this amazing family that we kept visiting after that. We became friends and had laughs. The mom of the family cooks for a living. She makes lunch for the school close by and we took advantage of that and bought her lunch for $1.75. DELICIOUS food!

While there I was able to photograph the family, which they were extremely happy about here are some pics of the family and other neighbors: Enjoy!

To see more pics check out my PhotoBlog:http://raquelcorina.wordpress.com/

Cheers!

Feels like vacation in CostaRica!

Woo feels good to be caught up with the blog, I am writing about CostaRica, while still in CostaRica 😀

I arrived to CostaRica by Plane from Panama City, November 3rd. I usually DO NOT travel by plane but this time it was a must. Once I arrived to Panama, to my luck, there were celebrations and vacation time for the locals. So as soon as I arrived to the Panama bus station to buy my ticket to CostaRica, the lines were a hour wait and there wasn’t any buses leaving that night. I had to arrive to CostaRica by the 3rd to meet up with my cousin at the airport. So I took the plane

The reason why I had to arrive on schedule, was because my beautiful lovely cousin booked a two week long vacation for the both of us; with HOTELS, TRANSPORTATION and FOOD! I am so blessed for her. So for the last two weeks I have been enjoying staying in Hotels with AC, Amazing Beds and amazing food!! It has been a good break from sleeping in my sleeping bag, couches, bunk beds, floors, interesting beds and all with NO AC (which I am use to by now). Also the transportation service has been amazing. No need to go to bus terminals, or to negotiate a taxi price or wait for hours in the terminal for a bus to get there or carry my big backpack in a full public bus and trying to see how to get off my stop while cramming through people! AAAAA the life 😀 I think in ALL my life this is my FIRST “Vacation” of actually staying in hotels and focusing on my comfort! Everything has been SO AMAZINGLY beautiful and I couldn’t ask for more! I have been on a zipline, horseback riding, hot thermal waters, in the jungle, and in amazing peaceful hotels.

So what do I feel the difference is from hotel style traveling or backpacking traveling and which do I prefer? 

I prefer the budget backpacking experience! Of course we ALL need some type of get away and vacation in some point of our lives. However as I backpack on a budget there are sooo many experiences and amazing people that come along my path. I am almost always hosted by locals (for free), through CouchSurfing and usually I get free meals from these amazing people. If I do not have a contact in the city, than I stay in Youth Hostels where I spend about $10/day with wifi, shower, and usually breakfast included.

Its amazing to travel on a budget because of the adventure and to truly experience a country by its people, places, smells, food, weather etc. Instead of taxis I get the local transportation, where most always, I meet an amazing person. I have ridden horses, carriages, wagons, buses, cars, trucks, boats everything!! I love hotels and the comfort don’t get me wrong; but to be able to meet a local, stay in their home, meet their families and make lifelong relationships tops my comfort!

But hey Im not complaining! Im enjoying CostaRica like if its MY vacation! 🙂

Next Stop: NICARAGUA!!

The most complicated border crossing: Colombia & Panama

So from Cali I went straight to Cartagena, Colombia. As you see in the picture it is a costal city and a popular city for travelers to cross to Panama.

Now since the beginning of my trip, I was told that the crossing from Colombia to Panama will be the most difficult.

What is difficult about the crossing of the border? The main issue is the Darién Gap between Panama and Colombia. In the words of another blog I follow for tips: Overland Traveller. “The Darién Gap is a notorious and vast tract of virtually impenetrable mountainous jungle populated largely by guerrillas and drug traffickers with a healthy sideline in kidnapping”. So after hearing guerrillas, drug trafficking and kidnapping I started to ask around for all the possible and cheapest choice to cross to Panama ALIVE.

So the two options  I was given: take a plane to Panama or go by Sail Boat, but both would cost around 300-400 US Dollars (ouch). So as I arrive to Cartagena, I quickly started to ask around for prices to go on Sailboats, and I started to see plane tickets. Since the prices by plane and boat were the same, I decided to take the adventure and go on the SailBoat! So I crossed the Border by SailBoat, which took a total of 5 days and three days in the sea. WHAT AN EXPERIENCE!!

Looking and waiting for the right boat took longer than I thought. I planned to stay in Cartagena for 2 days, but I ended up staying for 7 days. During these 7 days I met some great people and soaked up the sun while sitting by the Caribbean Sea. If you ever go to Cartagena, prepare yourself for the immense HEAT! 

I met two great Colombian girls from Medellin at a popular plaza. We became friends pretty quickly. We hang out several times, going out, seeing the city, and laughing loads! Here are some pics of me in Cartagena and with the buddies:

Cartagena, Colombia

the caribbean sea

the colombian friends

The trip to Panama was an incredible experience. I travelled with CarpeDiem Sailing, which entailed of a group of three guys. The Captain, Carlos from Spain, and his two crew members, Eamon from Canada and a great guy from England. Passengers on the boat were myself, another solo traveller from Argentina, and a couple from France. The time I spent with them was great. I did get sick for about two days, but thankfully I took some medicine to help me out. It was NOT fun getting sick on a sail boat for two days. 

Darien Gap

THis is somewhat the route I did in going to Panama. However I went from Colombia to Panama.

We started from Cartagena, Colombia after we had to wait to get our passport stamped (Colombia exit) by a lawyer, which is different from other countries. We Sailed about two days to get to San Blas Islands home to Kunda Indians. Once we arrived we stopped at an Island that served as the Panama Immigration checkpoint. It took us about an hour to get our passports stamped (Panama Entrance). After that we sailed a few more minutes to the Captain’s home,where we stayed the night (on the boat again) and the next morning we took off to reach land in Panama. It was incredible to see several people from different parts of the world arriving to this Island and calling it home. Living life in their boats in Paradise!

passports ready to touch land in Panama!

The group 🙂

At the Island Immigration CheckPoint

THe Amazing Island!

Leaving Colombia

At Sea, when I wasnt Sick!

Catching FISH!

My Room for 5 days!

THe amazing cook from Argentina!

So after 5 days I finally made it to Panama City! In total the cost was 300 dollars on the Sail Boat, 15 Dollars from San Blas Island to the Port City in Panama, and 30 dollars for transportation to Panama City. This was the most money I spent in crossing any  border. NOW to continue the trip in a VERY TIGHT Budget! Thankfully I hear the rest of Central America is not too expensive, except Costa Rica

In Panama City I stayed only two days with a great CouchSurfing person. I shared a room in a hostel, at no cost, with amazingly talented people; a guy from Argentina and a girl from Colombia 🙂 Now preparing to see my Sister/Cousin in COSTA RICA 🙂

Panama Canal

Panama Flags

Graffiti

Next STOP COSTA RICA!!!

Finding a bit of life direction in Colombia

The first stop I made in Colombia was in Cali. I was planning to stay in Cali for only two to three days, but I had a very unexpected trip.

As I arrived from the bus station, the person that was going to host me was not available anymore. So in the bus station I search for a near by hostel and took a cab there. From the start, I noticed that Colombians are very loving! Through out my time I was either called mami , mi amor or amiga and not in any flirtatious way 🙂

I Stayed at the Pelican Larry Hostel, a quite hostel about 10 dollars a day. In the hostel I shared a room with a great Irish guy, Olan; he had been staying at the hostel for several months already. In the hostel there was also a Scottish guy, Ben; he also had been there for months. Overall, the people in the hostel were there for some time already, which gave a really great energy to the hostel. I quickly got to know them and spend some time with them. During that time we had great conversations, went to the river with a group of other travelers, went DANCING (Cali people are amazing salsa dancers), went to the theatre, had good food and had great laughs. I loved my time with them 🙂 

Olan on the left and Ben on the Right

Walking to catch a bus 🙂

Giselle the Colombiana in love!

Singing songs at the rio

One other person that was also staying in the hostel, in which I feel was God sent to meet him, was Daniel from Argentina.

Daniel de Argentina

 

Daniel is from Argentina and a Social Psychologist that is living in Colombia teaching and starting Colombia’s first Social Psychology school. The Online University is called Centro de Estudios de Psicología Social (CEPS). Daniel has been practicing his profession for more than 30 years. His objective for starting the social psychology school is to be able to teach it to those communities that are in a low social economic status; people who have more of a need for psychological services. His methodology works as an intervention to the communities that are more at risk to poor education, poverty, violence etc. His vision is to make a university that is tangible for those who do not have a higher education all ready. The University does not meet the standard educational system that we are use to. It does not require one to have a highschool degree, or GED, or any other paper certificates that says they are qualified for higher education. Daniel believes to appreciate and build upon the education that life  experiences has taught the people. Daniel has written his own course materials, in such a manner, that any student with a basic education will be able to comprehend and implement into their own way of life.

So why was it God Sent?  Well a few months ago while I was in Ecuador, I started to feel a bit pressure of having to go back to reality and WORK! I started to ask myself.. “Ok so what will I do when I get home? Where am I going to work? Where am I going to live?” During that time I started to also feel that God was planting a seed in my heart to work with my childhood community in Houston. I started to create ideas of starting some type of NGO with my church community and tend to the needs of immigrants of that community. SOOO when I arrived in Cali Colombia and I met Daniel, I felt that God was giving some type of affirmation about my plans for the NGO. When I talked to Daniel about my ideas, he encouraged me so much and gave me soo much direction! Now I have tangible ideas and plans that I have come to a point in my trip where I am finally saying “OK, I am ready to go home” and I AM 🙂 I am excited to go back to my community in Houston and to invest what I learned in my profession to where I am from.

So that is how I found direction in Cali. After all this traveling and trying to figure out my professional and future aspirations, my passion is still to aid the immigrants that live in the US. I love how traveling helps me organize my thoughts and goals. It has been a good way to grow spiritually and professionally. 

Next stop PANAMA!!!

Crossing to Colombia from Ecuador

On October 15th I left Ecuador from Guayaquil. 

My bus left at 7:00 PM and it went straight to Tulcan, the border town to Colombia. The bus cost me a total of $14! We arrived to Tulcan, Ecuador around 6:00AM. Thankfully the lady that sat next to me on the bus was also crossing to Colombia; she had actually done it several times so I just followed her throughout the process.

Border of Ecuador and Colombia

When I cross land borders, I am always interested in noticing the amount of security and check points that it has. In almost all the land borders, there hasn’t been much check points in the crossing. I always focus on signs for ant-trafficking in the country, since I use to work in this issue in Texas. I have been surprised to see that the border check points that look like they have no funds coming in,  have at least ONE poster about human trafficking; however, border checkpoints that seem more advance, I have not seen any awareness on anti-trafficking. Sometimes I think, I should have brought my own posters and post them along the way 😀 I hope that South America and Central America increase their awareness, protection and prosecution on Human Trafficking. I have been doing my part by bringing awareness to those that share that they want to cross to the US. 

I had several pictures of border crossings, but unfortunately my camera was lost along the trip 😦  

So the border crossing from Ecuador and Colombia was pretty easy and no checking of bags. From Tulcan, I took a taxi to immigration ($3.50). It took about 15 minutes to get my passport stamped and than I was on my way on another taxi to Border town, Ipales Colombia. In Ipales I than took a van for 30,000 pesos to Cali, Colombia, that was 9 hours.

The whole trip from Guayaquil, Ecuador to Cali, Colombia took about 28 hours.. long trip 🙂

Next Post: CALI, COLOMBIA

Two Months in Ecuador

From August 15 to October 15, I was in the wonderful Ecuador 🙂 Once I arrived to Ecuador, I went to see my best amiga, Valeria Buendia, from Guayaquil. I spent about a week in her home where I was pampered with amazing food and amazing place to rest 🙂 It was wonderful.

Valeria Buendia

Since Valeria works like most people 😉 I decided to go for a trip until Valeria had some time off of work. So I planned a trip through some known places in Ecuador. Here is a map showing some of the places I visited:

I began the trip in Loja, which is down south. Where I was hosted by an amazing family, Diego Mauricio Rivera and another friend Daniel Alvarez. It took about 8 hours to arrive from Guayaquil. The great thing about Ecuador is that everything is so inexpensive! From all the countries, Ecuador wins for having cheap Transportation. They charge ONE dollar for every hour you travel on bus.

In Loja I stayed for about a week, where I also visited Vilcabamba. Vilcabamba is known to have a surprising amount of people who live to be more than 100 years old. It is believed that the water in Vilcabamba is what keeps them young. Being there I saw that many foreigners also wanted to live long lives; there are many foreigners living in VIlcabamba.

In VIlcabamba

After VIlcabamba I went to Riobamba where I stayed for another week. In Riobamba my goal was to see the famous Chimborazo Volcano. I did just that and along the way I met some great friends who took me to other amazing places.

The Chimborazo Volcano was also an experience. I took a bus from Rio Bamba to the Park which was about 25 cents and an hour long. I started the two to three hour walk, and since it was a Monday it felt as if I were the only one there. I really didnt go to my visit mentally prepared. The walk was more difficult than I thought. I felt the altitude in every step. Thank fully I was able to hand down a truck that was heading the same way. Although it was difficult, I made it to the second refuge which is about 5,000m high!

After Riobamba, I kept north towards Latacunga to see the famous Crater, Quilotoa. I arrived to Latacunga and had booked a hostel ahead of time. I stayed at Hostel Tiana, they charge 10 dollars a night in a dorm. They were pretty decent, they had hot showers and coffee 24/7. The reception service was great, I had questions about getting to Quilotoa. The lady explained different packets they offered, which was over my budget; but than she said that I can go on my own, it is very easy and inexpensive to do so. SOO I chose the cheap and more adventurous route. I woke up early to buy some snacks and to walk to the bus terminal. I caught a bus to Zimbahua for about 2 dollars and than a truck for another 2 dollars to the entrance of the park.

Quilotoa was one of the most beautiful places I have been in South America. It is a beautiful crater filled with aqua blue water. Lots of good energy in this place. I met two germans along the way which was nice for company 🙂

Quilotoa

My German friends 🙂

Quilotoa and Me

After Latacunga I took another bus to Quito. Around this time I was expecting a friend from Texas to come visit for about 10 days. I went straight to the hostel where I was to meet her, Blue House HOstel.  It was $8 a night but in a very busy area. Lots of bars and nightclubs.

With my friend Laurel, we went to several places. We stayed most of our days outside the city in Guayabamba. Where it was easy access to Otavalo, Cayambe and other pretty places. We went to Otavalo to the famous market. Than to Oyacachi to experience the Hot Termal waters, very nice!

Enjoying the Hot Thermal waters in Oyacachi

Than we went to see the Cotacachi Volcano and the Quicocha Crater. Very Very Beautiful!

Cuicocha Crater

Me at the Cuicocha Crater

Cotacachi Volcano and Cuicocha Crater

Cuicocha Crater

Cayambe

 After my friend Laurel returned to Texas, I went back to Riobamba to meet up with a friend. With this friend I went to Alausí where it is known to be the gate to the Devil’s nose, a famous mountain. Most people get to the devil’s nose by train, but thankfully my friend knew the way and we went walking. The scenery to get there was spectacular!

Kids heading home through the tracks

Walking towards the Devils nose

Loving Nature!

the Devils nose mountain.

After Alausí, I went to the ever famous Beach Town, Montañita! Montañita was a lot like a city I visited in Peru, Mancora. Lots of young people, surfers, party animals. I went to Montañita with my friend to go meet up with some other people who did paragliding. I thought it would be very cool to meet these guys and to see if I can get a chance to paraglide! So after a long 8 hours on a bus, we arrived to Montañita and looked for a random hostel that was inexpensive and had wifi. We paid $7 per night. My time in Montañita was short, which I was happy about since I am a more calm person and do not like the party scene much. I was glad I got to Paraglide and take amazing pictures of the beach! 

Thats Me!

The Guys!

that is me up there 🙂

After that I finally met up with my bestie Valeria and her boyfriend Justin, where we spent the weekend in a very lovely beach house! This place was so relaxing and beautiful!!

After my time with my bestie, I than spent some time in Cuenca and Paute where I continued to paraglide and hang out with some awesome people.

Overall my time in Ecuador was one of my favorites! I didnt really plan to spend two months there but something about this country just made me not want to leave! I met incredible people and made incredible friends! I am so blessed to have amazing people cross my path. I hope to come back to this country!!

To see more awesome pics of Ecuador check out my FB photopage: RaquelCorina

Next Stop, COLOMBIAAAA 🙂