Home at last. . .

Well, two days in Cali turned into 5. I just wasn't ready to come home quite yet I guess. I had a really nice transition time in San Diego. And spending time with Erik was really nice. Although our relationship has changed a lot, he is still one of my best friends and I miss him so much. It was great to just be with my friend again. You'd think after a month in a tropical, beautiful country I wouldn't really still need time to "relax," but, I did. I didn't really know it until I was back in the US, but once there, I needed to just have some time to get my head together. I did a little shopping (the usual essential errands when out of Nome), visited with Erik, and truly relaxed before coming back to Nome. Although I'm tired at the moment, since I flew all night and am now back to work, in general, I feel really good. I feel ready to be back home. My dogs are so cute and so fat (someone has been feeding them well I think) and were so happy to see me. The three of us cuddled on the living room floor for about an hour when I got home. Its so good to hug them again. The sun is shining and there is so much snow! Its a balmy 17 below and believe it or not, it feels really really good. Iditarod is underway, there are new faces roaming around Nome, and soon we'll have the first mushers coming in. Exciting times for Nome. . . I'll work on posting pictures this weekend.

Adios Honduras

Dear Honduras,
Thank you for a wonderful month. Your beautiful countryside, kind and patient people, sleepy villages, bustling towns, overloaded pickups/bicycles/taxis, crystal clear water, and most of all your ability to make me do what I love most. . . really feel. . . was such a gift to me.

This month has been a whirlwind and an explosion in me. I was ecstatically happy, wildly curious, open and vulnerable, lonely, excited, and have left you with my eyes a little wider than when I arrived.

I will miss my daily walks on your beaches or through your jungles. I will miss the Baleadas. I will miss your wonderful and interesting people.
I will definitely miss this golden (and sometimes red) color my skin acquired while I was with you. I will miss the culture and history that oozes in so much of your land. I will miss how beautiful you are.
I will always remember this month with extreme appreciation and I know that I will visit you again. I don't think I could keep myself away. Muchas Gracias por todos!
With Love, Sasha

My last days, and now I'm back home (almost)

I spent my last couple of days in Copan Ruinas where I toured the Myan ruins and wandered the hilly cobblestone streets.

It was a great place to say goodbye. The feeling at the ruins was very serene and peaceful and the town was charming and interesting. Lucas was a good travel buddy, but I must admit, I do prefer to travel alone. I love the freedom and the challenge that can only come with being with just myself. Believe it or not, and definitely to my surprise, I was ready to leave when I did. I was ready to head home. I spent my last night in San Pedro Sula and got on a plane this morning at 7am. I was in 3 countries today. . . Honduras, El Salvador, and the US. Not bad for half a day, eh? I got off the plane and onto a train to head to Oceanside to see Erik. I'll be here with him until Saturday and then will be back to Alaska by Sunday morning. Thanks to all of you for keeping up with my trip. I will be updating all of these Honduras Posts with pictures, so check back if you want to see what you've been reading about.

For all you curious folks. . .

A couple of people (I won't name names) have inquired, rather, have insinuated, that my "friends" Alexis (soul connection) and Lucas (Utilian who travelled with me briefly) were something more than just friends. Not that it is really anyone's business. . . but, yes, Alexis and Lucas were both just great guys that became friends of mine and in one case, a travelling buddy. Not romances. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, it is possible for men and women to be just friends. Its quite nice actually. I don't know if I'll know either of these men in the future, but I will always remember the time I spent with each of them fondly. They each gave me the greatest gifts of a local perspective and of companionship/connection. I appreciate emotional connections with others so much, and I realize that those connections are sometimes not meant to be anything more than just what they are for that given moment. Does this cure your curiosity?