Stress and its counterpart: Granada

Traveling isn't easy. Each time we reach a new location it feels like an accomplishment as nothing is simple when travelling cheap in a developing country. Upon meeting our taxi driver in Popoyo, we instantly knew we would have to be very alert as we sensed that he was most untrustworthy. This apprehension was verified when he stopped 3/4 of the way to our destination (Rivas) to pull up a chair and have a beer. I tried to laugh it off as typical absurdity, but it was difficult when two guys pulled up right after and loitered at the trunk of our taxi which was where our backpacks were, where our homes were. Thankfully with Travis's watchful eye they did not have the oppurtunity to try anything. The 3 hour ride on the old school bus (called the chicken bus) from Rivas to Granada was very crowded as usual with half the people standing in the aisle. Each stop mobile food vendors with baskets of differing products would climb aboard to sell their wares and somehow make their way around to all the hungry passengers. Now, if you are a person like Travis who values personal space you would find these bus rides very uncomfortable with an average of three people touching you at all times. But on every single one of these bus rides we have met very kind people. On this ride I gave up my seat to two young children standing in the aisle falling sleep on their feet, an easy decision. After two hours of standing along side of an elderly man, he told me through an interpreter that he was sorry I had to stand as my feet must be sore. He was so thoughtful, however looking at his shoes and age I felt terrible he was standing as well.

Our place is Granada was the cheapest yet, $10 for a twin dorm bed in which we slept surprisingly well. A few nights here really helped offset expensive Coast Rica. Granada itself had an abundance of old colonial character with its churches and impressive colourful buildings. We found a place with chocolate crepes and pancakes for breakfast and quickly made them an integral part of our morning routine. We also decided to treat ourselves with massages! It was very enjoyable to escape from the stress of travel and completely relax, even if some of their techniques were comical indeed. The best part of our stay in Granada was the day we spent at Laguna de Apoyo; a very old volcanic crater in which a lovely lake now resides. We thoroughly enjoyed playing in the mineral water and talking the day away. It still amazes me how the more time we have together, the more we have to talk and laugh about, rather than exhausting all topics and staring blankly at each other. Even though Travis and I have fantastic communication, we have never spent every minute of every day together like this. So we would be lying if we said that we didn't each have some apprehension as to how things would go for us. But, I can say with absolute certainty that this time has shown us how more time together only serves to strengthen our relationship. I am constantly thankful for the wonderful people we regularly meet along the way, but I am more thankful for the endless amount of alone time we have together.