Reflections on time spent away

What did I expect from my time away? In truth - I don't really know. I knew that I would see some different places, meet new cultures, immerse my self in a Spanish speaking world. But I went with very little fixed agenda - and so I never knew what my near future would bring. And it brought some lovely surprises. I made some great last minute decisions - going to study on an organic farm in Ecuador, learning to paraglide in Colombia, to revisit Colombia on my way back to England, to go to the Bristol Swing Festival as soon as I returned to England - amongst many others.

Breakfasting on popaya and mango;

Dancing the blues, the swing and the tango.

Learning was a huge part of my travels, so here's a quick list of  my experiences: climbing; paragliding; dance; yoga; pilates; circus skills; Spanish; non verbal communication; poverty; pollution; permaculture. I even learned that turquoise quite suits me.

Pollution and poverty, spread so wide;

Joy, alegría, national pride.

Everywhere I went I was asked the same questions. What do you think to our food, our people and the beauty of our women?  Well, every single country I went to had a variety of foods - both good and bad. Every single country had some really great people that I am so glad that I met, and every single country had some nice ladies. In truth, I met lots of great people from all over the globe - and much as we try to stereotype people according to their culture, I find it's individual traits that overpower all others.

Outdoor swimming; Thermal spas;

Rocky mountains; Southern stars.

I have a life which is rich with experiences, and I am relatively happy and content with this life of mine. I learned so many great things this last year - about me and about the world. But, according to Eden Ahbez "The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return." Did I learn this? I'm not completely sure, but I have definitely left a part of my heart in Latin America.