The photograph above was taken by me in Belize, while watching a sunset on Caye Caulker, which is one of the small caribbean backpacker’s islands.

I took last year off in order to work and travel somewhere exotic in the world. I had no idea that I would be trekking to Central America for a 3-month backpacking trip, until on month before departure. It really was decided on a whim and yet it happened to be the most empowering and life changing experience of my life.

I feel the need to share with all you blog readers and GRS students, how special and undiscovered Central America is, especially the off-the-beaten-track rural towns. Two weeks into my trip I left my two friends and decided to travel solo for the rest of the three months. I did not know how enriching this choice was going to be, or how it would turn me into one of the youngest, 20 year old, independent travelers in Central America. 

I want to share the places I explored, which I highly reccommend to the avid, adventurous traveler. I started my trip off in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, a small surf town literally 3km long. Here is where I learned that plans, time and schedules don’t exist, and everything happens very last minute. Here is where I also learned to ‘go with the flow’ and become extremely patient, especially for those buses that sometimes just don’t show up.

I spent the bulk of my trip in Nicaragua, a very poor country that has a lot to offer in terms of activities. Here you can do anything from surfing, volcano hiking, jungle tours, salsa dance classes, zip-lining, or volunteering in Spanish schools or volunteering to save the turtles. And being the very adventurous and athletic person that I am, I accomplished all of those thrilling experiences. But to the point, I highly reccommend the following places along the Pacific Coast: Granada (the capital and where I stayed with a home-stay during a week lesson of spanish classes), San Juan Del Sur (gringo surf town), Jiquilillo (a small fishing village of about 300 people, right on the ocean), Matagalpa (a small town situated in the mountains amongst tall green trees), and Juayua (a historical cowboy town in a valley, famous for it’s murals).

I spent one glorious week in El Salvador, a very magical and special place. Here I found these people the most kind, hospitable, spiritual and loving. What I loved about El Salvador was that every town I stayed in, I was the only tourist, or only one of about 5. This made me feel like I was really traveling and experiencing a world so different and unique from mine in Canada.

I then ventured into Guatemala, following my dad’s footsteps when he travelled around there in the mid-70s. It was a cool experience to go to all the places he did and compare them to his time. Places like Lake Atitlan that is said to have healing powers, Antigua, Semuc Champey that is considered to be one of Guatemala’s most beautiful natural attractions, and Tikal for the famous mayan ruins are just some of the  fascinating places I I experienced during my two week stay. 

To put and end to my travels, I decided to travel into Belize in order to fulfill my snorkeling and turquoise water obsession. Caye Caulker, the most inexpensive backpacker island, was the land of Bob Marleys. It was quite a change to be surrounded by 100% english speaking, Garifuna people. My goal was to snorkel with Finding Nemo fish and turtles, my favorite creatures, which was accomplished not once, but twice because it was such a remarkable experience.

To conclude, I have to say that I could honestly write a book about my trip but obviously cannot (on my blog) due to time constraints. However, who knows I might stir-up in the future?! Furthermore,  if anyone is planning on traveling to Central America, or was merely inspired by the places I shared with you, let me know because I would be more than happy to go into more detail and share some ‘top-secret’ traveling stories with you!

PS…if anyone knows how to post pictures, please let me know, as I have a great collection of photos that portray the real culture and adventurous side of Central America.

Just recently my mom bought me a cookbook. Living on my own and having to cook meals, it was my goal to find a cookbook that shares simple and healthy recipes. As a gift, my mom found me ‘Whitewater Cooks,’ a cookbook inspired by a chef living at Whitewater mountain just outside Nelson B.C. The author, Shelley Adams, is the chef and Whitewater resort Fresh Tracks Cafe manager/director.

What I love about this cookbook is their understanding of wholesome, easy yet gourmet meals that not only satisfy your hunger, but are very beneficial to the health of your body and your mind. Some of my favorite recipes include the Ymir Curry Bowl for its intense spices, an asian-inspired Rice Noodle Salad, their famous Papaya Mango Salsa which tastes great with nachos, and lastly, the hearty and healthy Fridge Muffins, which are perfect for a mid-day snack or before a morning workout.

However, one of my most enjoyed afternoon snack, especially while studying at a cafe, are Shelley’s Whitewater Granola Bars. They have it all: the crunch, the chocolate sweetness, the chewiness from the peanut butter and all the nuts you can name!

Makes 16 big bars

INGREDIENTS 

1 cup butter

1 1/2 cups peanut butter

1 1/2 tbsp vanilla

2 cups brown sugar 

1 cup corn syrup

6 cups oats (or 4 cups oats and 2 cups triticale – Lauren)

1 cup coconut, toasted

1 cup sunflower seeds

1 cup sesame seeds, toasted

(1/2 cup chopped up almonds for extra protein – Lauren)

2 cups chocolate chips (or 1 cup raisins and 1 cup chocolate chips) (I prefer dark chocolate chips – Lauren)

METHOD

In a skillet, toast coconut, sunflower seeds and sesame seeds and set aside to cool. In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, peanut butter, vanilla and brown sugar. Add corn syrup and then mix in remaining ingredients. Press into greased 12 x 18 inch cookie sheet. Bake in a 350°F for approximately 20 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool slighty and cut while still warm. 

                                                                                   – Shelley Adams, Whitewater Cooks, 2005

http://www.skiwhitewater.com/whitewater_cooks.php