Several people commented that my "footprints" entry a few weeks ago was somewhat 'cryptic' and proceeded to ask if I was Ok. Yes, I'm doing great, thank you. My travel experience happens on many levels, much like life. On a personal level, I did not anticipate how hard it would be to say goodbye to some of the many friends I've made along the way. I've always experienced dramatic highs and lows on my solo adventures, with the low points invaribly occuring after I've left a fun place with nice people to arrive at strange new place where it seems I'll never make any new friends. New playmates always materialize but the interim period always seems hopeless, inspite of the number of times I've been through it.

Upon departing from a friendly place, I'm often asked when I'll be coming back. I respond with "I don't know" while sadly and silently thinking "probably never". Many of the people I meet are not in a position to be able to come to visit me. Nor do they have access to Email, making the prospect of a traditional pen-pal relationship the only, yet unrealistic option for continuing our friendship.

It's a big world out there, I noticed this morning as I studied the size of tiny Central America in relation to the other Americas and the rest of the world. And I feel like I am only scratching the surface. In the places I've stayed longer, everyday I seem to drop a little deeper below the surface, into the culture and into the people. My heart seems to be telling me to stop. Stop and go deeper. Ok, so don't ask me what I mean by this because I don't know. But I'll keep you posted.