Dreams coming true - celebrating Christmas on the beach, and releasing baby sea turtles at sunrise.

December 20, 13:09

So I am definitely not going anywhere today. One, because this accommodation is too expensive not to be here, and two, cause it’s so nice! I’m sitting on the bench in the room, looking out at the ocean. Working on the website, brainstorming about how to choose, categorise, and sell poems and photos, making some photos, writing a poem. This is literally what I envisioned traveling and working to be like. Seated in a beautiful location, overlooking the ocean, while working on something that you love. I fucking did it.

December 21, 13:08

I was a little sad to move places again, but where I am now looks so chill - a big garden with hammocks, nice communal kitchen, and two cats! Obviously, I am most excited about the cats, and it makes moving a lot less sad. Also, I am thinking about getting an RV instead of a short bus. Just because there are some really nice ones for sale, at good prices, and they don’t need as much work. I don’t know, something to consider.

December 22, 15:57

Today is a good day. It’s my mom’s birthday, so of course we called, and seeing her always makes me smile. And then I called Lotte, and talking to her always makes me feel empowered. She’s such a great and supportive friend. So I just feel very happy right now.

Oh, and I’m at the coffee shop with the cats again. So yeah.

December 23, 07:16

We released baby sea turtles on the beach today!

I woke up at 05:15 to go to the hatchery ‘tortugario’. There, they keep the eggs of the sea turtles safe, and when the eggs are hatched, every morning during sunrise, between September and December, they get brought to the beach to release them. They do this because the eggs get poached and sold, which endangers the existence of the sea turtle. So in exchange for a donation of your choice, you can come look at how the baby sea turtles make their way to the ocean. And it was so cool to see! Also a little sad, cause apparently, only 1 out of 1000 make it at the end. Some get eaten by birds while still on the beach, some by birds while in the ocean, some by fish, and other sea animals. And I couldn’t help but think that these 30 turtles we released will probably die within the next few days. I know, so sad, but I couldn’t help myself.

baby turtle reaching ocean, el paredon, guatemala — *Baby turtle reaching the ocean, El Paredón, Guatemala*

December 24, 17:37

We’re on the beach watching the sunset. Like I’ve been doing every day, but this time I’m together with Sam and Julia, cause it’s Christmas Eve! Earlier today, we had the idea to go fishing with a group from the hostel. But when we showed up at the harbour, it turned out we were with too many people to fit on the boat. So Sam and I gave up our spot so the rest could go, and instead we went to the beach and enjoyed fries and a smoothie from the comfort of our hammocks. I mean, a pretty good alternative if you ask me.

After the sunset, we’ll go back to the hostel and cook a Christmas dinner! Sam and I bought stuff for a salad and dessert, and the others brought (and bought cause they had no luck catching) the fish and some tamales. I think we’re gonna be with a total of 12 people, so super nice!

December 25, 17:10

I’m having such a good time. I’m listening to my music, I just bought chips and a Kinder Bueno because I felt like it, and I’m back on the beach ready to see another beautiful sunset. And it’s Christmas! It’s Christmas and I’m on the beach. Like what! I always had this dream of celebrating the holidays in a tropical location with the sand between my toes. And now here I am! I even saw the sunrise on the beach today! I woke up super early and figured I might as well go look at something pretty instead of the ceiling. I also uploaded the website with another diary week. I went to my go-to coffee shop and one of the cats slept on my lap, I took an afternoon beach walk, and I read a bit at another coffee shop. In short, I’m having a great Christmas Day! And if you can’t be with your family, you'd better enjoy the day just how you like it.

December 26, 16:31

I’m on a mission: making photos of people surfing. So I found a good spot on the beach, close to the water and right in front of the surfers. And now here I am waiting for the people to show off their skills. At least I hope.

Also, something that I never really thought about, not every country in the world celebrates Christmas on the same days. So we at home do Christmas Eve, the first day, and the second day of Christmas. But here in Guatemala, it’s only the first, the 25th. In the States but also Switzerland, it’s the 24th and 25th. Apparently, there are not many countries that celebrate the 26th. Who knew.

December 27, 14:50

It’s my last day in El Paredón. And after 100+ mosquito bites, I am ready to go. I spent a little over two weeks here and really enjoyed it, but I also feel like I’m ready to get moving again. I’m all recharged and re-energised, and I am excited cause tomorrow I will see my sister again! I’m so hyped!