IN THE GARDEN & UP THE MOUNTAIN

Written By Gabriele Marewski
 

HAPPY VOLUNTEERS

We ask about helping in the resort’s greenhouse and spend the morning doing some serious weeding and then planting the seeds of assorted greens I brought. I’m so happy for the opportunity to express my gratitude for the generosity extended to me and getting my hands in the dirt.

We finish with harvesting beans and bean flowers for the chef. It is something new for the chef to place edible flowers on the plate!

For lunch, the chef serves us some of the beans and flowers.

In the greenhouse of our beach resort in El Salvador.
 
Catching a ride to the Conchagua Volcano.
The hiking path to a volcano.

HITCHHIKING

The next morning we hear a tour group, Intrepid, is going to the Conchagua Volcano. We ask if we can join in. Sure!

We drive south and then up and up and the air becomes cooler and the vegetation more lush. We get to the entrance before the volcano. The truck driver decides to make two trips as it is steep and his truck can’t carry everyone at once. Since I’m in the second group, I elect to walk instead of sitting and waiting.

Another truck comes up behind me and I turn and stick out my thumb with a smile. They stop, and I hop in the back and find a spot on the tailgate edge. The truck is loaded with men. Miguel holds my hand so I don't fall out. Two of the men are from El Salvador but live in Texas and we chat.

Down the road we meet up with the first Intrepid group. I jump out and give the men a thumbs up and take their photo. They are all smiles and thumbs up too.

This experience reminds me of one of the many things I appreciate about traveling:

  • We are all in this together.

  • Traveling gives the opportunity to not see people as the ‘other’.

  • We may have language barriers, but no barriers to our joint humanity.

  • People usually want to help.

  • When people are released to their highest good, they usually act accordingly.

  • When we view ‘others’ with suspicion, they see us that way also.

  • I think travelers learn to fine tune fear with their power of discernment - which means trusting our gut.

 

MOUNTAIN VIEWS

We walk to a place and see the first view which looks down over the coast. Winding through mist, we hike farther up - a steep beautiful walk.

Two breathes in… three breathes out… At the top is a lookout tower. We are surrounded by a cooling mist and when it clears in spots, I see butterflies and dragonflies all around!

If we weren’t all hungry, this is a great place to linger. It is a quick hike back down to the truck.

View of the ocean from atop a mountain that I hiked up.
 

Time to find a lunch spot…

Gabriele Marewski https://storyskyrts.com
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