My state of mind

Many would consider Costa Rica "the perfect place". There's lush vegetation, several different climate zones, friendly people, the environment is relatively safe, they have a progressive government, it is developing in a healthy manner, and the American dollar against the Colon is rather strong. So, why do I look forward to my departure from this place? Call me crazy but I miss the developing world. In many ways, Costa Rica reminds me of the states - in all good ways, of course. And, this trip was not about the states.

In a very odd way, I miss the system of Guatemala and Honduras. The process, as dysfunctional as one might claim they are, works. A great example is there bus system. I miss the camaraderie of sharing a single seat with 3 other people, or stopping on the side of the road to pick-up the occasional hitch-hiker. I know, it all sounds a bit crazy, but this trip, even with it being in such an infancy, has been filled with spectacular experiences. And, most of the experiences were generated in Guatemala and Honduras. The zaniness of trying to figure out what others are saying, the zaniness of having others try to figure out what you are saying, meeting the plethora of like minded budget travelers interested in experiencing something different, and the freedom to just do something. Except for the fact there aren't any emission laws, I just felt like I was able to breath better.