Today was Fergus’ birthday. We worked hard this morning, teaching a health education class about worms and parasites, Fergus having the special birthday treat of dressing up as ‘Valentin’ the evil ‘vorm’. The screaming, enchanted children with their cheeky smiles and playfulness certainly created a good atmosphere for a birthday, and made Fergus feel younger!
We then enjoyed moreish doughnuts from the Mennonite bakery here in Xela, and I scrupulously searched the thronging streets of the lively Demogracia market to find the best Pinata in town.
A party in the evening ended with dancing in La Parranda – think any cheesy British nightclub, remove measuring of shots, add some latin beats to the music and salsa flairs to the dancing. The photos probably say it best.
At one point in the evening, I looked around the partying crowds, and felt pleasantly surprised about how many faces I recognized and people I knew there. In four short weeks, in such a welcoming and friendly town, it is all too easy to make friends and feel settled in one place in this vast world. I feel excited about exploring new places, but sad to be leaving at the end of this week.
I now understand why one in three of the people I meet here have postponed their flights home. It is because when they are travelling, they think they are looking for something; and what they realise is that they are looking for companionship, a shared mindset, a feeling of belonging in the world. Which can only be fully realised by sharing experiences with those around us.
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