Stop To Feel The Lava

(Sorry all! I have just returned from the road!! It was awesome, amazing and jarring. Many blogs to come!)


Have you ever found yourself within a perfect moment? Did the world seem to stop, for just a fraction of a second, so that this perfect moment could continue on? Well, moments like these happen quite often to your’s truly here in Guatemala.

The latest moment took place this past Saturday. I was ready for my night of movie watching when a text came through.

“This hippie festival is awesome! Come up!” it read. I passed the phone to Steph and in no time we were out of relaxing clothes and walking toward Café No Se where we were to catch a shuttle that would then whisk us to one of the millions of San Cristobals spread throughout Central America.

One can learn a lot about life whilst traversing in a free shuttle. Things like: deodorant is a good thing, people really do think that they are brilliant when they are high, music is the gateway to the soul and an endless plethora of other tid bits. I have met many a new friend while sitting in a free shuttle on the way to some thing or another here in Guatemala.

We arrived at our destination, a house on one of the surrounding mountains that was now covered in people, immersed in laughter and song, flowing with beer and wreaking of fantastic food.

On the rooftop of this gentleman’s very own bar was situated a stage. From that stage emanated lyrics and music the likes of which one can find throughout Guatemala. Lyrics spoke of travelers finding themselves, of tall tales getting taller and of Bob Marley covers.

As surprised and awed as I was by the scene and by the plethora of friends present, my breath was ultimately taken away by the view. We sat on the edge of a wall that guarded a cliff. Nestled within the valley was Antigua, home. As the night crept in, the view began to twinkle and then to shine. Guatemala is covered in various shades and colors of light. I have flown a few times now and I have arrived in the dark. In the USA, cities appear white. Here in Guatemala, cities and towns are colored for Christmas. The orange glows turn a reddish color, the soft whites turn green. Slight blues mix in and one is transported into a different state of mind. We sipped our Gallo, ate our frijoles and tortillas and falafel and we allowed the music and the view to take us away.

The clouds began to roll in below us, causing the valley to glow. As I raised my glass to my lips, Fuego exploded in the distance, sending a tower of lava into the night sky that then rained down upon its distant slopes.

That is when time stopped. That is when my breath was taken away. That is when I fell in love with this world for the billionth time.

We are, all of us, citizens of this planet. Yet, far too often, we refuse to see its perfection. Every day, little moments take place all around us. If only we would stop and pay attention, life would mean so much more! Who cares what is happening or where you have to be. You could only have one go ’round in this life, why waste it?

I continue to insure that my show will be a good one! Join me, won't you?