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There are those special people that you meet that stop you in your tracks and absolutely stun you with their beauty, their compassion, their utter humanity. They fill your heart with inspiration and gladness. You cherish every moment you get to share with them, every moment their path aligns with yours. And, when it’s time to go on your way, you miss them. Memories of them bring a sweet smile to your face. You know you’d like to see them again. You eagerly look forward to when your paths shall cross again.

And then, there are those who do all that… and still… somehow… more. You aren’t just stopped in your tracks for some finite amount of time. Suddenly, knowing them, makes your path seem uncertain. There’s question. The blazed, clear-cut trail suddenly fades to a whisper. You crane your neck, lift hand to brow, look left… and yes! You can see them again: bold, clear tracks. But wait. You look right… and you spy another set of bold, clear tracks. So… which are yours? Both look promising and inviting. Both seem to offer the fulfillment of some deep desires of your heart. But each path seems to offer the fulfillment of different desires. You have to choose and you wonder: ‘which choice is right?’ Alas! Only one way must be the right way because you can only go one way. And then, you realize whichever way you choose is the right way. It’s just a choice: a choice between two rights. You win either way. Just, what you win will be different depending upon which way you go.

This makes you smile and you close your eyes and relax. Only good things lie before you. So you meditate and simply listen and observe. You know your feet will find their way. And for the moment, you pause and just enjoy the special place where two rights lay before you. That special place that can only be found when you come to know a specific, special person. When you open your eyes again, you’ll find your feet will already be walking…. to the right… or left.

Stories from agritour

I was sick, yet calm and relaxed. The three days of intense north-south exploration of Honduras’ agribusiness sector came after literally months of non-stop travel, comprised of both work and adventure. Yup, I had hit the wall. It’s no fun being sick. But, I was looking forward to the break. I just need to learn to take my breaks before I get sick. As far as where I was sick… *shrug*. I have been sick in strange, foreign lands before and I survived just fine. Plus, this time my accommodations were far greater. This would be smooth sailing.

And… it was! Just one night of shutting everything else out, submitting to a complete and total relaxation and simply accepting that I was sick… did the trick. I held a calm faith that I would get better and the next morning I was better! Not quite 100 percent, but just nearly there. I was happy about this because Arturo, the local couchsurfer I had been in touch with, was picking me up and, despite his assurances that it was not a problem, I did not want him to have to welcome one sick puppy. ; )

I knew I was in store for a real treat meeting Arturo. His references on couchsurfing repeatedly boasted an open, generous and selfless host that seemed to take complete joy in sharing his Honduran heritage in Tegucigalpa. Excellent qualities. From his pictures he looked like a handsome, clean-cut, well-mannered man. His willingness to host a sick guest attested to the fact that all the above was true.

Yup. When Arturo pulled up he was evidently, handsome, clean-cut, and… taking my luggage, taking my hand in a meaningful greeting and paying for my hotel laundry bill… he was unquestionably well-mannered. Arturo had stepped out from work to come pick me up, so the plan was to take me back to his place where I could get more rest and finish up on some work.

And that’s basically what I did during my entire stay with Arturo: rest, work, a little one-on-one futbol and cozy evenings with dinner at great local joints. Nothing too eventful, but that’s exactly what I needed. This also gave Arturo and I ample time to get into hearty discussions about life, spirituality and humanity in general. Me? Getting into hearty discussions and debates?? Ha! I’m so fortunate that I meet such wonderful and open listeners all the time!! ; )

And through his thoughts, beliefs and behavior I saw first-hand that Arturo is every bit as impressive as his couchsurfing references boasted. He’s a man that will certainly make you stop in your tracks… ; )

My path seems a bit uncertain. But, my feet are leading me to Copan Ruinas, with a cheese and marmalade sandwich that Arturos made for me in my bag!!

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