Five years ago, bored with my job and at a post-thirty crossroads I took a year out to go traveling.
It wasn’t that I had any great desire to do so. In all honesty I just couldn’t think of anything else to do that wasn’t work.
I plotted a route that took me through South East Asia and Central America. I loved it all.
But two places stayed with me. Vietnam and Nicaragua. Both very different but with distinct similarities. Both had tragic histories but offered the warmest welcomes. They were both lands of smiles.
The trip changed my life and when I returned back home, I didn’t settle. Just over a year later I signed up to do volunteer work.
I wasn’t allowed to choose where I would be posted. So, when their representative rang up to inquire whether I would consider Vietnam, she was a little bemused by my over-the-top enthusiasm. Yes, yes, yes. I would consider it. When she hung up I danced around the room. Then I rang everybody I knew.
That was almost three years ago. Vietnam and my volunteer post at KOTO was more magical than even I could ever have imagined. I documented it all in my blog. And my life continued to change.
Nicaragua returned to my thoughts. By pure chance I became aware of an organistion called Building New Hope and in particular Café Chavalos. Café Chavalos, like KOTO is a training restaurant for disadvantaged young people.
What are they odds? My two most favourite places in the world, running the exact same concept. I contacted them. We chatted by email They knew of KOTO and KOTO was an inspiration to them. Like KOTO they needed a new restaurant.
So, eventually I asked them. Would they employ me? They would. Wow.
So in mid March I am moving to Granada to set up home and work for Café Chavalos.
I don’t want to second guess what it will be like but it will be quieter. Everywhere is quieter than Hanoi.
* Pictures are from my first backpacking trip to Nicaragua. The one above, in particular haunts me. I remember how happy and in awe of my surroundings I was when it was taken. The pics are of Ometepe a volcanic island in Lago De Nicaragua. Granada sits on the mainland at the edge of the lake.
One request. Can you blog the food scene? Have not the first notion of Nicaraguan cuisine. You're my eyes and ears. Enjoy.
Posted by: Graham | January 23, 2007 at 05:44 AM
Of course and congrats on being the first to post.
I'll be hanging out with chefs again so I am sure I can.
Can't wait. Other people pack their cases I configure my blog. Now I'm ready.
Posted by: omih | January 23, 2007 at 05:50 AM
A blog is always ready, a suitcase on the other hand...
Good luck with it all. Looking forward to it :)
Posted by: Graham | January 23, 2007 at 07:06 AM
Wow...Everything sounds like it is going fantastically well for you! (hmmm..is 'fantsatically' a word..?) Looking forward to hearing about your new adventure.
Posted by: girl | January 23, 2007 at 07:53 AM
Looking forward to reading your adventures in Granada. All new - never been out that way...
Posted by: Matt | January 23, 2007 at 10:36 PM
I've been following your journey since Space Hardware. OK if I tag along on this one too?
Safe journey! :)
Posted by: Elle | January 24, 2007 at 08:39 AM
Yup, Space Hardware. Christ, how long was that ago now?
It might be wrong to wish on it but if it keeps getting results like these...
All the best, wor man.
Posted by: simon | January 24, 2007 at 07:12 PM
Thanks all...there's been a lot of water under the bridge and shooting stars since Space Hardware. It's 3.35am Hanoi time and I've been tinkering with the blog for several hours. Maannn. I just can't design blogs. They never quite look right.
Thanks for the kind words though. It's almost a couple of months till I set off to Nicaragua so it'll just be Spanish progress, packing and finding out more info for a while.
But glad to have you all along for the ride.
Posted by: ourman | January 25, 2007 at 03:45 PM
Hey there! Am so happy for you. Nicaragua and a special someone, you lucky sod!
Good luck with the next venture, I will be eagerly following your progress. Enjoy every minute of it. Dee
Posted by: Deirdre Kettlewell | January 27, 2007 at 02:00 PM
Thanks Deidre. Always good to hear from you and your welcome to come visit us in Nicaragua any time.
Keep up the blogging yourself. I want to know what happens next, post Vietnam.
Posted by: omih | January 29, 2007 at 01:35 AM
Steve
Olivia's mum and her bloke are in Vietnam, they said they would try and look you up at KOTO if they can break away from their tour guides.
Posted by: Damian | January 30, 2007 at 05:44 AM
Hi Judy Steve,
It's Millie.Just wanted to say I've got
tonsillitus.I got sent home from school
yesterday at lunchtime.I had the day of
school today andIam having the day of
school tomorrow aswell.I have got a
cough, blocked nose ,headache and I feel
dead dizzy some times aswell.What's the weather like. Millie P.S.Please write
back soon.Bye.
Posted by: millie | February 01, 2007 at 04:19 PM
I was very fortunate to visit Saigon few years back, and it is wonderful city.
Love the bikes, can't believe a family of 5 can ride on 1 bike. What a family trip.
Cugi (don't know if the spelling is right) is a great place to pop by.
Posted by: spanish course | July 24, 2007 at 08:18 AM