After a few mishaps including but not limited to: cancelled flights, computer projects lost, overstaying my visa, and rerouting issues, I have finally arrived in Guatemala! Flying from Sydney through Singapore, London, and Madrid, I was again reminded that the less direct you go, the cheaper it is. Two of my flights were over 12 hours long! Although I am beyond heartbroken to leave Australia- friends, circus, and scenery alike- the mystery of the next four months is beckoning me.
I stopped over in London for about four days and welcomed a break from the endless summer I've been in. It was SO COLD though! I was constantly shivering. But it was uncharacteristically sunny when I was there which was lovely. I got to experience the circus community of London and did a little bit of exploring. Wandering around such a beautiful and rich city in terms of architecture and history was definitely a change from being in Australian cities which are relatively new. One night I biked up parliament hill and saw the most beautiful view of the city. London, I honestly wished I could stay forever. But in good Watson fashion I have moved on.
Staying last night in Antigua, I have gotten a bit of culture shock. This is legitimately the nicest and most touristy town I have hit on my Watson. Even when compared to Bali! I feel more like I am in America than I ever did while in Australia which is strange. Sitting here organizing my life from the whirlwind of the past month- I am writing down all the numbers of contacts I have here in Central and South America, and sending out all the letters I have written. I am preparing to toss my computer later today! I am sitting here in the Black Cat Hostel (only the 5th night I have stayed in a backpackers in the past 8 months) listening to 50 Cent blaring extraordinarily loudly at 8 am. Is is weird in a multitude of ways, but hilarious.
Today I am headed to a town called San Marcos La Laguna on Lake Atitlan. I will be teaching circus to children, and living and learning from an arts empowerment group there for a few weeks. I also am going to try to cram in as much Spanish as physically possible. As much as I loved learning Latin through middle and high school, I am so frustrated that I don't speak Spanish! Wish me luck in that regard. I then have circus, social circus, and arts empowerment contacts in the following places: El Salvador, Belize, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Peru, Chile, Argentina, and Brazil. I also only have four months. Where to go, where to go? I really have no idea where I will be heading or what I will be doing in the next few months and couldn't be more excited to ride this Watson wave.
The world continues to be hilariously small. Last night I sat down next to a guy who had gone to Amherst College and who did social circus for his job. He is headed to Belize in a few weeks to try to make a documentary about the dying-out, ancient, tribal dances of Mayan communities there. He is planning on doing a lot of theater and circus with the kids there. I am leading towards joining the expedition. And typical of this year I am sure about ten other awesome connections will present themselves within the next week. I am so excited!
About to embark on this last leg of the Watson I am truly thankful for the health and good luck I've had on my trip thus far. Although there are always bumps along the way, I have been incredibly fortunate and safe. Thanks to everyone who has helped me out along the way. I am forever indebted to you.
Thank you for making my trip to Australia (and London too) rock my world: Matt Hill, Dan Rule, Tiff Man, Tiger Webb, Carlie Langsworth , Rachel Farber, John McNaughton, Dec Healy, Jamee Campbell, Amy Hurren, Joshi Philip, Tom Tulett, Nat Keentok and Crew, Lil Tulloch, George Le Couteur, Scott Grayland, Michelle Wild, Markus Michalowski, Scott Stoddart, Tanya Lester, Heath Edmunds, Matthew Wake, Jennie Natenshon, Maha Moushabeck, Ellie Hand, Huy Vu, Dave Mckeown, Per Westman, Michelle Stevens, Yos Worth, Andrea Ousley, Eleanor Beveridge, Julie Wilson, Bec Coohen, Heather Smith, Bec Paterson, Jo, Belinda at Circus Arts, Everyone at The Womens Circus, Irenes, The Circus Spot, The Circus Space, and WAY WAY more. That is just off the top of my head. Apologies if I forgot anyone. Love to all.
