We’ve really started to settle in to our temporary home here in El Salvador. Traveling extensively is tricky, because you’re constantly towing the line between being a tourist, but also trying to find some normalcy and routine so as to not get burned out. By the time we had reached Galicia back in September, we had been running around so much that we were honestly kind of ready to be home. This time around, we have intentionally moved a lot slower and I think it’s really been great for both of our mindsets and our trip in general. As I’ve said before, our days revolve around the surf, so every day looks a little different (depending on the tide and conditions and whatnot), but typically: we surf in the morning for 2-3 hours, come back, have some breakfast, either have a Spanish lesson or do some work on the computer, eat lunch, workout, maybe surf again, read, hang out with people, eat dinner, watch a movie, and call it a night. Along with Spanish, Niko and I have both found things to do throughout the day that give our lives meaning besides just being surf bums. Not that I mind being a surf bum right now, but it’s also nice to progress towards something. I am studying for a certification that I’ve wanted to get for my career, so that has given a lot of shape to my days. It sounds silly to want to be studying for a certification while we’re here on our sabbatical, but if there’s one thing I’ve learned from our travels, it’s that balance is everything. In the most trivial sense, it’s nice to have a home cooked meal after eating out at restaurants every night. Or to watch a movie instead of going out to the bars. But more broadly, I think life requires the pairing of opposites in order to feel happy and fulfilled: free time with work, comfort with progression, happiness with hardship. All of it has to be present to enjoy the true scope of the human experience. I feel most content here when I get to do what I love to do with surfing, reading and doing yoga, but I also long to work hard for something and push myself in other areas of my life. I know it’s not a revolutionary concept, but I really hope Niko and I can craft a life that has some sort of balance once we return to the U.S. and start working again. I suppose it’s less about hope and more about making that a priority, though. Life is what you make it.

All musing aside, like I’ve said, we are extremely content here. Just this morning, Niko and I both had one of our best surf sessions of the entire trip. The waves were perfect and we both surfed super well, smiling from ear to ear for hours. We’re happy, relaxed, enjoying the papusas and all of the other amazing food, surfing well and finding time to work on ourselves. Other than not having our family and friends around, we can’t ask for much more. Anybody need a vacation?