It seems like top 10 lists are cool (at least on blogs and websites) so I’ll give it a go.  My top 10 list is a bit deferent than my parent’s.  Their’s are focused on crazy adventures in the jungle and hippy dippy nature experiences involving cool birds or weird mammals.  I don’t get to participate in all of these activities since my parents are paranoid about me getting bitten by a snake or stolen by a local (which I admit are real possibilities).  But I do get to participate in some of them.  In any case, my top 10 is a bit different than theirs.

# 1. The COCONUTS!

As you know, I’m a huge fan.  I love the juice (and no not with a fancy biodegradable straw since they don’t really work), the flesh and even playing with the shells and hair.  Oh, and my favorite is the pieces of coconut oil that fall on the floor when my mom is moisturizing herself with it.  Overall, can’t say enough good things about it.

# 2. Sleeping on the Bed in the Camper

The trip got off to a good start when I figured out I was going to get to sleep on the bed.  What happened to that?  Why am I now sleeping on the top of the collapsible shower and toilet, which sometimes has to be used during the night, ruining my sleep?

# 3. Teaching Other Dogs to Play

For some reason, the local dogs don’t know how to play.  Perhaps the had tough childhoods.  Anyway, I’m teaching the the skill.

# 4. The Boat Trips

I didn’t know if I’d like boats but the trips we have done have been world class.  The boat trip down the river through the jungle to an uncrowded Mayan ruin and the tour of the Golfo Dulce come to mind as highlights.

# 5. The Beach

I don’t get to run around on the beach all the time, but when I do, it’s awesome.  Black sand or white sand.  It doesn’t matter.  There’s just something magical about it.

# 6. Quality Time with My Parents

This has been the best thing about the trip.  I’m rarely by myself.

# 7. The Connections

As I wrote in a previous blog post, one of the goals of my trip has been to connect with a broader community.  And I have been doing that, connecting with and forming friendships, even if they are temporary, with a bunch of cool dogs along the way.

# 8. The Crazy Campsites

There have been many good campsites but a few have been off the charts.  That includes the huge campground in Chetumal that’s right on the water where the pelicans were flying overhead as I swam out over and over to grab the frisbee.

# 9. Diverse Food

For the first time on this trip, I’m getting some of the same stuff they get.  Highlights include the sausage in Guatemala and the steak in Nica.

# 10. The Mountains (and an occasional air conditioned room)

I love the beach but find it hard to sleep at night when it’s hot and humid (my nose gets hot and I pant all night).  That’s why I love our frequent trips to the mountains as well as the occasional (actually rare) opportunity to stay in an air conditioned room.

That’s it for now!  I’m sure that this list will evolve along the way and I’ll keep you updated!