19/1/2011

9:14pm

I really shouldn't have bothered with the run. The hike we went on was more like a full-on trek through the jungle, one of the girls even likened to army training. Granted, it wasn't much different from some of the walks I'd done with Scouts, or mountains I'd climbed in Scotland (except maybe a little (or a lot) more mud), the fact that I did a huge uphill run only hours before ensured that I was totally exhausted by the time we got back. There were some amazing views and sights, and I got a bunch of great photos. I'm going to have to upload them all to Facebook when we get back to Heredia, or I won't have enough room on my camera for photos in the adventure tour.

Our evening consisted of a BBQ with all the volunteers and their host families, which was nice, just to be able to sit around and chill and not worry about working. Someone also made a comment, as we watched the Tico's talk and socialise, that if this were a BBQ in Australia, at least half the guests would be smashed by now. I know we all laughed about it, but it made me realise how drinking plays not only a big part in my life, but in the small fragments of solidified Australian culture.

It's been over a week since I last consumed alcohol. That is a surprising milestone for me, considering I got 5 days into 'Dry August' last year before going out and ending up drinking again. But I suppose it's all circumstantial: I know for a fact if I was back in Sydney I wouldn't have remained sober. Nor would I have voluntarily given up internet access. I guess the detox has finally kicked into effect, but all it is showing me is that I can survive without my vices if I have to.

But there's no way in Hell I would choose to.