Before I left on my trip, when people would ask me if I was nervous about traveling alone, I tentatively admitted that Christmas might be a little hard; being away from family and friends. I pictured being alone in a hostel somewhere with strangers, feeling totally isolated. When I would call home I would have to choke back tears, pretending that everything was fine, wanting so much to be by the cozy fire with my family in Point Reyes. Although I did indeed miss being surrounded by all those I love and experiencing the familiar Christmas in Marin, my Christmas could not have been further from the tragic day I imagined before I departed.My initial fears were put to rest when I met Max and James in Baños Ecuador less than two weeks after landing in
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