“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” says Lao-Tzu. I might want to add that the first step is not necessarily one taken by your left or right leg;  the decision to go on a journey can also be the first - big - step.  At least it was for me until I finally decided to join the journey that would take us to Nicaragua for the month of February 2013.

firest stopover at Madrid Barajas on Sunday, Feb 3rd

Since walking there was not an option the next step on this trip was spending close to 24 hours on various airplanes and airports, always surrounded by “artificial air”, my current favorite term for air that passed through air conditioning systems.  Our itinerary started in Vienna from where we took a plane to Madrid.  After two and a half airline meals we had crossed the Atlantic ocean and had a short stopover at the airport of Guatemala City.  From there on it was only two short hops via San Salvador until we finally arrived at Managua airport on February 3rd 2013. There we were warmly welcomed by our Nicaraguan friends and the tropical air.  We started to adjust our bodies to the local climate by having beers and cigarettes (the first after boarding a plane in Vienna!) in the airport’s parking lot.  I am so looking forward to a comfortable alternative to long distance flights!  Maybe one day walking will be an option.