AJ Episodes - 10 (ADVENTURE JOURNEY: The Extreme Vacationer's Handbook)

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AJ EPISODES
Episode 10: Belen, Nicaragua, Spring 1990



	START FROM THE BEGINNING: Episode 1 Siberia, Winter 1992 Episode 2 Kauai, Hawaii, Winter 1984 Episode 3 Osaka, Japan, Summer 2005 Episode 4 Monte Verde, Costa Rica, Summer 1989 Episode 5 Aspen, Colorado, Winter 1983 Episode 6 Mali, Fall 2001 Episode 7 Sydney, Australia, Spring 1991 Episode 8 Brisbane, Australia, Summer 2006 Episode 9 Antarctica, 1999 Episode 10 Belen, Nicaragua, Spring 1990 Episode 11 On the Mediterranean, Spring 2000 Episode 12 Buenos Aires, Argentina, Summer 2003 Episode 13 LAX, Summer 2003 Episode 14 Lagos, Nigeria, Spring 2000

As Renaldo slunk around the side of his mother's house, a chicken clucked at his feet and a skinny, gasping-for-breath hound watched from the nearby trunk of a fallen tree. The stray's one unblinded was as implacable as a security camera and the other was a wet socket covered in gnats.

Although Renaldo was nearly eighteen, his body was as malnourished as the dog's and seemed to belong to someone much younger. This emaciated youthfulness was enhanced by the stained and wrinkled shirt that sagged well past his crotch, the flimsy red shorts clinging to his slender buttocks and his blue flip flops. From the corner of the house, he squinted at the old gringo rocking in the chair on the porch.

"Renaldo?" said the stranger. "Your mother says you're looking for work." Although he was clearly from the States, the man's Spanish had a very old-world sound, the way the Spaniards spoke on television. "I could use a hand at the clinic."

Renaldo showed them man empty hands. "I know nothing of clinic work."

"Neither do I. Fortunately, other people will handle the medical aspect. You will help me in the office. I need an assistant."

"I'll need glasses."

"Yes."

Renaldo turned away. Since Violeta Barrios de Chamorro had won the presidential election in February the country had seen more foreign visitors such as this man who had set up a free clinic in Belen. Renaldo didn't know what to make of him, but his mother had had no hesitation. As a woman raising five children alone, she'd had little choice. A fierce love for her stole across his heart almost like pain and his eyes misted.

Renaldo turned back, blinking. "What do I do first?"

"First? First you shake my hand." The man rose from the rocker, offering his palm. "My name is Martin Ray."

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