MONTAGUE ABERDEEN FIDDLED WITH A PAMPHLET AS THE BUS bounced over yet another pothole. The International Explorers’ itinerary said Mayan Ruins in the morning and yet another open-air market in the afternoon for lunch on their own.

But Monte wasn’t feeling the excitement. Although he thought the ruins were fascinating, Monte craved exploration that was more up close. This advertisement was for a hike to a waterfall.

He promised his wife to travel the world, even after she passed away. Cruising on a bus to endless mini markets was not the globetrotting they had planned together. Monte wanted to get outside of his comfort zone, to prove he could and to make her proud.

Monte gripped his drink, noting cognates he recognized in English. He wiped the condensation where it dripped to his wrist. Humidity was never his favorite, but he embraced the climate as part of the adventure. The self-guided hike lay open on top of his daypack.