Saturday in the park

I'm taking a break from the studying. It's not that I was too deep into it, but I did start and that counts. So I decided to walk to the post office and just to walk around on a Saturday. The streets were far less crowded than they are during the week, but still, not deserted. I actually passed the post office without realizing it (it was closed though). So I walked to the Central Comercio and through El Parque Central (where I overheard more Americans). And, on my way back, I passed the post office to find it closed (cerrado) for the day. I don't think it's open tomorrow, and I had a hard time comprehending what Carlos (host family father) was telling me. Anyway, I bought one roll of toilet paper, a can of mango juice, and a razor. The mango juice is my first one in Guatemala--surprisingly--which was good, but I don't think I'll drink it often because it has 41g of sugar/azucar. Hmm, so I bought toilet paper because it seems like many places (or at least, the university, but not restaurants though) don't have toilet paper and they expect you to bring your own. I know it sounds arrogant, but I'm a little disappointed with some of the bathrooms. But, it's something I'm just going to have to get over and realize that I take my own bathroom for granted.  I'll just leave it at that because I already feel judgmental and condescending, especially when the US has had a lot to do with why Central and South America is struggling in comparison to North America. Anyhow, so I bought some razors as well, but I forgot to buy a little comb or brush. I'm supposed to go with Milvia on Monday to buy this special, fast-growing hair shampoo (champu) so I'll try to remember then, though the salon may charge more than a grocery store. I also stopped by store which has the pretty coral dress that I've been wondering about the past couple of days. Jesse told me I should buy myself a dress, and I think I will. But, not this one. It's pretty, with an embroidered skirt, but I inquired as to how much it costs (as well as a cute yellow shirt that I was considering getting for Kayla), and it's Q390. So that roughly exchanges 50 USD, and while I have been known to pay more fore a dress, I saw another one I liked for only Q37. I mean, it was a much cheaper store, but I liked it too. I just know that there are many other things I could buy with that money--like a beautiful Mayan purse or other textile. So long story, short, I'll keep on looking for a dress.

This morning I spent most of it in bed, talking to Jesse, his parents, and Neill. I couldn't get to bed until about 1 last night, and I woke up around 7 or 8, maybe out of routine (since I've been here. When I final came down for good, I found out that of of Carlos' and Nohemy's daughters had another baby this morning. They were so excited and I am happy for them, but I kind of felt like I was an outsider looking in (maybe because that's exactly what I am). They're all very nice, but this was a special family occasion, and I didn't know where to place myself since I cannot readily and confidently express what I'm thinking (yet, I hope) in Spanish. But, we did eat together until I got up because there weren't enough seats at the table (only two of their children still live at home so it's Nohemy, Carlos, Carlito, Juli and Sergio; the other two are married and living relatively nearby). I just thought it would be better, but I didn't want to stand there looking on like a creeper so I just went up after telling them that I had some studying to do. Everyone really is happy though.

So they left in the afternoon to return to the hospital, and their daughter (Candy, but idk if that's how you spell it; probably not) will be staying here tomorrow. The little girl has a beautiful name, Rebecca Sofia. I've met her sister a few times (Carlito's cousin), Fernanda (she's 5, I think). Like Carlito, she's very cute and sweet. I also found out today that Sergio (the son of Carlo and Nohemy) has a one-month old daughter, but his baby's mother and his baby don't live here so I don't know what happened there. Anyway, I feel like the gossip queen. I'm going to study in a few minutes. I was getting tired earlier studying, before I took my walk (surprise, surprise). Well, I guess I might go on the balcony if it stopped raining. I don't hear it anymore and it looked like a quick rain. It supposedly rains A LOT here, but I've only seen it twice, maybe? It's the rainy season, and after all, we are in the middle of a rain forest (bosque). I'm waiting for Carolina or Mario to reply about Antigua. I also just found out that a girl I used to go to school with (like middle school, but we're friends on facebook) will be in Guate shortly. She asked if I wanted to hang out so if I can, I'll probably take her up on that offer. She told me where she's going, but I'm not sure how far they are from Xela. She'll be here for 2 weeks. 

Oh, and when I was in the park today, I saw a platform stage set up in front of one of the major buildings (edificios) around the park. There was a drumset or something, too. I wonder what's going on later or what went on already.

Ahh, I don't want to study...and I'm rambling, but there really is a lot to tell. I think I'll take a nap instead. I have tomorrow and this evening to study. I know, it's bad...