Today I went with my teacher to a beautiful pueblo with fantastic views (yes, more) of the mountains and two very colorful churches that are well-known in Guatemala. Last night, I went out with Tracey and her sister and Holt and some of Tracey's friends to this sports bar that more locals hang out at. It was a lot of fun (a change, and I drank quite a bit as well), but all in all, it was good fun. Met a lot of nice people and lunch with Tracey, Ashley (her sister), and Holt and Charles was great. I'll write more tomorrow (I really promise) because since we did the activity this morning (going to the pueblo this morning so it wouldn't rain out again this afternoon), I have the rest of my class at 3. 2.5 more hours; I had one and a half this morning. I won't be going to the opera tomorrow since it's on Saturday now so I'll miss it unless there's one next week. I only have 10 days left! Tonight, we have 3 invites out so I'm going to see some of my friends from the University San Carlos (perhaps for the last time). Dunno much about the night, but it'll start off at The Buddha for karaoke, I think (the usual Thursday night), and then maybe meander to La Paranda or another bar, club, restaurant, cafe. No se...Holt, Charles and I are leaving for Lago Atitlan and San Pedro around 8 on Saturday morning, returning Sunday afternoon. And, I'm cooking shrimp curry for my family here next week. Of course, I'll be doing much more, but I'll write about what I know about later. Still need to do shopping. I feel a little weak (from a busy morning and last night) so I want to get some horchata! I had the best hochata (sweet rice milk with spices) yet at the restaurante mexicano that we went to yesterday for lunch. Hhhmm.

Next post will be about my first day in Guatemala City and my second day in the country, in Xela. And whatever else I remember from last week.

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...

Finally, I am writing...

Well, it's 9:30, and while some friends from la Universidad asked me last night if I could go out with them, I would rather lay in bed on my first Friday evening. One day I'd like to go out and with them for café o té or to bailar (dance), but I've had such an eventful week that I think I need to collect my thoughts, emotions and reserve my physical strength. That, and if I'm at home, I get to talk to people I love :) But, that's not to say that my day wasn't exciting and new (but isn't every day here, so far?). Sunday will mark a week that I've been in Guatemala. My plans for this weekend are pretty minimal. I need to study for my exam in Historia Economica de Centroamerica, and I told Nohemy that I would go to church with the family if I didn't go to Chichicastenango. With Luis returned back to the States, it seems as though I'm the only student that they need to cater to, with regard to actividades, and I told Ruth today that I'd rather wait until the following Sunday because I would probably be tired this weekend. The market in Chichicastenango is supposed to be great, with plenty of good deals...especially if you get there around 6 like we were planning on doing, but I want this first weekend here to be pretty lowkey. So I'll be reading the photocopy of the book for the class and reviewing my lessons from the 4 hours of language class I've had each day this week. But, mira (look), in the university here, they don't require you to buy books (except for maybe medicine or a like subject); rather, the professor leaves a copy in the kisosko de fotocopias in the college or department, and students request a copy. I had to pay 7.50 quetzales (Q), but that's less than a dollar for however many chapters it is. Add it up, and it's far less than the inflated textbook prices in los Estados Unidos. In any case, I was pleased with that, and I don't think this exam will be too difficult, but I will need to study.

I went to Las Fuentas Georginas today with one of the teachers (maestras) from Proyecto Linguistic Santa Maria (PLSM), my language school. The escuela is named after one of the nearby volcanos (volcanes), and I get to visit one soon. Las Fuentas Georginas are hotsprings in the mountainous rain forest. This was my first time going to a hotspring (fuenta), but they're amazing. (And, the 30-minute/each way busride cost Q50, and Q20 for the entrance. That's roughly a little under 9 USD!) I'm posting some photos on facebook, but I recommend that everyone try to visit them (or one) one day. The drive up is breath-taking, though somewhat troubling at times with the narrow roads, other cars/buses in the winding, and the fog (neblina). But, Milvia and I were there for about 3 hours. We got really pruney, and it was relaxing and tiring. But, here I am, a little refreshed. Milvia said that more tourists go there, and I actually met a church group from Colorado, a guy from California and a man from New York. On the way back, the driver (conductor) stopped in Zunil, where we were able to see and enter a beautiful old church. Upon returning to Xela, we decided to eat a semi-fastfood place called Ricca Burguer. It was like a fastfood place, but you had a waiter. After our burgers (though the had other things), we went our separate ways, and I went home. Nohemy told me that my room had been rearranged because they bought me a new bed; my former one had been a part of a bunk bed (the other part belonging to Sergio, her 26-year-old son) so we both got new ones. It's a comfy and firm mattress and I like it better than my former one. Someone needed the bunkbed and so it's going to that person. I got to talk to Jesse for a while, and I called my sister and my dad. I still need to mail some postcards because I didn't have time to stop by the postal today, but perhaps they'll be open tomorrow (if I want to leave the house). If I get enough work done, I think I will. Today was full--9-12:30 class in the escuela, but we took a break to look for a swimsuit in this cheap clothing store called Bulocks. I bought Mia a shirt and Carlito, an outfit (with a truck that lights up when you push it). I didn't find a swimsuit that I liked which was fine because Nohemy gave me a one-piece to borrow this morning. Mia's shirt only cost Q26, which is a little over 3 USD. Then, at 1:00, I had almuerzo (lunch)--pollo, papas fritas (but not french fries), broccoli, carrots and soup. I also had homemade corn tortillas (like they always have) and some of the best guacamole I have had! At 1:30, I returned to the school, and until 6:30, was my actividad with Milvia (hotsprings and dinner). Oh, I think I got asked out on my way back to the school after lunch. A boy--I think he was in his late teens--asked me if I wanted to go with him and his friends to Santa Maria tomorrow (if I understood him correctly). I said no because I'm going with my family, but then he asked me for my number. I told him no because I lost my phone. It was all true, but he was rather forward, and I found declining surprisingly easier to do in Spanish than in English. Anyhow, I think I'll go to bed. I did write in my Spanish diary today so I'm doing better with writing. More about this past week, tomorrow morning!

El cuatro dia

Really quickly. Today's been okay. I went with my teacher (Astrid) to Salcaja. In this pueblo is the oldest church (iglesia) in all of Central America. It's called Villa de Hermitia (?...hermit in Spanish). I googled it, with minimal results. Anyway, I bought Jesse two small bottles of the sangria they make there. I was told by one of my classmates (the only other one really in the morning, Luis) that theirs is amazing. I tried it, and it was okay, but I think Jesse may like it and we can drink it together (I hope he'll share...jeje). But, I went there and the bus ride there was nice because it's like an old schoolbus that has been pimped out--Guatemalan style--complete with a sound system and happy music. Views of the area were both breath-taking, but eventhe  images of "development" and some "poverty" were provoking (for lack of a better word). I had to borrow Luis' (really Louis from Houston) because I didn't bring mine this morning to the school, and I didn't go home for lunch (almuerzo) before my afternoon activity. I had lunch with him since he's leaving tomorrow at 1 in the morning. We ate at this nice restaurant that's called Balcon Enrique or Balcón de Enrique and talked for a while. It overlooks El Parque Central y las moñtanas and he took some photos that he'll forward to me. He's homesick and misses his girlfriend. But, he's been to Xela twice before so it's not like he's unfamiliar with the area. Well, I should go catch the bus now. I'll write more later.

Okay, I haven't forgotten about where I left off, but there really is so much to do here. I mean, I have 4 hours of language instruction each morning (9-1), then I walk home to have lunch (usually), siestas are encouraged, but I've been too busy and restless to take one yet. After my break (descansa or descanso...no recuerdo), I usually have an activity arranged by the school the afternoon. Then, I have to be in at the university for my 7:30 class. Well, I take a bus that takes probably 30 minutes to get there with traffic. But, it seems like classes here begin about 15 minutes late and it's not a big deal for you to walk in the middle of the class and even greet the professor and the class! Anyway, I was supposed to take another class, a political science one, but I decided not to because I could barely understand the professor, and my classmate's questions. I mean, I bet if I really tried, I could probably get better, but I think one class in the university plus my Spanish school lessons (plus living in Xela with a family) will be plenty. That way, I can see the country I'm in and not have to focus on getting papers or homework done, or so many exams. Speaking of which, I have on Monday in my clase de Historia Economica de Centroamerica. I like my professor and the subject matter is interesting. Actually on the first day that I had the class (Monday, but a week after it had begun), the professor introduced me to some classmates, so it seems as though I have friends. Anyway, I have to go to my class in about 20 minutes. Well, it doesn't begin until 7:30, but I need to get there early to buy a photocopy of the book for the exam. The bus is a little intimidating (there are some photos of these minibuses on facebook), but I'll write more about that later. Driving here is very intense. Each night a taxi driver named Edi picks me up. Ruth, the directora of the language school arranged it since he's her friend. He's very nice and speaks a little English because he lived in Florida for 5 years. Will write more later. 

Estoy aqui! (and have been for the last two days)

Well, I guess it's best to start at the beginning of my trip (mi viaje). But first, I feel like I need to disclaimer to all those enthusiastic viewers/readers that I've been really busy (ocupada) with my activities (actividades) with the language school and the university (universidad), etc., and that's why I have yet to update. Anyhow, now to the story...

I left New Orleans around 6:49 on Saturday evening and arrived in Houston about an hour later. I walked up to the Continental informational counter to inquire on where I should squat for the evening since the gate number for my flight thirteen hours later had yet to be posted. I also asked about hotels, and since there was a service that gave discounts to layover'd passengers, I took the opportunity to ride the free shuttle to the Ramada Inn ten miles away. I used their wireless in the lounge and talked with Jesse :) but I was unable to connect with Mia :( I ended up ordering disappointing Chinese food because the kitchen closed around the time I wanted food. But (Pero), my fortune cookie read "People are naturally attracted to you." It was interesting and different staying in a hotel by myself. As independent as it was, I don't plan on doing it again. Just to let ya'll know, in the middle of typing, I get the urge every now and again to burst into Spanish. My little parentheticals will have to suffice. So the next morning I took the shuttle to the airport. Whilst waiting to board, I ran into a group from Loyola (but I only talked with Gaby) that was on the same (mismo) flight as I was going to be on. (It was some biology course or trip; no se). But, what a coincidence. I sat in seat (asiento) 21E in between two lovely human beings--one from Pasadena, TX, and the other from Xela or Quetzaltenago (hint: where I am). The woman (mujer) was very friendly (amigable)--she taught me that word... The three of us talked throughout the flight, and Ony'l (lady from Xela, now living in Guatemala City, o la Capital) told me that if I wanted her to show me around, to call/email her. I know what you might be thinking, but I know she's a good person. She gave me a lot of good advice. The aerial view of Guatemala and the surrounding areas was pretty awesome. La Capital is so big, much bigger than New Orleans, I'd say. And, someone (though I forget who) told me that about 1/2 the country's population (poblacion) lives there. Goodness, I'm getting tired and I have barely begun. Well, Carolina and her mom picked me up from the airport. It's funny because after Customs, you go and pick up your bags, and then, you walk outside (after giving another form to an official) to find a crowd of people behind barricades looking at you, wondering if their person is next. Carolina and her mom called my name though, and I awkwardly meandered through the taxi-pushers, and went to their car. During the ride to her house, I was both refreshed and provoked mentally (if that makes sense) by the scenery because (porque) in a way, it was unlike anything I had seen--the mixture of old and new and tons of people out (it was Sunday) and advertisements and really defensive driving. I liked it a lot, but I don't think I'd want to live there. So we went to her house, which was one of the nicest and cleanest houses I have ever been in. Okay, pathetic, but I'm going to have to stop here because I know once I get started on the rest of the trip, I won't want to stop. Y estoy muy consada (And, I'm very tried). Pero, la manana, yo tratare me levantar temprano. Buenas noches! Ahh, yo deseo a escribir! Y tengo ADD!