Ultima Manana

I don't have words right now. It's my last morning, and I remember exactly the first time I ever sat down on the bed at Mansilla's house and wrote my frist morning blog entry. I cannot, cannot, cannot believe this is over. Since I don't have words, I have to write the lyrics to a song that is ringing through my ears. It's by Christina Aguilera and it's called, rightfully so, "I'm Leaving Today." ...

"I'm leavin today. Living it, leaving it to change.
Slowly drifting into a peaceful breeze. Tounge tied and twisted are all my memories.
Celebrating a fantasy come true. Packing all my bags. Finally on the move.
I'm leavin today. I'm living it, I'm leaving it to change.
As I'm driving, I'm captured by the view. So much beauty, the road becomes my muse.
The heat is rising, and my hand surfs through the wind.
Cool, calm, collective is the child that lies within.
I'm leavin today. I'm living it, oh I'm leaving it to change.
See I'm leavin today. Oh yes, I'm living it, I'm leaving it to change.
But somehow I'll miss it. I think I'll really miss it one day!"

... That just about captures my feeling at this very moment. I will do a blog when I get home about the experience in a nutshell, but there you have it, ladies and gentlemen. Mama, I'm coming home.

Wait, is that our bus?

This might turn out to be the best blog I have ever written, and I still don't think it will possibly capture the past 48 hours. It's going to be long, but highly entertaining. Buckle up your seat belts, ladies and gentleman. We're going in.

Para empezar, Friday was my last day of teaching. It was surprisingly less difficult that I imagined it to be, but nonetheless sad indeed. I said goodbye to all of my students, and bid farewell to the routine that I have come to know oh-so-well at the Academy. It didn't actually feel like a permanent goodbye, but I think that is because I know I will visit there at least a few times this week to see people and say goodbye to students in all of my other classes. Nonetheless, I am going to miss that job. Teaching is most definitely something I have a passion for, but I'm just not sure if my calling in life is doing what I did all summer. We'll find out, I suppose.

Friday night: Going out with Andre and Chero is always a crazy plan. However, I was feeling like walking on the wild side and went out with these two hoodlums. We began at a bar called EXIT, but found that not only do police raid bars in the US, but also in Guatemala. It seems like somewhat of a paradox, however. Since the police are so corrupt here, they usually raid the bars to plant something in them to fine the bar (drugs, illegal anythings) to make money. Interesting thought, huh? This is what I have been told. It may or may not be true, but I trust my sources, and wouldn't put it past the police to do things like that in Guate. They also look for minors, but are much less interested in that than looking under all the couches and turning on all the lights in the bar and spoiling the fun for 2 hours. It's basically ridiculous. Aaaanyway. We then went to Tonic, another dance club I've been to a few times, and enjoyed one or two too many glasses of vodka, mineral water, sprite and lime. Seems like a strange combo, but has quickly become my favorite beverage here. I was feeling good, to say the least, and we left the bar at 1:00 AM (barclose) and went back to Andre's. I slept on the couch until Diego (Bunny, or Conejo as they affectionately call him here due to his larger than average ear size) came to pick me up to sleep at his house before we were to head to Semuc Champey in the morning.

6:45 AM Saturday: Yikes. Note to self: no more going out with a couple guys with the "Christmas Spirit." I'll explain that phrase to anyone who is curious to know. Diego's (wonderful) dad drove us to the bus station, and we bought our tickets. Diego and I began to chit-chat in the waiting room. Our bus was to leave at 8:15. Around about 8:30, I noticed there weren't very many people sitting in the waiting room anymore, but they hadn't announced the 8:15 bus to Coban yet. Diego asked the woman behind us if she was going to Coban, and when she told us she wasn't, we noticed that a large bus was leaving the parking lot. Shit. That's our bus.

RUUUNN!! And we did. And we made it. And another note to self: they don't announce when the bus is leaving in Guatemala. You just have to be smart enough to figure it out. Too bad I am lagging so far behind in that 'smart' department. The bus ride was a little uncomfortable, to say the least, and my butt has never gotten numb so many times in a row in the entirety of my life. We stopped (thank God) about halfway to pee and eat a little something. We had 'queso con fresas' ice cream from Sarita, and it was incredible. Pretty much the Spanish equivalent to strawberry cheesecake, I think. Oooo-eee it was delicious. We continued on our journey to Coban, laughing our heads off at the billions of stupid things were were saying and listening to my ipod. Then, we finally made it to Coban. Great. Halfway.

Coban to Lanquin: Minibus to Lanquin, por favor. Si, con mucho gusto. We took a small shuttle to Lanquin, which was really nothin special, you know, the typical jam packed van with a few gringos and chapines. It's funny, because Diego looks a little gringo when you first look at him. But when he was next to me, I made him look like a gringo for sure. He was battling off the precios extranjeros for the whole trip. I found it to be quite entertaining. He, however, might have felt a little robbed of his identity. So then, we arrived in Lanquin.

Lanquin. What a pretty little town. But, does this town have something I forgot to pack? Once a month, a little something happens to us women. If you all haven't been informed, usually there are other little somethings you need to help you out with this little pain in the ass, and those little somethings were little somethings I didn't know how to ask for in Spanish. After about a mountain of asking ridiculously awkward questions to the little store clerks, I figured out all you have to do is say Kotex, and they know what you want. Hmm. Never thought that situation was going to happen in Guatemala. But, when in Guatemala.. right? Then, as we were walking down the street, the packs of teenage boys snickering and hooting at me just put the icing on the cake. Oh Guatemala, how I love you. Okay, but there's still one more bus to Semuc. Well, wait. Let's take a pickup truck. "Really? We can ride in the back? Cool! I've never done the before. What? We can stand while riding in the back of a pickup truck? This is like a dream come true." I literally felt like I was on top of the world in that pickup truck.

We flew (or drove, but felt like flying) down the road to Semuc, and it was the definition of glorious. The landscape is absolutely indescribable. The mountains, the trees, the river, the birds, the smell of the air, the native people walking along the way, it was perfect. We arrived to Las Marias Hostel, and were pleasantly surprised. It was a nice little place with about 5 cabins and 3 or so beds in each cabin. When we arrived, we were asked if we would like to go on a Cave expedition, and thanks to Mike, I knew this was a good idea. I jumped at the opportunity, and we booked it for the caves, as we were running about an hour late from the actual starting time.

Ho-ly COW. I truly can't describe what I saw and felt in those caves, but I will do my best. We were given a candle and told to follow Mauricio, and so we did. Going into a completely pitch black cave with water up to your stomach and a single candle in your hand is something I never dreamed I would do. But there I was, swimming in a black cave, in black water, depending on this wimpy, probably unreliable source of light, following a guide into blackness like I have never seen before. Meh, no sweat. "Aqui hay que nadar un poco.." wait.. what? Really? Okay, yeah. I'll just start swimming through that pitch black water in a pitch black cave and hold on to my candle. Again, no sweat. However, as soon as I realized how absolutely incredible the cave was, I didn't feel the nerves I felt before. I was swimming/walking/trying not to cut my legs open on sharp rocks I couldn't see in the middle of a cave in Semuc Champey, I guess life could be worse. We climbed onto a rock and jumped 2 meters into a lagoon(ish) area, climbed up seriously questionable ladders into gushing rapids of water, and went down a rock ledge into a hole with water rushing through it gasping for air and hoping you landed somewhere wet and not rocky. I got a little banged up, but it was just about the most incredible thing I have ever seen in my life. Or, not seen, rather. But experienced. Words really can't describe it.

As soon as we got out of the cave, we moved on to the tubing down the river. But this river was not just any river, more like a rapid-like, fast moving river that could easily gobble you up in one bite. But, come on guys, let's jump off the 7 meter bridge into the water, then ride it down to our hostel's shore. Okay. When in Guatemala.. don't think about rules or consequences. If I have learned anything while traveling here, it is probably "just do it." So, I did it. And I was scared shitless, and I have never been so happy I did something in my whole life. It was a rush I have never felt before. And I surprisingly made it out alive. Mom and dad, I'm sorry about endangering my life so many times in about 2 hours. But believe me, it was worth it.

We then went back to the room and got changed for dinner. There is a dining area and reception area detached from all the cabins, and that was where we ate dinner and mingled with some Norwegians, Italians, and of course, the other gringos there to see Semuc. We talked about all kinds of things, travels, customs, Guatemalan experiences, everything. It was cool to see the Norwegian girl, because she totally looks like Ailey. Only shorter and less beautiful, but it made my miss my little sissy. Can't wait to see you, Ails.

6:00AM (Sunday): Wake up. Or at least, slowly wake up. Granola bar, and hit the road to walk the 10 minutes to Semuc Champey. I was jumping for joy. We walked into the park, and I was absolutely speechless. The pools of water, the waterfalls, the forests, the birds and butterflies, it was amazing. Again, I can't describe what I saw in words, because it was essentially unlike anything I've ever seen before and thus am completely unable to describe it. But, it was beautiful. See my pictures for more info. We began to climb up to the Mirador, but were unpleasantly surprised when we had to hike 'Pacaya style' to get up there. However, valio la pena, because the view from way up on top of the mountain was absolutely stunning. We could see all of the falls, the pools, the trees, everything. And since we got there so early, nobody was there yet, so it felt like we were the only people in the whole park. Yeah baby.

1:00PM: Time to go. We needed to get back to Coban to catch the 4:00 bus to Guate becuase Diego had to work. Sounds good. A large truck drove by us around 1:30, and we flagged him down. It was like a scene right out of a movie, hopping into a moving truck (a large truck, the size between a pickup and a semi), and holding on for dear life. On that ride back, we met two backpackers from England and France, and chatted with them all the way to Coban. Err, wait. Not Coban. That's where they said we were going. It was somewhere near it, but not quite Coban. Uhhh.. guys? What do we do now? Oh yeah, that's right. We walk until we figure out how get there. We found a schoolbus traveling to Coban for 3 Q's and took it. That's right. We took a ride on the magic school bus.

Arrival in Coban was a little strange. Strange only because the same thing happened to us as the beginning, only this time we didn't get the bus to stop and pick us up. It just straight up left us. HA! Great. It's okay, I'm sure there are more buses leaving tonight. ...NOT! how does 2AM sound? Looks like we're gonna be here for a while, ladies and gents. The English and French guys stayed with Diego and I for a while, but we soon spilt due to conflicting interests. They were really cool people, but we split off and walked around the city solo. Coban was really interesting. It is surrounded by beautiful mountains, and has a feel similar to Zone 1 in Guate, mixed with a little bit of the Antigua landscape and busy Guate lifestyle. We bought 3 for 15Q tacos and some frijoles and french bread, and climbed up on top of the monument in the Central Park and ate dinner and talked for a while. Later, we were joined by some random El Salvadorian friends, who were convinced that despite the fact that I told them to speak more slowly to me because their accent was different and difficult for me to understand, I could understand everything they were saying and could give feedback. Too bad that blew up in his face when he said, "Y tu, que me cuentas?" Uhh.. cuentas about what? My life, your story, I'm sorry, no entiendo. That really makes you feel awesome when someone is telling you a very serious story about his life, the military, why he doesn't drink or smoke, etc., and when he asks you what you think you can only say.. uhh sorry, one more time? Sometimes I hate the fact that I don't speak perfect Spanish, and this was one of those times. But the conversation recovered and we talked about languages and how difficult they are to learn and teach, which was something I was very familiar with talking about, so I survived that convo without a dent. I was on fire.



Around 11, we didn't exactly know what to do for 3 more hours. We wandered the streets of Coban like backpackers, drinking beer and looking like two gringo bums. We watched stray dogs, and the hilarious drunken affection of a group or men in the square, who were so drunk they had to hug each other to keep standing. It was a night I'll never forget.

The bus came at 2AM, and we boarded. It was nicer than the first bus, and 15Q cheaper. So we were happy as could be, and snuggled up for the last 4 hours back to Guate for the real world to set in. Well, for Diego at least. I still have 4 days without work, and in those 4 days there will be no mention of the real world until I get into the airport. Orale, amigos. Cuatro dias mas.

Va pues.

I am officially leaving in a week from about 12 hours from now. This is a strange feeling.

Today was a wonderful day. I went to breakfast with my Phase 36 class (Rossy, Julio, and Agosto) and had a wonderful, hilarious 9-11 Phase 24 (Oscar, Lucia, Carlos Diaz, Elizabeth, Sara, and Magda). I cried after the class was over, surprisingly, and am now finding that my whole mood about the coming week in a little melancholy. I don't know how to describe it, but that's just about the best word that this English teacher can come up with right now. From 2-4 my students in the Phase 2A class brought Pollo Campero, Colombian Empanadas, and a really yummy cake to celebrate our last class ever. Oscar, Angelica, and Jennifer gave me a picture frame with our class in it and a cute little Guatemalan bag, I just about lost control of my emotions. I miss this place and I haven't even left.

As far as being ready to leave, I don't know about that either. Vamos a ver. Tomorrow's my official last day of teaching, we'll see how I feel after that.

Too much of this 'official last' business.. what happened to all of the firsts?

I Love My Life.

Global Village in Guatemala is just about the coolest celebration ever.. Madison, we've got some work to do. For those of you who don't know (the majority of those who read my blog), Global Village is an event designed to enlighten people about the different countries of the world. There is a table/stand for each country that is represented, and at the stand there is food, information, books, pictures, and a few knowledgable people behind it ready to answer any questions or perceptions that the visitors may have. It usually lasts about four or five hours, and the two that I have been to in Madison have been great fun! However.. Guatemala blew us out of the water.

Yesterday, August 2nd, from 11-7PM in Antigua the Global Village fesitval raged on. There were roll calls/@ dances on stage, and performances everywhere from belly dancers to Opera singers to a man and a woman from Japan playing traditional folk music to 10 Indigienous Guatemalan women dressed in the formal dresses and dancing to traditional music. It was absolutely glorious. There were 15 (?) stands, with representatives from Japan, Mexico, El Salvador, Germany, and many more. Each stand had food and a plethora of information to present to the people passing by, and it was a HUGE success. There had to have been thousands of people who passed through looking at everything there was to see and eat and learning about AIESEC- the largest student organization in the world. :) I wish Wisconsin had a city like Antigua where we could do something like what they did here yesterday.. but I don't think any of our little hick cities would suffice. Sorry, sconnies.

Beside Global Village yesterday I have been hanging around Guate a lot recently. I haven't traveled in 3 weekends, which is a record seeing that before 3 weeks ago I traveled to a different place every weekend. It might be a result of Mike, Micheal, Mal and Carla leaving, or just the fact that I enjoy being here and hanging out with friends in the city.. but nonetheless I haven't been out of the city hardly at all. I went to Las Americas last weekend with Andrea, which is a really long road (more like highway, Guatemalan style) that they close off on Sundays for people to walk, run and bike along for the afternoons on Sundays. It was really interesting to just walk around and people watch, it was right up my alley because simply watching people is one of my favorite things to do. There were all kinds families, crazy (literally, crazy.) children on bikes, street vondors, a Catholic mass under a tent, bregades of teenage boys on bikes three times too small and wearing pants three times their size, it was easy to get lost in the lives of everyone else and forget my own. I am really, really going to miss this city. The people are so kind, and the culture is so diverse and interesting, I will most definitely be coming back here someday. I can't imagine my life without being back in Guatemala to see all of the friends I have made here once again.

This is not my goodbye blog, however. And quite frankly, I don't even want to write one of those because all of the sudden I am slamming on my brakes because my time here is almost down to single digits. Right now, I feel like I'll never want to leave. Dropping Mallory and Micheal off at the airport two consecutive Fridays was terrible.. and knowing that will be me in 12 days is a little traumatic as well. Thus, I plan to make the best out of my last week of teaching and to enjoy every single second I have left here in Guate.. because despite my yearn to stay here forever, this experience has an expiration date. I'm going to go take a shower, listen to some Sara Barielles, and get ready for a jam session at Jean's house with Rodrigo, Bunny, Myself and Andrea. I'm on vocals baby, I can't wait. How have I ever gotten to be so lucky? I don't know.. but I love my life.

They're leaving.. On a jetplane..

First of all, I'm sorry for the delay in blogging. I have been a little busy throwin' it down in the third world. But, here she goes:

Goodbye, mis gringos favoritos. Les extrano todavia. Carla has officially gone back to Carolina Norte, and Mallory to Florida. Micheal leaves on Friday. I hate goodbyes.

This experience has taught me so many things, but one of the biggest things that I have learned has been about relationships. I know this sounds a little strange, because anyone could learn about relationships anywhere they go, right? Yes. You're correct. However, never in my life have I gotten onto a plane, been forced to make all new friends, and lived/worked in a completely different country for 3 months- and all in all, I'm pretty happy with the ways things have turned out thus far. The people in Guatemala are incredible. Teaching has been a wonderful way to open my eyes to their lives, their culture, and who they are as people. Despite the total municipal corruption the country undergoes year after year, the people remain positive. They value family and friends, but the defninition of 'value' is different here. I feel as though it comes from the bottom of their hearts, and that they truly would do anything for the people that they form relationships and family ties with. I have had countless students tell me if there was anything in Guatemala that I ever needed that they would be there to help me right away. They are warm and inviting, and when I leave the classroom sometimes I wish I could stay here forever simply to keep the fullness that they bring to my heart.

And then there are the Americans and the teachers at the Academy. How such an incredible group of people wound up in one place to do the same thing boggles my mind, but makes me the happiest person alive to have been able to share my experience here with them.

Starting with the gringos: Carla was my first friend here, and has the biggest heart I have ever seen in one small person. She is constantly thinking of those around her, acts selflessly and loves endlessly. Mike is one of the most interesting people I have met- I'm not sure how to explain our relationship, but it's unique. He makes me see things in a way I have never seen them before, and I have made him see things within himself that he never saw before. Allison. Although she arrived later than the rest of us, what a loop she threw us for. And I have lived my life thinking I didn't have a filter.. man, have I met my match. Haha, and despite the fact that she's from Michigan, she's a very cool girl. And now for Micheal. Where do I start with that one. Crazy awesome gringo, if I do say so myself. Spontanaety and humor are his strong points, which makes our friendship all that it has become. Some people tend to think I am the same way, I'm not sure why. :) Mallory Plaks. What a woman. We have so much in common, and she oftentimes has been my saving grace while I have been here. Her knowledge about the world, our abiliy to connect with eachother, and her glorious personality will make the friendship we have formed one that I am sure will be maintained for many years to come. The Leo ladies we are have made us, quite literally, the perfect pair. No homo. Or, at least, not much. And Mal... to infinity, and beyond! ;D

And now the Academy teachers: Niki, Rodrigo, Stefan, Pela, Andrea, Andre, Pacha, Suzanne, Diana, Christian... this list will continue. As of right now, I don't think I'm ready to complete this list of goodbyes, my time isn't up for 2 more weeks. I'll get to that later.

As for what I've been up to since the last post: We haven't really done a whole lot as far as going to different cities. However, we went to Tecpan the weekend before Mallory left and it was very nice. A little city with a few restaurants and some ruins called Ixchime (or something like that, I forgot!), it was very beautiful. We went in the company of one of my students, Carlos Alvarado, who made the whole trip worthwhile in and of himself. He is a really cool guy, and his English is basically fluent- but I managed to get him to speak with me in Spanish as well from time to time. :) We were in Tecpan for the day, and returned to hang out at home with Mallory for her last Sunday here. Classes are going well, I love most of my students, and I am slowly but surely realizing how quickly this summer has passed me by. In the time that I've been having so much fun- 2 whole months have already passed, and I'm Madison-bound in no time. Yikes.

I don't know how to sum up this experience. I've been perplexing and perplexing about how to throw everything into words, but I still fail to do so. So many wonderful people, so many experiences, this s going to be something that I simply will not be able to forget. I miss it already and I'm still here. I'll write my blogs more frequently as I'm getting ready to go.. I'm sure this writing resource will be helpful to calm my nerves and emotions about my departure. Miss you!

Sunburn-cate. Uhh.. I mean, Sipacate.

There is nothing like finishing Saturday class for another adventure. And every single Saturday since I've been in this country has been as such. Talk about a non-stop life, dude. This time we went to one of the teachers in the Academy's house (Jean)- in Sipacate, close to Esquinta and Puerto San Jose. We were warned about three things before going there: 1. Bring mosquito repellent, they are killers down there, 2. It is very warm, dress accordingly, and 3. Bring a sheet and pillow, the house isn't equipped with such luxuries. Sweet. Pillow, sheet, repellent, bathing suit. Got it.

Ho-ly shit. Never in my life have I ever seen, or better yet, had my life threatened by so many mosquitoes. They were not like casual biting mosquitoes that you slap away and move on your merry little way- they were like war mosquitoes that were out for you and only you, and unless you were doused in repellent you were going to die. So, to save my life, I chose option b. We were a bunch of smelly, sticky, nasty gringos. Mixed in with some Guatemalan and French smellies as well. But, we had a mountain of beverages to drink and nachos to eat, so the night ahead was bound to be interesting. Mosquitoes or no mosquitoes.

We went out to the beach for a little jam session, with Rodrigo and Jean on the guitar and drums, and the three of us on vocals. Talk about an awesome night. 15 amazing people, one amazing black beach, a guitar, a bonfire, Gallos and cheap vodka. Replace the beach with the terrace and I was home again. Oh Madison, how I miss you.

Sometime over the course of the next 4 hours, we all managed to finish off the plethora of beverages we had to drink, and Micheal and I were determined to sleep on the beach. In my foggy recollection of this point in the morning, this definitely seemed like a good idea. However, Rodrigo managed to get us both off the beach around 4:30 and back to bed- nice work, Rod. I probably owe you my life for the 200 mosquito bites I surely would have had and the blood I surely would have lost had that been the case. In the morning, I woke up in a little bit of a haze and decided it best to take a walk on the beach to sweat it out of my system.

I walked about 2 miles, and over the course of my walk there were a million things running through my mind. What are my friends doing while I'm walking the Pacific coast of Guatemala, how is it possible that I have already been here almost 2 entire months, what do I really want to do for the rest of my life, am I really 20 years old... and when did that happen? I honestly don't know how to describe it to you, but I was all over the map. From the silliest to the most profound of thoughts, I dedicated my entire morning to it. This also lead to the absence of thoughts in other areas, like putting on sunscreen and drinking water. Thus, as I write this blog the day after- I struggle to sit in my seat because of a sunburned middle and rump. My face is also on fire. Stupid gringa was too excited to play in the ocean and walk on the beach to remember to apply sunblock multiple times during the day. And now she pays.

There are a lot of thoughts I want to put into one blog sometime to wrap up those thoughts I had on the beach. However, now is not the time to do it. I would like to plan out what I want to say a little bit more- because as soon as I post it, everyone who reads my blog will get to read my brain as well. And I'm not sure you're all prepared for such a conquest. :)

I'll write some more soon. But tah-tah for now, folks. I miss you and I can't wait to be back.

"Cha Cha and Ringo go to Chichi" ... and Pana.

Yeah baby. I'm back into the groove.

After the last (rather emotional) blog, I am happy to say that I am back in business. I know it's been over a week, and I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. I will try to make this blog extra exciting to make up for the lull. :)

Last weekend (July 5th), went to Chichicastenango with Rodrigo, Mike, Mallory, Stephan, and myself. What a trip! We left Guate thinking we were going to stay in Chichi, but then wound up going to Pana again for the night to stay there. Pana is literally my favorite place on this earth, so I wasn't exctly objecting to the mini-trip there before Chichi. In Pana, we parked the car and found a hostel-- and the hostel was only 35Q's a person. (That's about 5 bucks. Woo!) We went out to Pana Rock and had a few drinks, and then ventured out to a few other places to see where else we could go. However, after two rounds of horrific 5Q Tequila shots, we opted to go back to Pana Rock again. At this point, I was literally o the verge of exhaustion, but I took one for the team and ordered a Gallo, intending to stay awake for a few more hours.

This, however, was not the case. I straight up fell asleep at the table, head in hand, in the middle of the restaurant. Can't say I've ever done that before, but it gave everyone else a good excuse to go back to the hotel as well. Though they didn't actually fall asleep at the table, they were as tired as I was. Thanks Erin. The next morning we woke up and went to breakfast on beautiful Lake Atetlan, and it was just a pretty as I remember it being the first time. We reluctantly left Pana and headed for Chichiastenango (affectionately called Chichi for short), which is where the largest market in Central America is located. Cool, baby. Time to spend some dinero.

The drive to Chichi was insane. The road literally was like a spiral staircase around a huge mountain-- it was amazing! And once we got to the market, it was like nothing I have ever seen before. I know I've said that before I my blogs, but seriously. They sold every single thing you could ever want to buy, or not want to buy for that matter. Roosters, cups, toothbrushes, T-shirts, authentic Guatemalan-made souvenirs, car parts, single shoes, CD's and DVD's that have been pirated and sold for 10Q, the list goes on. I bought a really cool pair of Guatemalan pants, you will al be very jealous when you see them. Amongst other things. The amount of people there was also incredible, like a huge ocean of short brown people and then 5 tall white gringos (well, Stephan and Rodrigo are Mexican and Guatemalan, but they look like gringos), it was interesting. There were men carrying HUGE packs of bananas or nuts or other items on their backs, with a strap around their forehead to hold it up. It didn't even look real. There was also the occasional drunk man, who stumbled his way over the the steps in front of the churches and passed out- it was quite spectacle.

We left Chichi around 2:00 to head home, and on our way down the neverendless spiral staircase they refer to as a road, the workers decided it would be a good idea to paint it in the middle of the day with full on traffic. Half an hour later we continued down the mountain, amazed and annoyed once again by Guatemala ways. Crazy Chapines. We got back to Guate to find that it had been raining ALL day, and the roads were literally flooded to the point that we didn't know if the car would make it through. But we made it, and got home safe and sound.

For a little Academia update, the past week was great. I absolutely loved three of my five classes, and at the end of the week I received a pair of earrings from one class (phase 1A- the first phase in the academy!) from a woman named Leticia, she is my heart and soul. I also went out for beers with my last class of the day on Friday (phase 27- fluent in English pretty much), it was a lot of fun! Although some days it is completely and utterly exhausting, teaching at the Academy has taught me a lot about myself and about what I can accomplish and about the effect that my job can have on my students. So, taking the good with the bad is all worth it in the end.

Stay tuned. The weekend of July 12th sill to come.