I’m currently in the Dominican Republic with internet! The luxury! My last post had been written for over two weeks, but I had not had time to bring my computer to school to post it. Since then, so much has happened! I want to write a bit more about my last week in Guatemala before I forget. Life in the DR is entirely different and warrants its own post!
My final week in Guatemala was filled with many special events. Second to leaving Wheaton, it was one of the most bittersweet times in my life! I spent over 300 hours studying with my teacher and my Spanish developed a lot over that time. One of the best days of class was at her house in a nearby town. She gave me a cooking lesson (notice a theme of cooking lessons for Anna?). I learned for a second time how to make Pepian, a traditional Guatemalan soup. I’m hoping to be able to cook this on my own here in the DR, but we’ll see! It was great to have class indoors in such a lovely home – normally we sit in school with our sweaters, hats and scarves. When lunch was ready, my teacher’s entire family came home from work, including her husband, daughters and grandsons. That would be considered a party in the United States!
 |
| Pepian! |
The next day at lunch, my host family discovered that I had never ridden a motorcycle. They were shocked and my host dad mentioned that he would take me sometime. While I was excited, I had no idea what was in store. When he got home from work that same night, my house dad placed his helmet and orange vest on me and we took off. What I believed would be a trip around the block turned into an evening long Antiguan adventure! We rode around the outskirts of the city and up to a park on a small hill. We were able to see a breathtaking view of the entire city. We then stopped at his favorite hole-in-the-wall taco place. He ordered us each a plate of tacos and when we finished, my house dad looked at me and said, “Let’s do it again.” And before I knew it, I had another plate of tacos and was working hard to keep up with him! We rode home and landed in just in time for dinner. As I was served even more food, my host dad and I exchanged smiles, neither of us wanting to confess our pre-dinner “snack” to my host mom!
That weekend, almost my last, I knew I needed to visit Lake Atitlan. There was no way I could leave Guatemala without going! Unfortunately, everyone I knew was unable to go, so being adventurous, I signed up with a tour company solo! It was another large step for this extrovert, but I figured it would be worth it. I packed some Spanish books to read and planned for a quiet day of reading by the water. As I was waiting for the van to pick me up in the morning, I was completely surprised when a new friend from school happened to be walking by. Her plans had just changed and she was able to go! We had a great day taking a water taxi, practicing our Spanish and exploring the towns around the lake!
 |
| We rode around town in this Tuk-Tuk! |
 |
| Town of San Antonio. |
My last week of school happened so fast! That week I had finished almost all of the lessons in the school’s curriculum and was anxious about the upcoming transition. Therefore, my teacher and I decided to go on daily field trips, visiting a nearby cathedral, a plant nursery, the market, coffee farm, and music museum, among other places. We had a great time outside of the school and I was able to focus on my conversational Spanish. My last day of school there was a small graduation. It was sad to say goodbye. I learned so much Spanish and got to know many of the teachers there. One of them even lent me her uniform as a joke! Thank you CSA and Orquidea for a great three months!
 |
| Town of Jocotenango |
 |
| The town of San Francisco. |
 |
| Guatemalan Music Museum! |
Just when I thought that my week of excitement had ended, Saturday came and the active volcano, Fuego, erupted! It had been blowing some smoke ever since I arrived, but never did I expect an eruption. Around 3 pm, ash started to fall from the sky. It continued for hours covering everything with a grey dust. It reminded me slightly of snow. The airport shut down and many of the schools and businesses in the area. Everyone had hoses out to clean up the mess. By Monday, the skies had cleared and I thought I’d be okay to fly to the DR. I was wrong. I bid goodbye to my wonderful host family and showed up at the airport at 4:45 am, only to find out my plane was canceled and I would not be able to leave the country until Wednesday! I have grown up in the land of ice and snow, but my longest flight delay ever has been due to volcanic ash? Little about life in Central America ceases to amaze me. I was able to spend two nights at a good friend’s house and more time at Kids Alive’s site in Guatemala, a blessing in disguise! Saying goodbye to these friends was hard. We trained together in September and have been together in Guatemala since!
No comments:
Post a Comment