I have to start this entry out the same as the last, I can´t believe my second week has come to an end and I´m already well into my third week. I´m afraid I´ve gotten behind and have somewhat avoided writing because the task of writing about everything I´ve done thus far is daunting. With that said, I think I´ll skip ahead to now because well, I can... It is my blog afterall and recounting every detail of each of my trips and days sounds like a bit of a bore for readers and an impossible task for me. They certainly weren´t boring to experience but I don´t think you need a play-by-play. Instead I´ll share high (and a couple) low points.
Let´s start with the trip to Tikal, Rio Dulce & Livingston . I scaled ancient mayan temples with howler monkeys claiming their territory in the distance, hiked through the jungle, rode standing up in the back of an old pick-up truck through the afro-caribe town of Livingston with 15 germans, saw the biggest spider I could ever imagine (in my bungalow), spent approx. 25 hours in a van, drank fresh coconut water, and spent the whole weekend in layers of sweat, deet and sunblock.
Last weekend we went to the Pacific Coast town of Monterrico. It was relaxed in comparison to the last weekend, but fantastic in it´s own way. I´m now known by a girl I met from San Diego as Tortuga (turtle) Girl because every time I talked about them she said my face lit up. My love of sea turtles goes back to a report I wrote in 5th grade and reignited 10 years ago in Hawaii on a sea turtle covered beach. They´re incredible creatures and Monterrico didn´t let me down. After walking for almost two hours on the beach in the dark, we finally came across the tracks of a sea turtle and had the opportunity of seeing her lay her eggs and venture back into the see. I have pictures to prove it. The rest of the weekend consisted of a lot of sitting and talking with people I met on the trip, quizzing each other on spanish, hammocks, cards, loosing a very expensive flashlight to the Pacific and a little bit of indigestion. Oh, and I can´t forget the layers of sweat, deet and sunblock!
All in all it´s been a great couple weeks and time is flying by. It´s a double-edged sword because I can´t wait for Evin to join me down here and at the same time am afraid it´s going to be over before I know it. It´s hard to describe life down here, but it´s been pretty amazing.!
It´s been especially fun to get to know people and see my relationships with my teacher, Carolina, and with Guillermo and Alice (homestay family) develop. I´ve met some pretty fantastic people so far. In fact, Carolina and I just had one of the funnest lessons we´ve had as we joked about exes, sex and our love of food and Guillermo, Alice and I are headed for pedicures tomorrow.
Here´s to another week of great experiences!
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Settling in...
I can´t believe it´s been over a week since my last entry. I kept meaning to write, but this is the first time I´ve sat down at an actual computer and so much has happened that typing from my iphone would have been painful. It seemed that everytime I wanted to head to an internet shop hay mucha lluvia (it was raining a lot - a common expression here in Antigua during the rainy season) and I didn´t want to go outside. You´re probably asking yourself, "Isn´t she from Portland?", but trust me on this one, it´s not the same here. I literally understand the expression, when it rains it pours, because in Antigua, it really does.
Anyhow, enough of that. I´ve settled in quite well and am really enjoying myself now. School is going really well and I think my spanish is coming along. It still takes a lot of effort to speak, but I get by and I´m understanding more and more each day. In fact, at lunch, Alice and Guillermo were just saying how I hablo bastante español y entiendo mucho. Translation: I speak enough spanish and understand a lot. They say I´m well on my way to earning my spanish diploma. They´re joking of course because there´s no diploma to be had, but it´s nice to hear since I have no idea how my spanish actually comes across.
I´ve been participating in some afternoon activities with the school. Last Tuesday, I took a salsa class. I really like to salsa and would go again today if it wasn´t for the arrogant instructor that was kind of jerk and who I think was making fun of me to my face, but was speaking so fast that I couldn´t understand him. Unfortunate, because I love latin dance. Don´t get me wrong, I can laugh at myself with the best of them, it just didn´t feel all that great in this circumstance. Don´t fear, I didn´t let it get me down and have plenty of other things to keep my busy....
Last week, I toured La Casa Santo Domingo, a beatiful old monastery turned nicest hotel and museum in Antigua, I got dressed up in traditional Guatemalan dress and got married, had a baby and took a weekend trip to one of the most interesting places in Guatemala, the ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal.
The last few things in that list deserve a little more explanation....
I didn´t really get married and have a baby. The school had an afternoon trip to an idigenous village named San Antonio Aguas Calientes, just outside of Antigua. There, me and three other students visited the cooperative home of four idigenous families that are working to preserve traditional Mayan customs, crafts, dress and way of life. A few Mayan women explained how they weave the beautiful crafts they make and then dressed us up and took us through a typical wedding celebration. They were then quick to strap a baby to my back quickly after the wedding which, I think is a pretty accurate picture of how it works. I don´t say that to judge, only to reflect a cultural difference. Mayans typically marry between the ages of 18 and 20 (used to be 15) and often times have many children. After the celebration, we made tortillas, ate Pepián (a traditional guatamalteco stew) - delicioso - and ground coffee by hand. It was really interesting and a nice difference from the touristy streets of Antigua.
The more I think about it, the trip to Tikal deserves it´s own separate entry so I think I´ll save that for a little later.
This week I´m not doing as many activities with the school and am working on building some courage to venture out on my own in a little less structured way. I was talking with a guy and his 16-year-old daughter who have been travelling Mexico and Guatemala for the past three weeks and I think they´ve convinced me to be a litttle more adventurous. I´m thinking I´ll take a spin on the chicken buses, correction - transporto publico :)
Hasta próxima...
Anyhow, enough of that. I´ve settled in quite well and am really enjoying myself now. School is going really well and I think my spanish is coming along. It still takes a lot of effort to speak, but I get by and I´m understanding more and more each day. In fact, at lunch, Alice and Guillermo were just saying how I hablo bastante español y entiendo mucho. Translation: I speak enough spanish and understand a lot. They say I´m well on my way to earning my spanish diploma. They´re joking of course because there´s no diploma to be had, but it´s nice to hear since I have no idea how my spanish actually comes across.
I´ve been participating in some afternoon activities with the school. Last Tuesday, I took a salsa class. I really like to salsa and would go again today if it wasn´t for the arrogant instructor that was kind of jerk and who I think was making fun of me to my face, but was speaking so fast that I couldn´t understand him. Unfortunate, because I love latin dance. Don´t get me wrong, I can laugh at myself with the best of them, it just didn´t feel all that great in this circumstance. Don´t fear, I didn´t let it get me down and have plenty of other things to keep my busy....
Last week, I toured La Casa Santo Domingo, a beatiful old monastery turned nicest hotel and museum in Antigua, I got dressed up in traditional Guatemalan dress and got married, had a baby and took a weekend trip to one of the most interesting places in Guatemala, the ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal.
The last few things in that list deserve a little more explanation....
I didn´t really get married and have a baby. The school had an afternoon trip to an idigenous village named San Antonio Aguas Calientes, just outside of Antigua. There, me and three other students visited the cooperative home of four idigenous families that are working to preserve traditional Mayan customs, crafts, dress and way of life. A few Mayan women explained how they weave the beautiful crafts they make and then dressed us up and took us through a typical wedding celebration. They were then quick to strap a baby to my back quickly after the wedding which, I think is a pretty accurate picture of how it works. I don´t say that to judge, only to reflect a cultural difference. Mayans typically marry between the ages of 18 and 20 (used to be 15) and often times have many children. After the celebration, we made tortillas, ate Pepián (a traditional guatamalteco stew) - delicioso - and ground coffee by hand. It was really interesting and a nice difference from the touristy streets of Antigua.
The more I think about it, the trip to Tikal deserves it´s own separate entry so I think I´ll save that for a little later.
This week I´m not doing as many activities with the school and am working on building some courage to venture out on my own in a little less structured way. I was talking with a guy and his 16-year-old daughter who have been travelling Mexico and Guatemala for the past three weeks and I think they´ve convinced me to be a litttle more adventurous. I´m thinking I´ll take a spin on the chicken buses, correction - transporto publico :)
Hasta próxima...
Monday, August 15, 2011
What I learned/realized today...
First, and this is very important if you ever travel to a Latin American country... Don't, under any circumstances refer to chicken buses as chicken buses. Apparently, it's really offensive to locals. I know what you're thinking-- no I didn't have to learn that the hard way. Luckily I said, "autobuses pollos" in front of my teacher, Rosa, and she kindly corrected me and explained that I shouldn't say that in front of anyone. The politically correct term is transporto publico. Makes sense.
Second, I realized how much I enjoy walking to get places. I was just on my way home, walking down the dirty cobblestone streets at twilight and I realized that there's something extremely enjoyable and adventuress in having to walk everywhere in a new place. It took me right back to Morelia where some of my fondest memories were walking and taking in my surroundings. I also recognized that this would never fly back home where there are so many places to be and much to do in very little time. I think that's why it's so enjoyable here, I have all the time in the world!
Third, traveling alone knows no age boundaries. I spent most of the day hanging out with a 60-something-year-old from Australia that I met on break at school. His name is Dave and he was showing me the ropes and imparting much wanted advice as this is his third time in Guatemala. He speaks pretty good Spanish and isn't afraid to chat anyone up. I admire his Spanish confidence :) Some day...
Fourth, I realized how rich a day you can have when you don't have an agenda. I ended up chatting with Dave in El Parque Central about his travel experiences and then went to a free lecture at a beautiful building that appeared to be the Spanish Embassy--don't hold me to that. The lecture was honoring the founder of a unique university and the director was speaking about their philosophy on education. I didn't catch a whole lot of what was said but I could definitely identify some themes and it was good practice listening. The building it was in was really beautiful. I plan to go back and see more of it. I would upload some pictures from my phone but I'm not that sophisticated of a blogger. Comment with instructions if you know how. Facebook will have to do for now.
Lastly, I learned that all dogs around the world get on the furniture when their owners are gone! Insert great picture of Nugget curled up on the patio chair. He didn't budge when I got home. In fact, I didn't even see him, but he sure got out of the chair fast when Guillermo and Alice got home :) Nod to Dallas and Rio!
Es todo para hoy! Check out the pics on Facebook.
Second, I realized how much I enjoy walking to get places. I was just on my way home, walking down the dirty cobblestone streets at twilight and I realized that there's something extremely enjoyable and adventuress in having to walk everywhere in a new place. It took me right back to Morelia where some of my fondest memories were walking and taking in my surroundings. I also recognized that this would never fly back home where there are so many places to be and much to do in very little time. I think that's why it's so enjoyable here, I have all the time in the world!
Third, traveling alone knows no age boundaries. I spent most of the day hanging out with a 60-something-year-old from Australia that I met on break at school. His name is Dave and he was showing me the ropes and imparting much wanted advice as this is his third time in Guatemala. He speaks pretty good Spanish and isn't afraid to chat anyone up. I admire his Spanish confidence :) Some day...
Fourth, I realized how rich a day you can have when you don't have an agenda. I ended up chatting with Dave in El Parque Central about his travel experiences and then went to a free lecture at a beautiful building that appeared to be the Spanish Embassy--don't hold me to that. The lecture was honoring the founder of a unique university and the director was speaking about their philosophy on education. I didn't catch a whole lot of what was said but I could definitely identify some themes and it was good practice listening. The building it was in was really beautiful. I plan to go back and see more of it. I would upload some pictures from my phone but I'm not that sophisticated of a blogger. Comment with instructions if you know how. Facebook will have to do for now.
Lastly, I learned that all dogs around the world get on the furniture when their owners are gone! Insert great picture of Nugget curled up on the patio chair. He didn't budge when I got home. In fact, I didn't even see him, but he sure got out of the chair fast when Guillermo and Alice got home :) Nod to Dallas and Rio!
Es todo para hoy! Check out the pics on Facebook.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Estoy Aqui (I'm Here)
First, I have to say I'm taking back my blog. I think Evin may have been confused and posted on my blog rather than commented but I'll let that slide :)
It's my second full day in Antigua. As I write this the rain is pouring down outside. They aren't kidding when they say it's the rainy season. The past two days, it's been warm in the mornings then starts to cloud up around 2pm with some light intermittent showers and then starts pouring around 5pm and doesn't let up until sometime into the night. I've gotten caught out in the rainstorms both days and have come home soaked. My clothes are hang drying in my room to prove it. Tonight I think I'll stay in rather than venture out into the rain again.
Enough about the weather.... I'm staying at a really nice place. It's not exactly what I expected as it's a guesthouse with multiple rooms and not a private family residence. The guesthouse is owned and operated by a young couple, Alice and Guillermo. They live here as well and are both marketing students in their last year of school. I was a little disappointed that it was a guesthouse at first because I was afraid there wouldn't be the interaction that I was looking for. But after some great conversation this morning, I think it'll be great. Plus they have a dog. He's a year old Retriever and very sweet. He'll be a good fill-in for Dallas and Rio.
I have to admit I was pretty overwhelmed with everything yesterday. I kept asking myself what I had done signing up for almost 5 weeks by myself in a place I've never been. I was feeling a bit lonely even though I had spent much of the day with a woman and her 8 year old son I met at the guesthouse. They were extremely helpful and good compant, but it's the same as the company of good friends and family and can still feel lonely. Let's just say last night was tough.
Today has been a lot better. It's amazing how some good sleep and good conversation can turn my outlook around. I'm feeling pretty good about things right now and am looking forward to starting my Spanish classes in the morning. I got my first impromptu Spanish lesson from a local standing under cover out of the rain this afternoon. It was pretty funny but I actually did learn something. It'll be nice to start a routine tomorrow and have some structure to my day (which is very American by the way).
Well that's all for now. Blogging via iPhone isn't the most convenient. I definitely need to find a computer next time.
T minus 0 horas (estoy aqui) :)
It's my second full day in Antigua. As I write this the rain is pouring down outside. They aren't kidding when they say it's the rainy season. The past two days, it's been warm in the mornings then starts to cloud up around 2pm with some light intermittent showers and then starts pouring around 5pm and doesn't let up until sometime into the night. I've gotten caught out in the rainstorms both days and have come home soaked. My clothes are hang drying in my room to prove it. Tonight I think I'll stay in rather than venture out into the rain again.
Enough about the weather.... I'm staying at a really nice place. It's not exactly what I expected as it's a guesthouse with multiple rooms and not a private family residence. The guesthouse is owned and operated by a young couple, Alice and Guillermo. They live here as well and are both marketing students in their last year of school. I was a little disappointed that it was a guesthouse at first because I was afraid there wouldn't be the interaction that I was looking for. But after some great conversation this morning, I think it'll be great. Plus they have a dog. He's a year old Retriever and very sweet. He'll be a good fill-in for Dallas and Rio.
I have to admit I was pretty overwhelmed with everything yesterday. I kept asking myself what I had done signing up for almost 5 weeks by myself in a place I've never been. I was feeling a bit lonely even though I had spent much of the day with a woman and her 8 year old son I met at the guesthouse. They were extremely helpful and good compant, but it's the same as the company of good friends and family and can still feel lonely. Let's just say last night was tough.
Today has been a lot better. It's amazing how some good sleep and good conversation can turn my outlook around. I'm feeling pretty good about things right now and am looking forward to starting my Spanish classes in the morning. I got my first impromptu Spanish lesson from a local standing under cover out of the rain this afternoon. It was pretty funny but I actually did learn something. It'll be nice to start a routine tomorrow and have some structure to my day (which is very American by the way).
Well that's all for now. Blogging via iPhone isn't the most convenient. I definitely need to find a computer next time.
T minus 0 horas (estoy aqui) :)
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Kas
Well Kas I had the privilege of driving you and the boys to the airport to see you off on your trip of a lifetime! I was glad to hear that you made it safe to Houston and safe to G city... Although I wasn't thrilled to hear about your flying down to Houston with the Portland Timbers team!!!! :) Hopefully a lost Kindel is the worst part of the trip... Yo tengo un gato en los pantolones!! Miss you already!
Friday, August 12, 2011
All Packed
It's hard to believe it's here. The idea of this trip has been in the making for almost 10 years. It all started in an art gallery in Salt Lake City where the owner of the gallery first turned me on to the idea of a spanish immersion experience in Guatemala. Since then, it's been a mix of a pipe dream and a loose plan and today it all comes together!
The plan is to arrive in Guatemala City where someone from the school will be there to pick me up and take me to my host family in Antigua.... and that's where the plan ends. Other than 4 hours of spanish a day, I have no plans for the next 5 weeks until Evin gets there. I can't wait to find out what's going to fill the rest of my time! It's pretty amazing what happens when you save room for more (thank you heartspark).
Thanks to all those who've supported me in getting to this point. My next post will be live from Guatemala. Hasta luego!
T minus 3.5 hours
The plan is to arrive in Guatemala City where someone from the school will be there to pick me up and take me to my host family in Antigua.... and that's where the plan ends. Other than 4 hours of spanish a day, I have no plans for the next 5 weeks until Evin gets there. I can't wait to find out what's going to fill the rest of my time! It's pretty amazing what happens when you save room for more (thank you heartspark).
Thanks to all those who've supported me in getting to this point. My next post will be live from Guatemala. Hasta luego!
T minus 3.5 hours
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Here's to new things!
I debated whether or not to set-up a blog about my travels. It felt somewhat pretentious to assume that people would actually want to read it, but this trip is all about adventure and I figured blogging would just be an extension of that. Blogging is new to me. Just as Guatemala and traveling by myself are new... and all the other new things I'll experience that I can't even begin to imagine at this point.
So, here it goes... welcome to Kassie goes to... Stay tuned for updates on my trip to Guatemala and all of the adventures to come.
T minus 36 hours
So, here it goes... welcome to Kassie goes to... Stay tuned for updates on my trip to Guatemala and all of the adventures to come.
T minus 36 hours
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