The town at night is breathtaking, and I could literally eat at a new restaurant every night and never repeat one. The food is sooo good and so cheap. Our favorite restaurant so far is called 'Epicure'. Everything we try is fantastic and it had one of those secret courtyards I was talking about. We stumbled upon it taking pictures of an old convent and at first it looked like a deli, but when I looked further in, I saw plants, so we decided to eat there. Am I glad I did! The atmosphere is delightful, the service is attentive but not overly so, and we've fallen in love with the French orange truffles they give us with our check.
I had visions of rice and beans and tortillas for our whole trip (which I was honestly looking forward to..), but because of the tourist town that it is, there's been very little of that. I'm a little sad about that, but it's been fun to live the high life for so cheap. It's definitely given me cause to want to retire abroad! Living like a queen on a teachers retirement? Yes please.
That also brings up the fact that there's a sad side to Antigua. Poverty lurks around every corner. It doesn't take very long to see third world elements. I feel like we're shielded from a lot of it, but it becomes more and more apparent as I drive to different areas. The Guatemalan people are proud and clean.. As clean as they can be. But their circumstances are very humble in many situations, and I understand more and more about the people I served with in Boston.
I was walking in the square late on Friday night and noticed many homeless people in the doorways sleeping. This was nothing compared to the city I'm sure, but it was a reality I wasn't expecting at the time. It reminds me over and over how grateful I am for the blessings I've been given.
I love the mists across the mountains. I love the smiles of the people and the more than occasional gold tooth. I love riding on the chicken bus and seeing an actual chicken. I love that sometimes I'm afraid for my life driving on the chicken bus down the mountain from San Mateo. I love talking with the people at the bus stop. Francisco being my favorite. I love flirting with the waiters at 'Luna de Miel' the crepe place. I love that it starts out sunny and rains by 1 pm which works out great because we go to placement. I love the creativity and resourcefulness of the people. I love the little family that run 'bicicleta de juancho,' their metal box cash register, and that they have amazing chocolate cake and pizza for 10Q. I love that my Spanish reminds me I have a long way to go, but I know enough to sometimes connect with the people. This trip hasn't been what I thought, but then again, I didn't know what to expect. I've just appreciated things for what they were and it's been in my favor. I'm literally just happy to be here. I think 2 weeks will be enough time to see everything, although part of me wants to stay forever and never go back to real life again.
It's been interesting that the service element hasn't been what I was expecting. The kids are adorable.. But kids are always adorable. Judith, the woman who runs PRODESENH, and her husband Juan, are amazing. They are doing incredible things with their program. She is really focused on empowering women in her community, and I am constantly inspired by her. We also have some other volunteers from Spain that have been a lot of fun too at our placement, and their accents are adorable. They love the kids too. They think I'm full of genius ideas.. We'll see how long that lasts! They will soon know the truth I think!
I'm trying to get Elmer and a couple of other kids to memorize their multiplication tables. If they do, I promised them a cake. I need to go buy some notecards for flash cards tomorrow. Kids are kids in every part of the world. I love them all.. Even when there are turdy fifth grade boys. What is it about that age? Something happens at 11..What to do with them? I have no idea.
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