Getting Into a Schedule (9/14/2016)

I can't believe I've only been in Guatemala for six days! It seems like it's been so much longer! I feel very at home here. I look forward to my Spanish classes-they are incredible and I am learning so so much! My tutor is very patient and very gracious. Returning 'home' is also something we look forward to-we love our host family and we look forward to coming home after class to sit and relax, work on homework, and eat delicious food. I am also getting very accustomed to the different aspects of Guatemalan life that I was not used to upon first arriving. For example, the time. We were told ahead of time that Guatemalans are very casual with their time, and if they say something begins at a certain time, it is likely to actually begin a lot later. This came as a surprise for meal times. 7pm was the time we were given for dinner, but we usually didnt sit down to eat until almost 8pm! This was difficult to adjust to at first, but now it is almost normal!

Walking through the streets has gotten a lot more comfortable too. My first few days here, I was very paranoid that someone would try to take my stuff (like I was warned) but as I've gotten used to walking 25 minutes back and forth for class, I have felt much more comfortable. We still recieve stares and the occasional whistle, but we also receive kind smiles and 'hola's' from almost every person we pass.

Last night was a great bonding time with our host mom, Cindy. She taught us how to make tortillas con queso, guacamole, and two different kinds of sauces. We were of course very bad at this food-making process and shared a lot of laughs, but Cindy was gracious and helped us along the way. Dinner was delicious and it was fun to see how a common dish in Guatemala is made!

Tomorrow is Guatemala's Independence Day, and the people of Antigua have been celebrating all week! Today the excitement doubled, and the streets were packed with multiple bands marching, children running and blowing whistles, and teenagers holding torches, marching proudly for their country. It was a sight to see and it was wonderful to see the pride they held for their home! Tomorrow, we don't have class and will be able to celebrate the day with everyone else.

I look forward to more surprises and more adventure as my days in Guatemala continue!

-Kara

Right outside my house

Parque Central the day before Independence Day!

My school! It is beautiful and the perfect place to learn!

Dinner preparations!

It rains a lot here! (We're in the rainy season!)