Yesterday was quite an experience. It was our last day with the children so we bought pinatas and extra candy. We brought our books to give to them. Carlos brought a microphone and the mayor of the colony said a few words and proceeded to give the six of us, Claudia, Kaleigh, Jon, Diego, Nick and I, certificates of appreciation. It was great of them. Each one of us had to say a few words. I needed Claudia to translate for me.
Next we unleashed the pinatas. One for the girls, another the guys. We then passed out bags of cookies and other candy. Finally we passed out the books. They were really happy and excited to get them. The extra we left in the small classroom.
We also brought baskets with foodstuff to raffle off. Rice beans pasta oil, etc. I gave the first basket to one of the oldest women in the village.she was in her nineties. When I looked into her eyes I was blown away. A lot of living in her face. We picked numbers out of a bag. The students and the children helped call out the numbers. The women in the village were excited to get the baskets. Many had newborns strapped to them or in their arms. After the children had a surprise for us. They decorated a classroom with balloons and posters. They made little cakes and chocolates. They had us sit in the front, our backs to the white board. They sang happy birthday. It was hard to keep the eyes dry. Throughout the day some of the kids slipped envelopes into our hands, letters written and decorated with much love. All of them hugged us and sad adios. Even the twelve year old boys. Diego gave his soccer ball to one of them and he cried too.
Some strange coincidences occurred too. We had invited everyone from Sevilla language school to join us. One gentleman who takes classes in the afternoon who I had not met came along. As I was showing him the classrooms and the field I noticed he wore a shirt with Farmington Woods, a golf course ten minutes from my house in Connecticut!
The other occurance was sad. During the pinatas I noticed a small procession down the street. A group of ten or fifteen dressed on black some carrying a small three foot white coffin down the road. I looked to one of the mothers who noticed it too. She explained a child had died the previous night. One of ours? I asked. No, she said, a newborn eight days old. I don't think many saw it. None of my students had. It gave me pause.
On the car ride home we struggled with our emotions. Our group went to sky cafe. It was such a powerful experience I think we needed to be together for a little bit.
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Friday, January 25, 2013
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Waterfalls
Nick, our adopted Aussie whom the kids call Queso (cheese) because he is always taking pictures(?), bought ice cream and chocolate for all of the children. It was a great start to our walk into the mountain. There were 50 children, 6 of us, Carlos, Milton, and Allen, some people from the village, and two or three dogs. When we stopped at one point there was a fight between two of them. Pretty vicious. What made it worse was the narrowness of the trail and 50 kids screeching in blood curdling unison.
Because this is their dry season there wasn't much more than a trickle until we got to the actual waterfalls. These kids were fearless climbing the slippery rocks and the parents didn't seem to mind. There were times I couldn't look. But everyone made it back safe. It was a fun tranquil day. Tomorrow is the last day. I will miss these kids.
Because this is their dry season there wasn't much more than a trickle until we got to the actual waterfalls. These kids were fearless climbing the slippery rocks and the parents didn't seem to mind. There were times I couldn't look. But everyone made it back safe. It was a fun tranquil day. Tomorrow is the last day. I will miss these kids.
In the Stretch
Yesterday we had the children draw pictures of what they liked best about the past two weeks. We collected them because I have hopes I will be able to display them at El Camino along with a description of what we've doing here. They're pretty funny especially the spellings of our names. In some I'm easily identified because most are stick figures but I'm usually the only round one. Gordito one kid said to me.
Yesterday was also Jon's bday. They gathered all of the students at the Spanish school and sang and clapped. Carlos also took us to a restaurant on a hill overlooking Antigua. It was nice. Around 5 the guys played soccer in the courtyard. The games are pretty competitive. After dinner we went out for a bit to celebrate Jon's bday. I think he enjoyed himself.
Today we toured an organic macadamia nut farm with our teachers and Milton. Now we are hiking to some waterfalls with the children.
Yesterday was also Jon's bday. They gathered all of the students at the Spanish school and sang and clapped. Carlos also took us to a restaurant on a hill overlooking Antigua. It was nice. Around 5 the guys played soccer in the courtyard. The games are pretty competitive. After dinner we went out for a bit to celebrate Jon's bday. I think he enjoyed himself.
Today we toured an organic macadamia nut farm with our teachers and Milton. Now we are hiking to some waterfalls with the children.
Monday, January 21, 2013
The Final Week
If you want time to move rapidly, join me on one of these trips. It's hard to imagine two weeks have passed already. In the student house where I stay, i am there the longest, except for Paula, Mildred and Gladys who live there, the sage who knows how to fix the wifi. Crazy. It's amazing how quickly technology spreads because of tourism. I've written all of these posts using free wifi. A few years ago this wasn't possible.
My ECC students are feeling the strain of the pace we set for ourselves. I'm really proud of them. There have been a few hiccups ;) , but the group has really impressed me. I hope I don't jinx myself. The word has spread about what we're doing and now we usually have visitors join us in the afternoon. Tomorrow is the last day of teaching. At this point of the trip we are in two worlds. We are living in this world but our thoughts are beginning to meander into our other world. It is like that dream stage when you know you are dreaming but you also know you are about to wake up.
My ECC students are feeling the strain of the pace we set for ourselves. I'm really proud of them. There have been a few hiccups ;) , but the group has really impressed me. I hope I don't jinx myself. The word has spread about what we're doing and now we usually have visitors join us in the afternoon. Tomorrow is the last day of teaching. At this point of the trip we are in two worlds. We are living in this world but our thoughts are beginning to meander into our other world. It is like that dream stage when you know you are dreaming but you also know you are about to wake up.
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Flores I I.
Even though there was a disco somewhere below my room and within near proximity, I still managed a decent nights sleep. I was in bed by ten. We walked this small town, stopping here and there. We looked for a pizza place recommend in Frommers but it was closed. Instead we found another.
This morning I walked up the hill to the church and saw to the east the sun was breaking over the horizon. An old backpacker with bright white hair was chanting to the rising sun. In English but unintelligible.
This morning I walked up the hill to the church and saw to the east the sun was breaking over the horizon. An old backpacker with bright white hair was chanting to the rising sun. In English but unintelligible.
Flores.
Flores is a small town , island really in the middle of a good sized lake. I'm drinking $1.50 Cuba libres trying to figure where to go for dinner and our plans for tomorrow.
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Tikal
The day is long when it starts at 4:00am you drive an hour, fly an hour, and drive another hour only to hike/climb for four hours up and down some of the most amazing architecture mixed with astronomical significance. All done without IPhones Kaleigh pointed out. Our guide was Eddy who was a PhD archeological student who really knew his stuff. We not only saw the ruins but some crocodiles, spider monkeys, howler monkeys, falcons, leaf-cutter ants, and raccoon like creatures. We toured with. A German/Vietnamese girl and her friend from Sweden. What's nice Bout the small group is that we are not this huge intimidating mass and get to meet many travelers from around the world. Now we are in Flores. The hotel is pretty crappy but the rack rate is only $20. The showers are hot, there's free Internet and breakfast is included. It's like camping I told them.
Bike Tour
This afternoon the five of us and Milton and Jesus took bikes to some of the small villages that surround Antigua: San Isabel, Gaspar, Cristobel, Pedro, Miguel, and Ciudad Viejo the former capital of all of Latin America destroyed in an earthquake so they moved it to Guatemala City. Many of the churches were built in the 1600 s & 1700s. We were at the base of the agua volcano. In the distance the volcano Fuego puffed smoke. Apparently at night you can see the lava spurt. After went to the rooftop bar called Sky Cafe. It's name is honest with 360 degree views of the mountains that surround Antigua. After dinner Kaleigh and I went to the bagel barn to watch a French movie, Les Intouchables, with Spanish subtitles. I was surprised by how much I understood. What is the formulaic storyline or my Spanish improving or the acting, I am not sure. Either way a surreal experience.
Friday, January 18, 2013
San Pedro, San Miguel, Ciudad Viaja
Took another road trip during class with Jhenri. This time we went to his town San Pedro. We stopped first at the park where women were washing clothes in the spring fed common lavanderia. We ran into his grandfather, a spry 90 year old who looked like he still worked every day. After we went to Jhenris house. It was really nice, very open with great woodwork and nice tiles. It was big with many levels. On the top was a terrace with great views of the volcanos. After we saw the churches T San Miguel and ciudad Viaja. It was a good diversion. This afternoon we are taking a bike ride to some natural hot springs.
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Mercado
Thursdays are market days. A wonderful onslaught of the senses. The bright colors entice and smells of the food and burning wood comfort, the hawkers chanting their products, including an evangelist on portable speakers the touch from men carrying bundles of wood, clothes , coconuts on their backs. I arrived before nine, the market just waking up. The energy of a new day, the possibility of earning some Quetzals.
Typical Day
In case one wonders what my day is like. I wake around 6:30, usually the earliest and shower. I do ish or look over my homework, read email, write the blog until Mildred walks the hallway knocking on doors saying "Listo!" ( ready).
We eat breakfast family style. Pancakes, warm milk and rice, egg sandwiches. Always fruit, tea, and coffee. Conversation is usually limited in the mornings. Then I walk to school usually alone. I stop at a bakery for a small besito, a bun with ham And cheese for the break.
At school there is free tea and coffee so I usually have tea. The first hour of class is a conversation. Then we look over my homework. Next the days lesson. Then it is break from 10:00-10:30. I usuAlly stay around the school. After break it is more relaxed going over the lesson. The last half hour we play games in Spanish.
We take lunch from 12-2. Mine is served at 1:30. It consists of a protein chicken or steak. Rice or potatoes. And a vegetable. I have to eat quickly to be at the school at 2.
Our bus ride to the project is about ten minutes west up into the hills. When we arrive the children are waiting for us and run to the van looking for the students, mostly Claudia and Kaleigh. We teach for 45 minutes to an hour then it's playtime. We stop around for and it usually takes 15 minutes to say our good yes and get everyone into the van.
When we return we might have a tour of a local site. Either way we might get a beer and talk a out the day. Dinner is at 7:30. This is usually a boisterous affair but since we jokingly instituted a Spanish only rule with a 1q fine (a jar sits at the end of the table near Andreas, it's biggest donor) the conversations are limited until the girls leave the room. After dinner I usually do my terea, homework. After that a wine down at a local cafe. I try to be home by ten, check email and asleep by 11. Ready to start it all over again.
We eat breakfast family style. Pancakes, warm milk and rice, egg sandwiches. Always fruit, tea, and coffee. Conversation is usually limited in the mornings. Then I walk to school usually alone. I stop at a bakery for a small besito, a bun with ham And cheese for the break.
At school there is free tea and coffee so I usually have tea. The first hour of class is a conversation. Then we look over my homework. Next the days lesson. Then it is break from 10:00-10:30. I usuAlly stay around the school. After break it is more relaxed going over the lesson. The last half hour we play games in Spanish.
We take lunch from 12-2. Mine is served at 1:30. It consists of a protein chicken or steak. Rice or potatoes. And a vegetable. I have to eat quickly to be at the school at 2.
Our bus ride to the project is about ten minutes west up into the hills. When we arrive the children are waiting for us and run to the van looking for the students, mostly Claudia and Kaleigh. We teach for 45 minutes to an hour then it's playtime. We stop around for and it usually takes 15 minutes to say our good yes and get everyone into the van.
When we return we might have a tour of a local site. Either way we might get a beer and talk a out the day. Dinner is at 7:30. This is usually a boisterous affair but since we jokingly instituted a Spanish only rule with a 1q fine (a jar sits at the end of the table near Andreas, it's biggest donor) the conversations are limited until the girls leave the room. After dinner I usually do my terea, homework. After that a wine down at a local cafe. I try to be home by ten, check email and asleep by 11. Ready to start it all over again.
Hookey
I needed a mental health day so I arranged it with Jhenri my teacher. The difficulty is the teachers don't get paid if the students don't show up (even though the school is paid). I serupticiously asked a out salary so I insisted that I pay him for the missed day. He earns about $10 for four hours so I will give him a 100q note ($12) and call it even. Tomorrow we visit it town and house and I will take him to lunch.
But today I will relax. Walk the town. Be a tourist.
This afternoon we teach then we will have a three legged race and a water balloon toss.
But today I will relax. Walk the town. Be a tourist.
This afternoon we teach then we will have a three legged race and a water balloon toss.
UConn
Last night I went with my housemates and the two house moms to rainbow cafe for an open mic night. The music was quite good. The highlight though was a group of kids wearing UConn sweatshirts. I spoke with one who happens to be from Avon. He didn't know Zack nor the Brackett kids but knew Brian Kelly who I went to school with at Keene and who teaches in Avon. They were premeds (16 of them) here to get clinical experience for two weeks. Go Huskies!
Tour de Colonia Hermano Pedro II
Last week we toured half the colony where we are teaching and the children in the other half wanted us to visit their homes as well. So the five us, plus Nick and my housemates Meika, Andreas, and a Canadian Wade, strolled through the lower part of the area along with the fifty or so children and a couple of dogs. In some houses there wasn't enough room for the entire circus so the children waited outside.
Most of the homes are concrete block and are an amalgamation of bedrooms and living space. Some had separate kitchens but most had some type of outdoor cooking area. All homes had dogs, one had puppies, another new chicks. There is electricity and running water. I didn't see bathrooms but I am sure they are quite basic. Most rooms had two beds and usually six or seven people slept in them. On the walls were various mementos. Many homes still had Christmas decorations, some quite elaborate Nativity scenes.
The mothers were hesitant at first, but quite welcoming and gracious. I tried to have a photo with all of them.
For the newcomers, I think they were a bit taken aback by the poverty as we were on our first tour. This time it was easier to take for us. I think it is the children's pure joy of having so many adults interested n playing with them that balances the emotions. As we walked hand in hand or on shoulders, the English lessons were reinforced usually at the kids insistence.
We are starting to remember names of the kids and able to identify their personalities. Brener the quiet one. William the smart one. Dulce with wide eyes. Sendy who loves to practice English.
And then there is little Derrick. He is one of the youngest at two or three. He doesn't attend school but his sister Brittany does. He is usually there before and after. He is the classic imp. Climbing, punching, running along with the others. I am simpatico with him.
All in all another good day.
Most of the homes are concrete block and are an amalgamation of bedrooms and living space. Some had separate kitchens but most had some type of outdoor cooking area. All homes had dogs, one had puppies, another new chicks. There is electricity and running water. I didn't see bathrooms but I am sure they are quite basic. Most rooms had two beds and usually six or seven people slept in them. On the walls were various mementos. Many homes still had Christmas decorations, some quite elaborate Nativity scenes.
The mothers were hesitant at first, but quite welcoming and gracious. I tried to have a photo with all of them.
For the newcomers, I think they were a bit taken aback by the poverty as we were on our first tour. This time it was easier to take for us. I think it is the children's pure joy of having so many adults interested n playing with them that balances the emotions. As we walked hand in hand or on shoulders, the English lessons were reinforced usually at the kids insistence.
We are starting to remember names of the kids and able to identify their personalities. Brener the quiet one. William the smart one. Dulce with wide eyes. Sendy who loves to practice English.
And then there is little Derrick. He is one of the youngest at two or three. He doesn't attend school but his sister Brittany does. He is usually there before and after. He is the classic imp. Climbing, punching, running along with the others. I am simpatico with him.
All in all another good day.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Cast of Characters
Students
Diego - the only former student of mine. A marine with combat experience in Iraq. Was shot at by Somali pirates. Wants to be an engineer. 25.
Claudia - works at Eatalian back home. Her parents are from Columbia and her Spanish is strong. She isn't sure what she wants to be, but she's doing an amazing job teaching. 21.
Kaleigh - if you look up kindergarten teacher her picture should be there. Reminds me of Punky Brewster. Vegetarian which has provided some challenges. 21.
Jonathan- 6'2" 230lbs. gentle giant. Nicest kid. Really soaking everything in. Wants to be a firefighter. 22.
Nick- we adopted this Aussie from Melbourne. Super bright. Reads a lot. Joined us on our weekend journey and joins us with the project. 19
School people
Brenda- my fix it girl. First person I met at the school and my main contact person. Secretary but really runs the school. We've been in contact since last year. Joined us on our journey to Lake Attitlan. Also goes to university. She wants to work at an embassy. 24.
Carlos- owner of the school. Ran for mayor of Antigua recently and lost a close race. Brenda tells me he has a big heart and really wants to help people. He's responsible for setting us up the the project.
Jhenri- my teacher. Great guy. Two kids and wife who also teaches Spanish. He has great English. He's a hard working guy.
Gladys and Mildred- my house moms. They cook and clean and live in a small room in the back. They have mobile phones and laptops. And make us speak Spanish at the dinner table. Mildred has a crush on one of the young guys who helps out around the school whose name is choo- choo. We love to tease her about it. She is 16 Gladys is 18. They love telenovelas.
Housemates
Nick- Aussie from Melbourne as well. Former lawyer traveling before he goes back to school for a degree in International relations. Nice guy.
Chris - another Aussie but from Perth. Also a lawyer. Traveling around for some time. He's been here two months. Stopped taking classes and just trying to figure out where his next stop was. Joined us on the project.
Paula- a Brit who is here for two years. A Spanish teacher in Britain but is now trying to start an NGO- an orphanage here in Antigua. Very quiet and doesn't speak much.
Meika- a beautiful Dutch flight attendant for KLM. Here for three weeks. She and I are always ready for wine.
Andres- a crazy German whose favorite expression is "fuck me". Former professor in Germany but now trying to find himself - there's a lot of people here like that.
Joist- the playboy of the group. Had been here for months. Spanish is excellent.
Clay- from Colorado. MIght be older than me. Just got here.
Emily- from Belgium. Social worker. Just arrived. Has a lot of energy.
Diego - the only former student of mine. A marine with combat experience in Iraq. Was shot at by Somali pirates. Wants to be an engineer. 25.
Claudia - works at Eatalian back home. Her parents are from Columbia and her Spanish is strong. She isn't sure what she wants to be, but she's doing an amazing job teaching. 21.
Kaleigh - if you look up kindergarten teacher her picture should be there. Reminds me of Punky Brewster. Vegetarian which has provided some challenges. 21.
Jonathan- 6'2" 230lbs. gentle giant. Nicest kid. Really soaking everything in. Wants to be a firefighter. 22.
Nick- we adopted this Aussie from Melbourne. Super bright. Reads a lot. Joined us on our weekend journey and joins us with the project. 19
School people
Brenda- my fix it girl. First person I met at the school and my main contact person. Secretary but really runs the school. We've been in contact since last year. Joined us on our journey to Lake Attitlan. Also goes to university. She wants to work at an embassy. 24.
Carlos- owner of the school. Ran for mayor of Antigua recently and lost a close race. Brenda tells me he has a big heart and really wants to help people. He's responsible for setting us up the the project.
Jhenri- my teacher. Great guy. Two kids and wife who also teaches Spanish. He has great English. He's a hard working guy.
Gladys and Mildred- my house moms. They cook and clean and live in a small room in the back. They have mobile phones and laptops. And make us speak Spanish at the dinner table. Mildred has a crush on one of the young guys who helps out around the school whose name is choo- choo. We love to tease her about it. She is 16 Gladys is 18. They love telenovelas.
Housemates
Nick- Aussie from Melbourne as well. Former lawyer traveling before he goes back to school for a degree in International relations. Nice guy.
Chris - another Aussie but from Perth. Also a lawyer. Traveling around for some time. He's been here two months. Stopped taking classes and just trying to figure out where his next stop was. Joined us on the project.
Paula- a Brit who is here for two years. A Spanish teacher in Britain but is now trying to start an NGO- an orphanage here in Antigua. Very quiet and doesn't speak much.
Meika- a beautiful Dutch flight attendant for KLM. Here for three weeks. She and I are always ready for wine.
Andres- a crazy German whose favorite expression is "fuck me". Former professor in Germany but now trying to find himself - there's a lot of people here like that.
Joist- the playboy of the group. Had been here for months. Spanish is excellent.
Clay- from Colorado. MIght be older than me. Just got here.
Emily- from Belgium. Social worker. Just arrived. Has a lot of energy.
Halfway
Today is our tenth day and the halfway point of the program. Everyone seems to be comfortable here in Antigua. We've had one personality conflict but it was a minor flare up and expected even with such a small group. It was quickly rectified by switching teams for the teaching. We'll see how it goes when we travel together this weekend to Tikal. I'm also expecting some issues wi the hotel, well really hostel where we ad staying. I don't think it will be as nice as the one in San Pedro.
This morning I told Gladys and Mildred (the house "moms") I would not be there for lunch, so after classes I went to get my haircut and to get a shave. All for about six bucks. Afterwards I went to the super mercado to buy some candy for the children for participating in our scavenger hunt. I had lunch as a restaurant called Rincon Tipico which I think means Typical Corner. The food was fresh and delicious- sausage cucumber and tomato and onion salad, potato salad, and warm, fresh tortillas for $2.50. I couldn't finish it all.
At the project we had a scavenger hunt. They had to pick up items of trash like paper, plastic, metal and glass and had to use the numbers and colors they have learned. We had five teams of 8-10. It was a madhouse. I bought chocolate for the winners and gave the others some lollipops etc. it was a success as we picked up five bags of trash- at least i thought it was a success until i saw the children drop the wrappers from the candy right on the ground. I guess we didn't meet that Learning objective. afterwards we played football and jumped rope. I also brought a game called Pears like bananas with letters to make words and Kaleigh and Nick worked with some kids.
Afterward, Kaleigh wanted to get a book at Cafe No Se (Cafe I don't know). She wanted some suggestions. We picked out The Black Pearl for her. The gentleman working there was quite a character. His name is Peter Kilbryde,and he had a book of poetry to sell. He read it in his Irish brogue and gap toothed mouth, and when he read the hairs on my neck stood. The book catalogues his times on the pilgrimage of Camino Santiago in Spain. I am looking forward to reading it tonight.
This morning I told Gladys and Mildred (the house "moms") I would not be there for lunch, so after classes I went to get my haircut and to get a shave. All for about six bucks. Afterwards I went to the super mercado to buy some candy for the children for participating in our scavenger hunt. I had lunch as a restaurant called Rincon Tipico which I think means Typical Corner. The food was fresh and delicious- sausage cucumber and tomato and onion salad, potato salad, and warm, fresh tortillas for $2.50. I couldn't finish it all.
At the project we had a scavenger hunt. They had to pick up items of trash like paper, plastic, metal and glass and had to use the numbers and colors they have learned. We had five teams of 8-10. It was a madhouse. I bought chocolate for the winners and gave the others some lollipops etc. it was a success as we picked up five bags of trash- at least i thought it was a success until i saw the children drop the wrappers from the candy right on the ground. I guess we didn't meet that Learning objective. afterwards we played football and jumped rope. I also brought a game called Pears like bananas with letters to make words and Kaleigh and Nick worked with some kids.
Afterward, Kaleigh wanted to get a book at Cafe No Se (Cafe I don't know). She wanted some suggestions. We picked out The Black Pearl for her. The gentleman working there was quite a character. His name is Peter Kilbryde,and he had a book of poetry to sell. He read it in his Irish brogue and gap toothed mouth, and when he read the hairs on my neck stood. The book catalogues his times on the pilgrimage of Camino Santiago in Spain. I am looking forward to reading it tonight.
Highs and lows
Yesterday had its highs and lows. The highs were in the classrooms. Claudia and Diego taught time. They introduced some of the words for telling time and then used paper plates, construction paper, and a fastener to make clocks. It really went well. Kaleigh and Jon taught numbers. They created an obstacle course in the classroom where the students had to climb on hands and knees and write a number on the board. It was an all-out battle of the sexes amidst the screams of "ninas!" and "ninos!" (girls and boys). Claudia and Kaleigh continue to be the rock stars as I literally have to peel the young girls from their bodies to get the two in the van.
The lows happened outside the classroom. On the door to one of the classrooms to be exact. Someone from the village- much older than our students -wrote some derogatory things specifically about El Salvadorians (Diego is proud to be and wears it on his leg as a tattoo). I think it was done by some teenagers who aren't allowed to attend for a variety of reasons. I showed the local "mayor" and he was embarrassed. It's sad. But Diego is tough and I admire how he handled the situation. Today we will create a scavenger hunt.
The lows happened outside the classroom. On the door to one of the classrooms to be exact. Someone from the village- much older than our students -wrote some derogatory things specifically about El Salvadorians (Diego is proud to be and wears it on his leg as a tattoo). I think it was done by some teenagers who aren't allowed to attend for a variety of reasons. I showed the local "mayor" and he was embarrassed. It's sad. But Diego is tough and I admire how he handled the situation. Today we will create a scavenger hunt.
Monday, January 14, 2013
San Pedro II
The weekend went well. We toured three villages with Andres out capitan. Consumerism is the name of the game on these tours. It is an exercise in mutual exploitation. It is difficult for us foreigners as we do want to help but we cannot buy everything we see. Each village I s know for certain items. Hand woven cloth dyed with bright colors from plants found in the area. Comics from mud found locally. Wooden carvings. As a group I think we helped improve the local economies.
The lake is huge and the villages are all named for the apostles. In one we visited there is a "black saint" Maximo. He is tucked in a house tucked up in the hillside. People pour out liquor or leave cigars. It seems a mixture of Catholicism and maya practice, like voodoo. It is not accepted by all. As we were lost, we asked one gentleman for directions to Maximo and he told us to "f*** off".
The next day we arranged to climb San Pedro volcano leaving at 6:00 am. Dominic was our tour guide. The volcano is 9900 feet tall and took us three hours to climb up and two to descend. Every year they have a race up the mountain and Dominic has won it twice. His best time is an hour and a half. He only guides on weekends; his weekday job is in the fields. He showed us his still stabbed wounds from a recent poisonous snake bite while picking corn. They had to tie off his leg to staunch the circulation and they rushed him home. Someone cut out the skin around the bite and poured some mixture with milk on it to heal.
The hike was a bruise to the ego as I was the oldest by far. Dominic was 33. And I was the slowest. The climb was worth it as we had clear skies when we first arrived and could see most of the lake. However, the fog and clouds soon moved in.
Here a some photos of the journey so far.
https://www.facebook.com/gs.learners/photos_albums
The lake is huge and the villages are all named for the apostles. In one we visited there is a "black saint" Maximo. He is tucked in a house tucked up in the hillside. People pour out liquor or leave cigars. It seems a mixture of Catholicism and maya practice, like voodoo. It is not accepted by all. As we were lost, we asked one gentleman for directions to Maximo and he told us to "f*** off".
The next day we arranged to climb San Pedro volcano leaving at 6:00 am. Dominic was our tour guide. The volcano is 9900 feet tall and took us three hours to climb up and two to descend. Every year they have a race up the mountain and Dominic has won it twice. His best time is an hour and a half. He only guides on weekends; his weekday job is in the fields. He showed us his still stabbed wounds from a recent poisonous snake bite while picking corn. They had to tie off his leg to staunch the circulation and they rushed him home. Someone cut out the skin around the bite and poured some mixture with milk on it to heal.
The hike was a bruise to the ego as I was the oldest by far. Dominic was 33. And I was the slowest. The climb was worth it as we had clear skies when we first arrived and could see most of the lake. However, the fog and clouds soon moved in.
Here a some photos of the journey so far.
https://www.facebook.com/gs.learners/photos_albums
Saturday, January 12, 2013
San Pedro
We're on our first adventure. The sun has just climbed over the mountains and I am sitting in an Adirondack chair watching two locals in wood boats throw nets. Women to my right slap cloth on to the water and rub it against the rocks. Small birds burp and dive. The lake is high.
Our last day this week at hermano Pedro was typical and eventful. Colors and numbers. ABCs and greetings. I awed by their hunger to learn. Playtime was more co trolled chaos. Tug a war. Soccer. The girls had a game called Cebolla. (Onion). One girl grabbed onto a tree. The others lined up behind her arms around the waist of the person in front. Someone knocked o. Tree and asked for Cebolla and the ran to the last person and tried to peel her away from the group. They shrieked with in contained joy when Nick an Aussie who is roommates with guys who joined us that day played full force and with much gusto.
That night my roommates and I had a BBQ and salsa night at our house. Bratwurst, steak, corn, garlic bread and tortillas. Desert someone bought marsh mellows already stuffed with chocolate. We had a good sized international crowd. My students even came. It was was good to let our hair down, to laugh, eat and drink.
The next day most of us were a bit tired. As part of my lesson I jumped on the back of my professors motorcycle and went to San Juan obispo a small village at the base of the volcano. We toured the church with a nun of the first cathedral in Central America.
Our ride here to san Pedro was uneventful. The sun was setting as we waited to take the boat from Panajachel to Pedro. Claudia came up with the idea to take the holding the sun photo trick.
After we arrived at the hotel we found a great lite restaurant called jardin with palapas and salsa band. We walked the small town afterward.
Today we take a guided tour by boat to some of the small villages around the lake.
Our last day this week at hermano Pedro was typical and eventful. Colors and numbers. ABCs and greetings. I awed by their hunger to learn. Playtime was more co trolled chaos. Tug a war. Soccer. The girls had a game called Cebolla. (Onion). One girl grabbed onto a tree. The others lined up behind her arms around the waist of the person in front. Someone knocked o. Tree and asked for Cebolla and the ran to the last person and tried to peel her away from the group. They shrieked with in contained joy when Nick an Aussie who is roommates with guys who joined us that day played full force and with much gusto.
That night my roommates and I had a BBQ and salsa night at our house. Bratwurst, steak, corn, garlic bread and tortillas. Desert someone bought marsh mellows already stuffed with chocolate. We had a good sized international crowd. My students even came. It was was good to let our hair down, to laugh, eat and drink.
The next day most of us were a bit tired. As part of my lesson I jumped on the back of my professors motorcycle and went to San Juan obispo a small village at the base of the volcano. We toured the church with a nun of the first cathedral in Central America.
Our ride here to san Pedro was uneventful. The sun was setting as we waited to take the boat from Panajachel to Pedro. Claudia came up with the idea to take the holding the sun photo trick.
After we arrived at the hotel we found a great lite restaurant called jardin with palapas and salsa band. We walked the small town afterward.
Today we take a guided tour by boat to some of the small villages around the lake.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Spanish Class
Here's a photo of Jenri, my Spanish teacher. I am his only student in his class. The class is four hours long with a half hour break in the middle. The first hour is mostly conversational, a combination of English and Spanish. The second hour is where the real work happens. After the break its a bit relaxed. We usually end with some type of game like concentration. Today after break we walked to the local market, their version of a mall. Blue tarp or metal roofed stalls with every bright type of plastic (toys, housewares, etc), counterfeit clothes, counterfeit cds, and food. The food is fresh, but rarely refrigerated. We went through the stalls with Jenri telling me names for the various types of food.
Jenri (Henry) is 46 and has a boy 18 and a girl 17. He lives outside of Antigua and rides a motorcycle to work. He studied to be an accountant and went to school at Miami Dade Comm college in their hotel program. Both he and his wife are Spanish teachers, both at the school and also at home via private tutoring in person or on the Internet. We have a good report.
Jenri (Henry) is 46 and has a boy 18 and a girl 17. He lives outside of Antigua and rides a motorcycle to work. He studied to be an accountant and went to school at Miami Dade Comm college in their hotel program. Both he and his wife are Spanish teachers, both at the school and also at home via private tutoring in person or on the Internet. We have a good report.
Wow.
Today was a powerful one. Instead of teaching, Carlos the owner and director of Spanish Academy Sevilla arranged for us to tour where the children lived. It was a brilliant and powerful idea. The community is called Colony Hermano Pedro (Brother Peter). Carlos explained that Peter is the patron Saint of Antigua or Guatemala. A group of ninos were waiting for us as we arrived.
The village has one dirt road that runs to it. It is situated in the valley of two steep mountains. Most of the houses are perched in the hills. They are made of unpainted concrete blocks and all are in the unfinished stage. The paths are dirt and climb steeply- a twenty pitch at least. Carlos told me they only received running water within the last five years. Previously, the ladies walked probably a mile each way to carry the water for the day during the dry season.
Almost all of the houses had dogs, early detection alarms. The houses we visited were small, with open doorways (no actual doors to protect from the elements). Most of the kitchens were outside. Chickens and turkeys, lemons oranges, and bananas in their yard are their 7-11's.
We visited about eight homes. All of the people were warm, welcoming and happy to see us. They proudly showed us their spaces. One man was a musician who played the xylophone in a marimba band. I can't imagine how he could carry this equipment up and down the slopes. I was too preoccupied talking (through Carlos translating) to get pictures.
We traipsed up and down the hillside, sometimes sliding on the dusty trail. Each home we'd visit a familiar face would appear- one of the children who is in our classes.
Claudia, Kaleigh, Diego and Jonathan had kids constantly at their sides, often their arms intertwined. The children were happy, laughing, joking, longing for the attention of one of us gringos to show us something, to practice their English, to steal our baseball caps, to poke us from behind and then hide their faces. We saw puppies and chickens. Bananas and papayas. At one house, the woman sold frozen fruit juice provided in plastic bags. Diego, quietly, bought everyone-probably 30 or 40 children and adults in all- our own delicious treat. His generosity humbled me. ( I had run into him earlier at the market in town. We both were with our professors. I was buying sunblock and he was buying a soccer ball for the kids).
By the end we were all spent. The girls would not let my students leave. We had to pry them away and into the van. The ride back to town was quiet. We were all shell shocked. It was the gauntlet of emotions, like the path we traversed, high and low. The pure joy of children and the crushing reality of poverty. After we were dropped off, we stood there talking a bit. I sensed we knew this afternoon our lives were altered by what we had experienced.
The village has one dirt road that runs to it. It is situated in the valley of two steep mountains. Most of the houses are perched in the hills. They are made of unpainted concrete blocks and all are in the unfinished stage. The paths are dirt and climb steeply- a twenty pitch at least. Carlos told me they only received running water within the last five years. Previously, the ladies walked probably a mile each way to carry the water for the day during the dry season.
Almost all of the houses had dogs, early detection alarms. The houses we visited were small, with open doorways (no actual doors to protect from the elements). Most of the kitchens were outside. Chickens and turkeys, lemons oranges, and bananas in their yard are their 7-11's.
We visited about eight homes. All of the people were warm, welcoming and happy to see us. They proudly showed us their spaces. One man was a musician who played the xylophone in a marimba band. I can't imagine how he could carry this equipment up and down the slopes. I was too preoccupied talking (through Carlos translating) to get pictures.
We traipsed up and down the hillside, sometimes sliding on the dusty trail. Each home we'd visit a familiar face would appear- one of the children who is in our classes.
Claudia, Kaleigh, Diego and Jonathan had kids constantly at their sides, often their arms intertwined. The children were happy, laughing, joking, longing for the attention of one of us gringos to show us something, to practice their English, to steal our baseball caps, to poke us from behind and then hide their faces. We saw puppies and chickens. Bananas and papayas. At one house, the woman sold frozen fruit juice provided in plastic bags. Diego, quietly, bought everyone-probably 30 or 40 children and adults in all- our own delicious treat. His generosity humbled me. ( I had run into him earlier at the market in town. We both were with our professors. I was buying sunblock and he was buying a soccer ball for the kids).
By the end we were all spent. The girls would not let my students leave. We had to pry them away and into the van. The ride back to town was quiet. We were all shell shocked. It was the gauntlet of emotions, like the path we traversed, high and low. The pure joy of children and the crushing reality of poverty. After we were dropped off, we stood there talking a bit. I sensed we knew this afternoon our lives were altered by what we had experienced.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Day Two
The second day was as good as the first. Im really impressed by the four participants. Today i left it in their hands. Diego and Claudia taught the older kids. Claudia took initiative to create a worksheet for parts of the body. They used it to springboard Into teaching them to sing and move to the song "Head shoulders knees and toes". Diego went the extra step to stand on the table to demonstrate. The kids loved it.
Kaleigh and Jonathan taught the younger students some simple introductory sayings. When I walked in they were practicing "I love you". Both have a great presence in front of these kids. Kaleigh a soft spoken quintessential kindergarten teacher and Jonathan a gentle giant to these kids.
After an hour the energy was bursting from their little bodies, so we went to the football field. It was a uneven, badly rutted pitch cut into the side of a hill with two rusting, misshapen goals on each end and a ravine on one side. We played dodgeball and freeze tag and then just made the boys line up and yell out words and letters we learned before we allowed them to kick the ball at some poor soul who stood in goal. Meanwhile the girls went back to the classrooms and played hangman with their new English words. Claudia and Kaleigh cannot walk in this village now without at least a pair of adoring gap toothed girls tied to their hips. It's a great sight to see.
Kaleigh and Jonathan taught the younger students some simple introductory sayings. When I walked in they were practicing "I love you". Both have a great presence in front of these kids. Kaleigh a soft spoken quintessential kindergarten teacher and Jonathan a gentle giant to these kids.
After an hour the energy was bursting from their little bodies, so we went to the football field. It was a uneven, badly rutted pitch cut into the side of a hill with two rusting, misshapen goals on each end and a ravine on one side. We played dodgeball and freeze tag and then just made the boys line up and yell out words and letters we learned before we allowed them to kick the ball at some poor soul who stood in goal. Meanwhile the girls went back to the classrooms and played hangman with their new English words. Claudia and Kaleigh cannot walk in this village now without at least a pair of adoring gap toothed girls tied to their hips. It's a great sight to see.
My apartment
I am in the student apartment which I share with seven or eight others. It is off 2nd avenue, a fairly busy street. The house isn't airtight and one can hear neighbors, dogs church bells, and fireworks. There seems to be a passion for fireworks as some were lit this Tuesday morning at 4:30 am.
In the center of the house, there is a courtyard open to the sky with a concrete wash basin where the dishes are cleaned. There are back rooms , a dining room that seats ten, a kitchen, and two or three bathrooms. The roof is a hodgepodge of shapes and materials. The walls are painted concrete. There are three Internet routers strategically placed throughout. There are two computers but most of the guests seem to have their own devices.
Meals are scheduled to be served at 7am, 1pm, and 7pm but usually take a half hour more. The food is plentiful (pancakes and fruit for breakfast, spaghetti and sautéed vegetables for dinner yesterday). There's usually a pot of tea on the table. There's a common fridge with an assortment of alcohol on top- wine, rum, vodka.
English is the main language at the table even though we are all here to learn Spanish. There are probably four or five different languages represented, (I won't count Australian as a separate language). There is a core group who seem to have been here a while and who have travelled together. But everyone is friendly enough. I am the oldest.
Last night was a quiz night at Reilly's the local Irish establishment. The core group went together. I declined their invite. However, I got a second wind and decided to join them. First I stopped at a wine bar whose prices decline with the number of wines you have. The first glass starts at 30Q which is less than four bucks. i had a There were two girls sitting at a table surrounded by shelves of wine. One girl a blond from Colorado was a former Peace Corp volunteer and now has lived in Guatemala for three years. The other a local from Guatemala City but who had lived for some time in Miami and whose English was excellent. We had a pleasant conversation. Afterward, I went to join my housemates mid-game of Quizzo. A trivia game run by an American so most of the questions skewed toward US culture. I left by 9:30.
I heard the group return, at some time in the middle of the night. They were quite loud, obviously drunk. I am glad- they have nothing to say of my snoring!
The table is set for breakfast and I have to study some verbs I should already know. Breakfast just arrived rice, milk, and cinnamon. It smells great!
In the center of the house, there is a courtyard open to the sky with a concrete wash basin where the dishes are cleaned. There are back rooms , a dining room that seats ten, a kitchen, and two or three bathrooms. The roof is a hodgepodge of shapes and materials. The walls are painted concrete. There are three Internet routers strategically placed throughout. There are two computers but most of the guests seem to have their own devices.
Meals are scheduled to be served at 7am, 1pm, and 7pm but usually take a half hour more. The food is plentiful (pancakes and fruit for breakfast, spaghetti and sautéed vegetables for dinner yesterday). There's usually a pot of tea on the table. There's a common fridge with an assortment of alcohol on top- wine, rum, vodka.
English is the main language at the table even though we are all here to learn Spanish. There are probably four or five different languages represented, (I won't count Australian as a separate language). There is a core group who seem to have been here a while and who have travelled together. But everyone is friendly enough. I am the oldest.
Last night was a quiz night at Reilly's the local Irish establishment. The core group went together. I declined their invite. However, I got a second wind and decided to join them. First I stopped at a wine bar whose prices decline with the number of wines you have. The first glass starts at 30Q which is less than four bucks. i had a There were two girls sitting at a table surrounded by shelves of wine. One girl a blond from Colorado was a former Peace Corp volunteer and now has lived in Guatemala for three years. The other a local from Guatemala City but who had lived for some time in Miami and whose English was excellent. We had a pleasant conversation. Afterward, I went to join my housemates mid-game of Quizzo. A trivia game run by an American so most of the questions skewed toward US culture. I left by 9:30.
I heard the group return, at some time in the middle of the night. They were quite loud, obviously drunk. I am glad- they have nothing to say of my snoring!
The table is set for breakfast and I have to study some verbs I should already know. Breakfast just arrived rice, milk, and cinnamon. It smells great!
Monday, January 7, 2013
Packed House
Today's volunteer program went well. We arrived to the pueblo after a 20 minute drive from Antigua proper but a different world entirely. We had fifty children (8-12 years old) plus many parents joined us. We divided the students by age and taught the alphabet and numbers. Many older students impressed us with their knowledge. We sang the ABC song, we spelled out names of animals. We
Played games. We Learned numbers. Maybe what we teach them won't be forever, but perhaps it will spark something for later on.
Played games. We Learned numbers. Maybe what we teach them won't be forever, but perhaps it will spark something for later on.
Waiting for lunch. There's a Guatemalan time. All the Latin American countries have their own clock. Meals are scheduled for 7-1-7. But there seems to be a twenty minute cushion. Meals are family style. There's about 6-8 students staying in this house. It's hard to know for certain as its a transient population.
Breakfast was a bit awkward as it was really my first time meeting everyone. It's an international crowd with Australia and Europe well. Represented. I might be the only American. I have to be back at school at 1:50. This might be a problem.
Breakfast was a bit awkward as it was really my first time meeting everyone. It's an international crowd with Australia and Europe well. Represented. I might be the only American. I have to be back at school at 1:50. This might be a problem.
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Cafe Sky
Two doors down from the school. A rooftop deck with killer 360 views. The volcano though is the main event. It always seems to have a scruff of clouds at its peak. The sun is hot and I forgot sunblock. The gringo will be rojo tomorrow.
Hectors
So far everyone is happy. Happy with their homes, the host families, the town. We met at the school at noon. One of the girls needed to email to let her family know she's alright. Then we walked to El Centro. A center square with a fountain and green space. We got them to an ATM. Then we walked out under the Arch and stumbled onto Hector's. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g295366-d1450251-Reviews-Hector_s_H_Bistro-Antigua_Sacatepequez_Department.html
I had a nice open faced steak sandwich and salad. After we went to the market with native handmade goods. There were some street performers with kids acting and playing the music. Now a little nap and the out to meet the crew for dinner at 5:30.
I had a nice open faced steak sandwich and salad. After we went to the market with native handmade goods. There were some street performers with kids acting and playing the music. Now a little nap and the out to meet the crew for dinner at 5:30.
In Country
The 4.5 hour flight went quickly. All those scheduled to be here today made it. One arrives Tuesday morning. Staying in a shared student apartment. Sharing a bathroom is going to be the biggest pain. The room is fine. Clean. Spacious.
Time for a walkabout.
Time for a walkabout.
Friday, January 4, 2013
One day before we take off- at least most of us. Diego waited to book his ticket and by the time he was ready, the price shot up to over $1000. So he's flying the next day and arriving Tuesday morning. I had three of the four over last night for an orientation. It went well. They seem like good people.
The volunteer project is a bit of a question mark still. But we have five duffel bags weighing around 35 lbs each, packed and ready to go.
I have about two boxes of books that didn't fit. I will distribute them to needy school when I return.
The volunteer project is a bit of a question mark still. But we have five duffel bags weighing around 35 lbs each, packed and ready to go.
I have about two boxes of books that didn't fit. I will distribute them to needy school when I return.
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