February 18, 2009

Again, another long stint of not writing. That should be some indication of how busy/tired I’ve been the last two weeks.

This weekend there was a team of 22 people from Kentucky at the Greene’s, because they host groups from the States and other places and they do mission trips and such. I realized I could never be that type of missionary…Too many people, and I would feel very much like I was invading a poor village or destitute orphanage with a bunch of well-meaning but unaware and ill-educated tourists.

Beside from that, we went to Panajachel on Saturday, the main town on the famous Lake Atitlan. It was really beautiful and it sucked to only be there for one day. (again the fault of the 22 extra people). We did however, do this zip-line thing over a beautiful valley. I couldn’t get pictures cuz I was flying through the air at 35 mph, but it was really neat – an awesome view of the lake and the volcanoes around it. Then we walked around the market, which was pretty boring. I’m not really into shopping and bargaining at the market, and plus I’m running low on money haha so I can’t really afford to buy anything unnecessary. It was nice however, that there were two guys on the team that spoke Spanish, so I could practice with them. Usually when I go to the Greenes I don’t get to practice my Spanish at all.

Sunday we went to church in a pueblo (village) called Magdalena. It was very funny because the music was terrible, but everyone was so enthusiastic. I enjoyed it. At the end, all the kids from Sunday school came up and sang a couple songs. My God they were so cute! And there were so many of them!!!! I have video and pictures on facebook.

Then we went to an ‘orphanage’ where there are currently 4 baby boys being taken care of. I put it in quotes because it was a home-style orphanage, which is a really nice home, and its not depressing at all. I guess it’s a good thing that it’s not depressing. I wouldn’t like to be an orphan living in a depressing orphanage.

Monday I just relaxed and did nothing. I woke up that morning with a really bad earache, and a sore throat. I haven’t had an earache for years and years, so I was very surprised. But I took a bunch of pills and put some drops in my ear and although it is still a little bit plugged-feeling, it does not hurt, and my sore throat went away. I have no idea what happened to me. It was weird.

Tuesday I had my salsa class. That was good and fun, but I definitely get frustrated with myself because I have so much trouble with certain moves, and especially when I’m supposed to improvise on my own, or do some sort of body roll, my stuffy ballerina self can’t seem to do it right! I need to practice that stuff. Also, the Guatemalan guys sure know how to make you feel inferior to blonde women. They really like blondes. And I’m squishy so that also makes me feel bad. I really need to get in shape. But that’s only a tiny part of salsa, 95% of the time I’m loving it!

After salsa I went to a place called Sky Café, which has a wonderful view of the city and of the streets of Antigua. I saw my roommates there with another guy. One of my roommates is from South Africa, and the other two are from Australia. They are all 3 very nice and funny so we had a beer and laughed a lot. It was a great way to relax after a semi-stressful salsa class.

I didn’t go out last night, I was too tired and I didn’t want to drink anymore. But today I think I am going to go to these ruins called Cappuchinos. I’m bringing a book and my camera, maybe picking up a little snack to take and some chocolate and I’m going to enjoy the outdoors .