Thats my boy Steve! Sounds like my kind of adventure! I have read that the smaller the pinchers, the stronger the poison in the scorpion's telson (stinger thing). Grace and Lucas should do a scorpion research project, they are actually amazing.....how long can one stay alive underwater? Have them look it up! (Yikes! I sound like a teacher!)
Thanks! I'd have to second Eilene's comments. I've so enjoyed your blog. Scott and I and the kids have laughed numerous times over your descriptions. (Brendan was just telling a friend the other day about Lucas' fashion show appearance!) We're jealous of your year together and of course wish we could have made it down to visit. Hope to see you soon! Love, Kristin and crew
The end of your trip--thanks for sharing! Dear Sonja and Trautmans all--What a wonderful year you have had, and thanks for sharing it so eloquently (and with humor), Sonja. The pictures have been gorgeous and it has been great to hear about your incredible experiences. I've looked forward to every new adventure--it has taken me away from the mundane affairs of the everyday. Hope to hear from you upon your return.
Bon voyage! Love, Eilene
I second that! Hmmm...those sure do sound like great cousins ;) Couldn't have asked for a better week together. Thanks to the two host cousins; You Rock!! ~Sally :)
That would be awesome! I'd love to be the Icebreaker rep! I can totally see a great store in University Village - I could even walk to work. How perfect that would be...
Icebreaker Does anybody but me seeing someone angling to be the North American rep for Icebreaker? At least we'll be getting one of the first in Portland before the franchises get sucked up in Seattle and the rest of the PNW. Kristin - get your name in for Bozeman. After all, you knew the brand first over there.
Long, but slow Yes, the video was long, but I am not sure I would characterize that as a "race." Doesn't race imply speed? What a wonderful experience.
Happy New year Your opera outfits are almost as good as the story about how they came about. Wonderful. Can't wait to hear the Christmas stories. I was in Nicaragua for a couple of weeks just before Christmas in about 1996. It was so much fun to see how they celebrated. Hope yours was fun. All the best from our end of Burke/44th. We miss you all and can't wait to see the photos when you return. Keep up the great Blog. Chris and Eileen
Muy elegante! Wow! You guys look GREAT! You ought to get an official family portrait down there. Your blog has been so fun to read. What wonderful adventures you are having and what indelible memories you are making. Have a lovely Christmas! Love, Eilene
Steve Motorhoming He WAS born to do that... in fact, he DID do it. Only, it wasn't a classy motorhome. It was a school bus, remember? Glad you hear you're having fun!
Where are the pictures of... The Home? I am trying to imagine the four of you in an 8 x 8 camper van for 12 days. Or is it bigger? I am so incredibly jealous. Isn't watching a penguin dad throw up Junior's dinner one of those 100 things you have to see before you die?
Sonja's response Nice data, Eric! Always good to have an astronomer nearby...
We came thiiiiis close to taking the Harbor Bridge Climb. In fact, we walked up to the base station and saw the line of people paying scads of money to walk up it, and, given the drizzly weather and overblown prices, we decided instead to visit the Queen Victoria Centre, which has an amazing clock that rings once a day. We arrived at...2:20! So our timing was perfect and I think we got the better deal of the day.
constellations The Big Dipper "Ursa Major" is a northern polar constellation so it's not seen in the southern hemisphere. Orion is an equatorial constellation so it can be seen "down under"!
I just saw a documentary on bridges. Apparently a person can walk to the top of the Sydney Harbor Bridge. Was thinking of you guys when I saw that.
good story So, I'm a little behind in my reading, but I'm getting caught up... Lucas, you do tell a good story. I love that you used the word "din." Glad to hear you're all doing well! love ya
HASTA LUEGO I'M GOING TO MISS YOUR BLOGS. HAVE A BLAST AT AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZELAND, I WILL TELL YOU THE WORDS FROM THE ROCK GROUP IN GUATEMALA "ALUX NAHUAL" "VUELVE CUANDO QUIERAS, ESTA ES TU TIERRA; PUES AQUI TENEMOS GRANDE EL CORAZON".
GOD BLESS YOU IN YOUR NEW ADVENTURE.
MARVIN
Turtles and fowl signs What a great experience to help turtles make it to the ocean!
From the looks of that road sign, I'd say someone couldn't quite wait the 200mTs for the fowl and took a bite out of the sign instead!
wow Rappeling has become the THE sport for jocks, with REI taking the lead in this adventure. Our new intern minister's wife is working there because of her experience. You are also becoming a great writer, so I'd say your education away from the classroom is terrific and also fun! Lucky guy.
Grace is not too happy If this picture is any indication of how Grace now feels about rock climbing and rappelling, I think the answer is "not very fond." I am happy to see in the next picture she has a smile on.
What a great adventure. And Lucas tells a good story.
Being an account of the Trautman's year in Antigua, Guatemala
Early in our marriage, my husband Steve and I made a decision to "one day" take a year off and learn a new language in an interesting country with our kids. Fast forward to August 2007 and here we are living for almost one year in Antigua, Guatemala. (You can also look at Lucas' blog for his thoughts)
Here is what we know so far:
1. Guatemalan people are some of the warmest and kindest people we have ever met.
2. Guatemala is much, much more beautifu... full info
Ronald Alvarez
non-member comment
GUATEMALA
Guatemala is really beutiful, I am from there. I am going to go to Xetulul this summer of 2010 I cannot wait!!!!!!