Getting ready for departure

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until departure to Guatemala

Departure date: Oct 1, 2006.


I have many things to finish doing before heading off to Guatemala for the first leg of my trip. Immunizations, health insurance, financial, movers...you name it. It's coming together and I plan to be ready.
I'll be flying into Guatemala City and then heading to Antigua which is about a 1 hour drive. I will be starting with 3 weeks of total Spanish Immersion lessons at the 'Proyecto Linguistico Francisco Marroquin' school www.langlink.com/plfm/index.htm. I need a major brush-up since high school. I have a personal tutor for 7 hours a day, 5 days a week. I'll be staying with a local family. 1 week housing in a private room including 3 meals a day is $65...try finding that in DC!.
My first weekend there I'll be taking a trip to the Tikal Ruins. This is in the northeastern part of the country. I'll take a small plane up there and stay in the Jungle Lodge right at the ruins.
After my 3 weeks I plant to head to the Pacific coast and do some volunteer work for about a week at www.arcasguatemala.com.
From there I will head to Rio Dulce. A river inlet off of the Caribbean side that is a hurricane harbor for all the yachts cruising around the world. I've been emailing with several boats that are currently harbored at Rio Dulce. I plan to crew for a boat there and leave in mid November when Hurricane Season ends. I don't know from there, but hope to go to Belize, Roatan Island, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Columbia etc....

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Comments

[Kimberley]

Soooo jealous
Oh Kathy- I'm sooo jealous reading about this. You'll have to take and send me lots of photos so that I can live vicariously through you. Have an amazing time and remember I'm only a phone call (or very long flight) away.

[Mom]

I'm OK with this !!!
My Dear, Please, please, be careful. Don't do anything dangerous, or too adventurous. And be sure not to talk to strangers. but by all means have a good time. Be sure to call every day. I love you, Mom

[Lazarus Family]

Wishing you a safe journey! We will be following you on your jouney via-blog. Can't wait to hear all about it and see pictures. Bon Voyage!

[Max]

Nicaragua
Wow Kathy!!!! Have an awesome time...If you make it down to Nicaragua, I have some friends living in Granada. Looking forward to seeing your updates. Max

[Michael Lutz]

Good for you!
Kathy: I don't know if you recall that I sold everything in 1995 and bought a catamaran. We spent 7 years in the Caribbean and the Med. It was the best thing ever. Congratulations for making the break. You will never regret it. All the best.

[Marie Khoury]

GOOD LUCK
you done it , good for you , cheers

[Gabriela Saldanha]

Have a great time
Congratulations! This is just amazing. Be safe! I don't know your travels plans, but I will be in Florianopolis/Brazil in January, if you would like a local guide (me) let me know!

[Melissa Clark (used to be de Leon)]

Buena Suerte
Kathy - I wish you all the luck in the world! Enjoy each moment of this amazing opportunity! Make sure to let me know if you head to Panama...my parents would LOVE to see you!

[Vikki Lucero]

Have Fun!
Kathy, you are so crazy! Be safe. I am so looking forward to reading your blogs.

[Walter]

Finally ;~))
All those years ago when I hired you, I knew that you would some day fulfill this wish. Having sailed with you I know your skills, and having spent several years working with you, I know that in all situtaions your intrepid spirit will over come all odds. Margaret and I wish you an exciting, but always safe, adventure. Enjoy!!!

[Tina Reyes]

Buena Suerte
Good Luck to you Kath!! I wish I could go with you - maybe we can meet up somewhere along the way on your journey. I look forward to your blogs, pictures, and all the fantastic stories you will have to share. Love ya ~ Tina

[The Milligans from bellflower]

A Must See!!
Hey Kathy One more thing that we forgot to mention...there is this BEAUTIFUL hotel in Antigua that you MUST see. It is better to go at night when it is lit by candelight to get the full beauty of it. It is at the southeat part of town just to the right of the main entrance into the town of Antigua. Im sure if you mention it to someone there they might be able to show you where it is at. It is a definite must it is a pretty high end hotel maybe the only really nice one in town. Soo Good Luck, Have Fun , and Be Safe! Oh yeah enjoy the black beans mmmmmmm.....so good!!

[Antoni]

Bien Viaje!
Awesome to hear that you are doing this, Kathy. Sometime next year, I hope to be doing something similar so it'd be fun to meet up. We'll all be living vicariously through you so don't hold back on the adventure!

[Your Brother & Connie]

Have a great time!!!
Kathy: We are excided for you. You live only once and it's great that you are living it to the fullest. Be safe and we will miss seeing you at Xmas. Hopefully we will have some good news for you here soon. Love you and take care!!

[Amy Parman]

Have a great trip!
Hi Kathy- Hope all is going great in your travels so far! Have an awesome time. Stay safe and follow your heart.. the adventure awaits. Best, Amy