Blogs from Pacific Coast, Guatemala, Central America Caribbean - page 3

Greetings from calm seas off the coast of Southern Mexico en route to Guatemala. The trip began in spirit when our long awaited Brazilian visas arrived on Friday, December 18 - forty-eight hours before we departed. Why the Visas were stamped and signed by the Brazilian official on December 3 but not release by the consulate until two weeks later will be a mystery known only to the ancient Brazilian god of visas. At least we got them!! Our transit to the ship and embarkation went without a hitch. Once of board we learned that the (day three) Cabo San Lucas stop had been cancelled. One of the engines has a problem and in order to maintain the schedule that change was necessary. It was fine with us as we love sea days and have been ... read more

We arrived to the turtle project in Hawaii (in Guatemala, not in US!) on the 31st and stayed there two nights for ¨training¨. It is Olive Ridley turtle season but they also get some Leatherbacks during their season. The first night there, there was a nest of turtle hatchlings in the hatchery which we had to measure their lengths, record and then release the turtles on the beach by the ocean. They were so small, they fit in the palm of your hand, and surprisingly quite strong flippers. Typically once they hatch, they have a day or two to start eating in the ocean so we release them right away. We had to wait until every little hatchling made it to the ocean and a few were a bit slower than the others working out where ... read more

I crossed the border sat in the back of Manolo's jeep feeling a little worse for wear after last night's party. I could have stayed in Tacuba much longer just chilling at Mamas y Papas and exploring El Impossible. But the clock is ticking and I need to get a move on, at the 10 month mark already! First stop back in Guatemala is the sleepy and inaccessible village of Monterrico. Despite being quiet it's one of the most popular spots on the Pacific coast, only a couple of resorts manage to find a pretty location on this sun beaten side of the country. the waves are forceful, the riptide deadly and the sand is a foot scorching shade of black - three reasons why I chose to lounge by the pool instead. Johnny's Place is ... read more

As the fourth of July is upon us, Americans have 10 reasons to celebrate. The Bill of Rights. Guatemala does not have a Bill of Rights. Speech isn’t free everywhere. I have agonized over the writing of this blog. I long to share with you all the power, courage and beauty of my friend Julio’s work. It is what has impressed me the most about this extraordinary man. But I can’t do it over the internet. So, you are all invited to join me at my home on Friday, August 7, 2009 at 7PM. I’ll provide the margaritas and dinner. Julio will provide an enlightening and compelling presentation and a chance to make the world a better place. If you are on this blog list, Facebook, Toastmasters, or we are connected in some other way, I ... read more

Hi! It´s a beautiful day in Antigua, and I hope that you are able to enjoy some sunshine today. As always, I am enjoying a short break from class. Yesterday, I had a test on Nivel 3, and today I got a new book so that is very exciting. Also, Edna made us banana pancakes served with chocolate syrup so I feel it will be a good day. She has made them often since we told her of our love for them. A very healthy start to the day... The weekend at the beach was really fun, though a little different than what we expected. The beach is gorgeous with black sands and huge waves. I read before we left that it is a bit dangerout to swim in the water, but I had no idea ... read more