Blogs from Verapaz Region, Guatemala, Central America Caribbean - page 7

Things have so insanely busy around here that I haven’t had a chance to write anything other than lesson plans. There were a few days this past two weeks when I was really wondering what in the world I was doing here. It is a great experience and I love being in Guatemala, but the amount of work to be done sometimes feels soul crushing. The fact that I haven’t had a chance to even talk to anyone back home, let alone write, makes me a little sad and upset. I’ve been trying my best to stay optimistic, but sometimes it’s just really hard. Things are starting to get better, but maybe that only because it’s a Sunday and I’ve had a couple days off now to decompress. This weekend I decided to be rebel and ... read more

Having just returned to Antigua after my trip round Guatemala, I thought it was about time I should update my blog! A couple of weeks ago I travelled with a few friends from Antigua to Coban, Lanquin and Semac Champey. We hooked up with a fantastic group of people for an unforgettable weekend. Lanquin is an uncomfortable 8 hour journey squished in a bus (hence I was lucky that the others were so fun!), but well worth the journey! Leaving Antigua at 2pm we arrived at a cool little hostel with a jungle setting at about 10:30pm, and wound down over a couple of cervazas. The next day we set out for the obligatory breakfast of eggs and frijoles (beans), then jumped into the back of a pick-up for a bumpy trek to Semac- Champey. Having ... read more

I feel like I've already been slacking when it comes to writing these blogs. But, that's only because I'm too busy writing a million other things to actually write something I want to write. Work has been really, really busy. Tuesday my day lasted 8 hours in class, plus another 7 planning. Wednesday 8 hours in class and add in another 8 hours of planning and by then I couldn't care less about writing a blog. But then came Friday and all was right with the world again. Things with work are going really good. Even though I've been crazy busy, I think it's like that for everyone at the beginning of the year. So far, the school is incredible. I adore the staff and I love how small and cozy the atmosphere is. It's a ... read more

Just so everyone knows, I may be regaining some of my happiness. Today was the best day I’ve had yet in Coban. Of course, it was cold as all hell, but people did say a few things that made me think that I will get better. Most people are surprised how cold it is here and apparently it hasn’t been this cold in many years. Another good thing, this should only last about another month and then things will start to get warmer. Once the sun comes out, it gets pretty hot, pretty fast considering our elevation. The day I say I’m hot, I hope someone slaps me hard. So, tonight I am wrapped up in my usual winter get up, praying that soon this cold front will end. I had to go into work early ... read more

Every single part of me is screaming get out of here…and fast! I know that most of you at home will laugh when I say this, or possibly even roll your eyes, but please don’t. It is so ridiculously cold here, it is really starting to get to me. My body is aching from the constant shivering I’ve been doing for the past two days. At least at home, if you get cold, you can turn up the heat. Here, there is no such thing. It is just cold, surrounded by more cold. Oh and the rain doesn’t help much either. It has been raining for two days and hasn’t stopped. But, apparently the rainy season just ended. I think someone lied to me. At night, I get into my damp, freezing cold bed, wrap myself ... read more