tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18668566899628169262024-02-18T21:27:10.383-05:00The Ache for DistanceSabrina wonders about wanderTracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07607715180120959286noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1866856689962816926.post-40719708181349523062009-04-27T11:23:00.004-04:002009-04-27T12:15:09.703-04:00Lago de Atitlan<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeuVyUOv9QgNn4vg_zsPUfQ9yanPhM1vNy2wVvczVDdXJfPruEvi8SAx9KQsB8baHMRhY701nG5x3xIl4CHe7PdgCX81AzAanW2xRMOX9Ymld1DHEYCmhk_Ptj5zJjSw82I_M3VyDmbFeZ/s1600-h/IMG_1328.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeuVyUOv9QgNn4vg_zsPUfQ9yanPhM1vNy2wVvczVDdXJfPruEvi8SAx9KQsB8baHMRhY701nG5x3xIl4CHe7PdgCX81AzAanW2xRMOX9Ymld1DHEYCmhk_Ptj5zJjSw82I_M3VyDmbFeZ/s320/IMG_1328.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329405116005215746" /></a><br />Lake Atitlan is volcanic in origin and is recognized as the deepest lake in Central America. It is absolutely gorgeous...on a clear day. However, we arrived during crop burning season leaving the skies hazy most of the time. <br /><br />Anna and I met up with Joe in Panajachel after the trek to enjoy some kick-back time on the lake. We made our way to San Pedro and found our cheapest accommodations yet... 25Q (about $3.12) per person per night for a room with 3 beds and a bathroom. After lunch (I had a veggie burger and fries in this super touristy village), we walked around a bit then sat at the internet cafe to catch up on email. That evening after dinner, I was feeling a bit off. I headed back to the room and was ill for the rest of the night. I won't go into details, but it wasn't pretty. Many apologies to Anna and Joe for having to share a room with me that night. I stayed in bed the next day and started a round of Cipro and Imodium. We were originally planning on leaving the lake the next day, but decided to stay another as I recovered. This all turned out for the best because that extra day turned out to be beautiful with little haze. We rented two kayaks and Anna swam the 1.5 km across the lake as Joe and I paddled alongside. I was feeling fairly weak, but was still able to enjoy myself and even got in the water at the end of the trip. The water was warm and clear blue...absolutely divine.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxP1t17_YzzmWB2nIOMe6nmF-ZAS16tm0h6rRa49kivzSSxfl9WfS0NHjuPytieuyUyLEbHMCdcbYOI_k7OcMhXiOTtj63i1ZUX5LXW0fuFOPfnY9UsvTmSsJMN7J0l8yeg03AUAqYK1F-/s1600-h/IMG_1310.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxP1t17_YzzmWB2nIOMe6nmF-ZAS16tm0h6rRa49kivzSSxfl9WfS0NHjuPytieuyUyLEbHMCdcbYOI_k7OcMhXiOTtj63i1ZUX5LXW0fuFOPfnY9UsvTmSsJMN7J0l8yeg03AUAqYK1F-/s320/IMG_1310.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329404049025898834" /></a>Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07607715180120959286noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1866856689962816926.post-13248879809978056972009-04-22T16:16:00.006-04:002009-04-28T13:10:27.784-04:00The Trek3 dias. Nebaj a Todos Santos con Juan (our guia)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxDzcvdgBYe-v7Q-MQdQVB8zj9gVt86Ig2phJnhdJNbKTbF4MwS78XbATl1eDPYBqcQCVP6AuLLXRqbfrSbmxnmj6SUwXxy9ciWjM2MhBmmImNBg_UrU3S6PBVRky5wrlpfBp77xzyr3fP/s1600-h/trek+map.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 128px; height: 96px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxDzcvdgBYe-v7Q-MQdQVB8zj9gVt86Ig2phJnhdJNbKTbF4MwS78XbATl1eDPYBqcQCVP6AuLLXRqbfrSbmxnmj6SUwXxy9ciWjM2MhBmmImNBg_UrU3S6PBVRky5wrlpfBp77xzyr3fP/s400/trek+map.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329790703595668082" /></a><br />We headed out with our packs on our backs and boots on our feet last Tuesday for the 3 day trek to Todos Santos. Juan is from the aldea (village) of Palop which is along the way. This was his first time leading this particular route, but we were assured that he knew the way. <br /><br />We started out heading pretty much straight uphill...no switchbacks whatsoever. 'This is the road of our ancestors,' commented Juan. 'I am a weak and whiny gringa,' I thought to myself. We walked, and walked some more, and then some more until we reached the village where one of Juan's daughters lived. Her and her family treated us to a lunch of the Ixil region's traditional boxbole (a green leafy vegetable cooked and wrapped around corn masa). We trekked on after lunch until we reached Palop where we stayed the night. Juan and his family had built a small dormitory just for backpackers that pass through. It was quite comfy. <br /><br />The next day pushed me to my limits. We probably made 4 to 5 very steep ascensions and descensions. It was slow going for me. And had I not just finished the Gold's Gym Challenge, I'm not sure how I would have fared. I think the main obstacle was altitude. I have lived at or near sea level for the past 20 years and we were at 7000 feet or higher. Every step I took uphill, I felt my lungs heave. I was sucking up water through my camelbak fast and was worried I would run out before finding the next tienda. Meanwhile, Anna chatted up Juan with her awesome Spanish skills...both way ahead of me. It was a very long day. We covered approximately 9 miles, got lost a couple of times, saw a lot of gorgeous and rugged country, and ended up in La Capellania at Juan's sister-in-law's house where we were greeted by some of the 15 children of the household. <br /><br />It was a challenging evening. We were at the highest point of the trip (approx. 9000-10000 feet), which meant it was going to get very cold that night. Anna and I shared a bed for warmth with 6 blankets on top of us and were still cold (and this is summertime). I wondered how anyone could live there with no heat. But they do. Perhaps your body adjusts. It is a very rugged and difficult life. I am thankful for all the spoilings I have at home. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwF9sF4XnxxDvwHAsZU9j4t7MRYLt8JGigHxzsg3x-WQ9KqEZbDNIOXmS9NI15i5D8hmHvVFXmqcW6b7_dfp44R0LF7c8ANsfdmeHAHxb5_m5qxVrxIW47BuZoqJdVA-yeNXCQA8ixJTbx/s1600-h/IMG_1195.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwF9sF4XnxxDvwHAsZU9j4t7MRYLt8JGigHxzsg3x-WQ9KqEZbDNIOXmS9NI15i5D8hmHvVFXmqcW6b7_dfp44R0LF7c8ANsfdmeHAHxb5_m5qxVrxIW47BuZoqJdVA-yeNXCQA8ixJTbx/s320/IMG_1195.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329048423104565106" /></a><br />La Capellania to Todos Santos<br /><br />We started out early the next day, taking last minute photos of the kids (to be posted later) before we left. It was another 9 mile day, but the terrain was much different... more level and along the carretera part of the way. I was feeling good, strong, and able despite lack of sleep and little food. As we entered into the region of Todos Santos we began to see children in traditional dress and large houses with the American flag painted on them. Juan said a lot of people from Todos travel to the U.S. to work and send home money, hence the 2-3 story houses. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaSQNw6-QnWwIO2tvI_sDDWGxyE10F0Ud4wBXpW8LAlQK-y-Vj2M_MlaOIlTGyjE9mW95X_SQO8IeINyk9TAAO2ZnIx9T7yOqLo0LenPIHdHaEqiZVKpOIdYhxksEVueHjDisRCWXXfMW-/s1600-h/IMG_1199.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaSQNw6-QnWwIO2tvI_sDDWGxyE10F0Ud4wBXpW8LAlQK-y-Vj2M_MlaOIlTGyjE9mW95X_SQO8IeINyk9TAAO2ZnIx9T7yOqLo0LenPIHdHaEqiZVKpOIdYhxksEVueHjDisRCWXXfMW-/s320/IMG_1199.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329049253561050018" /></a><br />Juan kept trying to convince us to hop on a pick-up or bus the rest of the way into town, but Anna and I had this vision of descending into the valley from the forest...yes, a bit cheesy, but just humor us here. It was a beautiful hike and I'm glad I didn't give up (I was ready to take a bus the rest of the way the day before).<br /><br />The hike only produced a few blisters on my feet, but then I busted one open and made it bleed while walking around town in my flip flops. Oh woe is me.<br /><br />We thought Todos Santos was going to be a super touristy town, but it didn't seem to be when we arrived. All the restaurants had been closed down and no beer is sold due to an excess of fighting. That left only comedors with comida tipica (beans, rice, fried chicken) which you can only stand for so many days in a row. We left a day early to meet Joe at Lake Atitlan in search of gringo food. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWIQ1RDbj6SuPjCRXti0o8Bgdoh6DReRFN-0xgrXqlYm9VWs4wd9U88ziOyB2NnXKTwwW1iv6RfkVWB5ANkh0WBbNv8K_InZ3ei-BnIGFnwnwQG2_lV_5z4qLE2T8n0Uwem9pQudl5bw0C/s1600-h/IMG_1174.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWIQ1RDbj6SuPjCRXti0o8Bgdoh6DReRFN-0xgrXqlYm9VWs4wd9U88ziOyB2NnXKTwwW1iv6RfkVWB5ANkh0WBbNv8K_InZ3ei-BnIGFnwnwQG2_lV_5z4qLE2T8n0Uwem9pQudl5bw0C/s320/IMG_1174.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329050233339236306" /></a><br />Mission accomplished. It was an amazing experience.Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07607715180120959286noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1866856689962816926.post-49969741521885617332009-04-22T15:54:00.004-04:002009-04-26T12:53:57.789-04:00Scary Roads<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHplCnLMcUgz25m2hyphenhyphenFmbxIotjLPRLh2hxM3OMTIfPDU3YOLS5Pu7aTAYGSZNgRWDGMyvdbDqLbrYAnDZQucVeOsTVXEo6Amon874CL8wwv07mMTQdwxtB2BWWeeh6srsu3Zg2oo_C06bV/s1600-h/danger+sign.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHplCnLMcUgz25m2hyphenhyphenFmbxIotjLPRLh2hxM3OMTIfPDU3YOLS5Pu7aTAYGSZNgRWDGMyvdbDqLbrYAnDZQucVeOsTVXEo6Amon874CL8wwv07mMTQdwxtB2BWWeeh6srsu3Zg2oo_C06bV/s320/danger+sign.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329044209764819826" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeuGTHJt1vQelXnDdYehoVDTlw1QRFTgUECHlnLQNuN1TBluIMcXGK6EDQ0jPm979TGZtVqkMmJDHUeiG7UrIyUm8QGKZzfWehuMFQPjlfPsdDXLP4eg0kvJ4WILptNh39WXyKSBvMymIJ/s1600-h/landslide_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeuGTHJt1vQelXnDdYehoVDTlw1QRFTgUECHlnLQNuN1TBluIMcXGK6EDQ0jPm979TGZtVqkMmJDHUeiG7UrIyUm8QGKZzfWehuMFQPjlfPsdDXLP4eg0kvJ4WILptNh39WXyKSBvMymIJ/s320/landslide_1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329044210451634018" /></a><br /><br />On January 4th, 2009, there was a huge landslide on the road from Coban to Nebaj that rendered it impassable. A detour was created, however many people advised against taking it because it was unsafe (single lane, steep and curvy dirt road). Anna and I wanted to do a 3 day trek from Nebaj to Todos Santos and this was the most direct route to get to our starting point. Otherwise, we'd have to take a bus back to the Capital, then back up again, which would take twice as long. We took an informal poll of locals and extranjeros to see if it would help us choose our route. We ended up taking the detour. And while there were moments when I was a little scared, it really wasn't that bad. So...5 buses, 1 taxi, and two chickens (almost in my lap) later, we made it to Nebaj. <br /><br />With all the fuss that was made over this road, I was way more scared on the roads we took yesterday and today. There is a stretch of carretera between Cocales and Mazatenango where the chicken bus drivers get a little out of control. There was more than once in the past two days when we almost hit an oncoming car while passing another. I remember at one point saying in my head after a near miss, 'Jesus f***ing Christ' and then looked up and saw the JesuCristo sticker on the front of the bus. I had to laugh. <br /><br />(and by the way...we arrived safely in Antigua today)Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07607715180120959286noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1866856689962816926.post-16619040826653984212009-04-18T19:33:00.003-04:002009-04-26T12:51:18.350-04:00Eco Cabana o Casa de Anna, Joe, y Yo<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLYegsCWlWw9E0B8tpx86hVaQbJKbva997PDbk3ztD4RPk1z4pqds4mDIVdM1TTLNZSjeFYZehQmMQpyfve2gDRb_KPc8eRPUii9W7aTLGk3Zdz_f8-MVos351_BDv4FjRaqAVivjnlRmp/s1600-h/IMG_1038.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLYegsCWlWw9E0B8tpx86hVaQbJKbva997PDbk3ztD4RPk1z4pqds4mDIVdM1TTLNZSjeFYZehQmMQpyfve2gDRb_KPc8eRPUii9W7aTLGk3Zdz_f8-MVos351_BDv4FjRaqAVivjnlRmp/s320/IMG_1038.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329043479189290834" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMUusGv5ReDPvNT_ZVvinWARfdCLZH0J9Z56x0Ill80DzXeEy7wrYQFQ3mg900pfk32F2fT1Qpwn_lo7aicyE6GugtI3bm5OLZ8-CljX1el8YUnwhiDEg_je_kBDj5RD_Qhzq0lnnslhQM/s1600-h/IMG_0973.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMUusGv5ReDPvNT_ZVvinWARfdCLZH0J9Z56x0Ill80DzXeEy7wrYQFQ3mg900pfk32F2fT1Qpwn_lo7aicyE6GugtI3bm5OLZ8-CljX1el8YUnwhiDEg_je_kBDj5RD_Qhzq0lnnslhQM/s320/IMG_0973.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329043477597045810" /></a><br />A week of Spanish school...<br /><br />Anna and Joe had been attending la escuela de Eco Cabana for several weeks and I decided to join them to get some more classes under my belt. Last week was Semana Santa and many people took it off of work to enjoy the holiday including the director of the school and the cook. We received a discount for attending this particular week, but had to shop for and cook our own food. Which sounds easy enough, but the school is located on a finca (farm) about a 15-20 minute bus ride from the nearest village of Chamelco...and that road is dirt, curvy, and up and down...which didn't bode well for my motion sickness problems. Going to market was challenging for me, but good for Spanish practice. I successfully bought fruit and veggies from the vendors, with help from Anna...whose Spanish is 100 times better than mine. I did get laughed at now and then, but in general, the people of the Alta Verapaz region were warm and very friendly. There were very few tourists...I can't even remember seeing any others at this point in time. <br /><br />School was great. I felt like I was playing house with Anna and Joe as we were alone there most of the time when we weren't taking class. We cooked, listened to music, played cards, ran, and did yoga...and of course took classes every morning. I finally made it past present tense learning 4 tenses during the week! It was a lot to absorb and I need quite a bit more time to study, practice, and really KNOW everything but now feel I have the tools to continue on my own.Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07607715180120959286noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1866856689962816926.post-18529205768964963222009-04-18T19:02:00.008-04:002009-04-26T12:45:12.295-04:00Lanquin y Semuc ChampeyAnna and I met Joe, a friend of hers from Spanish school, in Coban on the Wednesday after I arrived. On Thursday we headed to the El Retiro Lodge in Lanquin where we soaked up some sun, played some frisbee, and lounged in the river. <br /><br />Friday began with a tour of the caves near Semuc Champey. This consisted of carrying a candle as you periodically swam through water and climbed up and down ropes or ladders as we made our way through the cave system. It was pretty amazing and unlike anything else I've ever experienced. <br /><br />Next we headed to a bridge where we had the option of jumping off it into the river below. I've never really jumped off anything very high before, but thought it was now or never. I do have pictoral proof, but the computer isn't recognizing my camera so I'll have to post later. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNI40qsFrjymY_Ya9c9VaMR9tQtO2AuXUOdP-vrmF-jRWxO5yPPK6J-nGRKx-wsgBF4kk7iU5ABkInAvP1bqWErM3VQGDGLfbA3QKl-GQdljIXr8ZlkhVXvwgoP-Nl5ogaFoIpTsJyJn99/s1600-h/IMG_0829.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNI40qsFrjymY_Ya9c9VaMR9tQtO2AuXUOdP-vrmF-jRWxO5yPPK6J-nGRKx-wsgBF4kk7iU5ABkInAvP1bqWErM3VQGDGLfbA3QKl-GQdljIXr8ZlkhVXvwgoP-Nl5ogaFoIpTsJyJn99/s320/IMG_0829.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329040802494227538" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOvKdUE1bybNklaIY4xoiwPP8e5cVsUU7rlZl0ED53o9MKBLvbYGLburlbdtcrZMOJ-gvJk40YWn0w6fj4YFoXYwSIsJqYp1V0WtC-OYkipvPPyy26sPHdNb2tJmbTC2cl3pf3O3JxJmfg/s1600-h/IMG_0830.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOvKdUE1bybNklaIY4xoiwPP8e5cVsUU7rlZl0ED53o9MKBLvbYGLburlbdtcrZMOJ-gvJk40YWn0w6fj4YFoXYwSIsJqYp1V0WtC-OYkipvPPyy26sPHdNb2tJmbTC2cl3pf3O3JxJmfg/s320/IMG_0830.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329040806417801746" /></a><br /><br />Off to Semuc... We were left on our own for a few hours and Anna, Joe, and I opted to hike to El Mirador before heading to the pools. It was a fairly steep hike, but only took 20 minutes to reach the top. From there we enjoyed a beautiful view of the piscinas of Semuc. again...pics to come. The afternoon was spent swimming and floating in water that was so clear you could open your eyes under water and they didn't hurt. I watched the leaves on the trees flutter in the breeze and listened to the sound of the waterfall (under water) as I floated on my back in bliss. Here's a pic of Joe enjoying the same...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilKiYkh-csoxU_BooZf3IvWoGw9xY0gANaWKSxQmsR8cmkiFEnEKAAxbX5of4SE12NJFVzyzLGiBhj22_39kGq9d7LIOunWyJ6RV-yIatZ4cqGeOynJ_PGYB0AckxLqAvWnrYR93fnIUXv/s1600-h/IMG_0864.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilKiYkh-csoxU_BooZf3IvWoGw9xY0gANaWKSxQmsR8cmkiFEnEKAAxbX5of4SE12NJFVzyzLGiBhj22_39kGq9d7LIOunWyJ6RV-yIatZ4cqGeOynJ_PGYB0AckxLqAvWnrYR93fnIUXv/s320/IMG_0864.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329041571083572418" /></a><br /><br />The end of the day led us to a waterfall and another cave where the river flows through and rises above ground. We had to swim to and climb up the small cliff under the waterfall...and then jump off. Big jump number 2 for me. It was probably the same height or even less than the bridge, but a bit scarier as the river below had a strong current and was crashing up against a nearby rock. Thankfully I didn't hit that rock and landed safely in the water. Anna and I commented on how you probably wouldn't be able to experience anything like this in the states due to liablity issues. There wasn't really any survey of swimming skills and you didn't have to sign your life away. There were moments near the end, when I was tired and cold, that I thought I was going to slip and fall. But I didn't and I am glad I took the risks that I did. I had a blast. <br /><br />Saturday consisted of another day of lounging before leaving on Sunday. It was a marvelous weekend. A great way to start Take 2 of Guatemala.Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07607715180120959286noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1866856689962816926.post-28028910103572753192009-04-18T18:59:00.002-04:002009-04-18T19:02:35.577-04:00More to come...It has been a whirlwind of a trip so far and I haven't been near fast internet for awhile now. I finally have some time and will try and post some updates.Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07607715180120959286noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1866856689962816926.post-53658493562086278592009-04-01T20:30:00.010-04:002009-04-05T16:17:37.830-04:00Take 2I spent October through March in Wenatchee living with my sister, taking a Spanish class, and participating in the Gold´s Gym Challenge. I often questioned how I was spending my hard earned time off. It seemed like such a privilege to not have to work that I felt I should be doing something really ´worthwhile´ with the time. Yet I didn´t. Then I beat myself up because I didn´t. Then I thought about the recent post of my friend <a>href="http://gringaenguatemala.blogspot.com"</a>, Anna describing how there is no judgement in Mexico as to how you choose to spend your day. It´s such an American value to always be doing something, accomplishing something and I realized that maybe I need to not be so judgemental of myself. <br /><br />I did get to spend more time with my sister and most of the rest of my family than I have in the past 20 years and that was nice, that was a privilege of having that time off. I was also given the opportunity to get back in shape albeit in a kind of over-the-top-obsessive-type-of-way with the challenge. I can be a little competitive...ok...maybe a lot sometimes. The challenge gave me something to focus on, gave me some structure that I longed for. And through the course of it, I realized once again how important movement is to my life...it is part of who I am and I wondered how I could let something that is such an essential part of who I am just disappear. I never replaced dancing with anything when I quit. We had to write an essay as part of the challenge: ´What did you learn about yourself during this process? and How will you continue?´ and these were ideas I included in that essay. <br /><br />And now I am back in Guate. Take 2. I flew in last night and caught a bus with Anna to Coban this morning. Here we are sitting in an internet cafe and catching up on email before we head to Semuc Champey tomorrow. Anna has been traveling for the past 6 months. We met on my first day in Guatemala the last time I was here and have kept in contact since. She was going to go home earlier, but extended her ticket once I decided to come. I am thankful for that. Thankful for a travel companion as I was very lonely here last time. <br /><br />More to come...Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07607715180120959286noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1866856689962816926.post-15823945339662892202008-11-06T15:07:00.005-05:002008-11-06T15:52:11.313-05:00Patrizia y Gritta<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnLz65ngd21vy4-RaLG_-j1LjI1exkU_WVGDwQtWyhAvxQd84xOUu-pHDlG8F4HU8cgNtnBkY1EOmQ8pLDgF3-FTqKAEARvetXKfL88_h8yTS-tYeU_sAkAZxkql74oIcmuTx9mNpsjoqu/s1600-h/grittaypatrizia_antigua.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnLz65ngd21vy4-RaLG_-j1LjI1exkU_WVGDwQtWyhAvxQd84xOUu-pHDlG8F4HU8cgNtnBkY1EOmQ8pLDgF3-FTqKAEARvetXKfL88_h8yTS-tYeU_sAkAZxkql74oIcmuTx9mNpsjoqu/s320/grittaypatrizia_antigua.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265639371356351138" /></a><br /><br />Patrizia and Gritta are two women from Germany that I met at school in Quetzaltenango (Xela). They studied Spanish for a month preceding their internship at a day care center near Antigua. Both are studying to become social workers in Germany and have to spend 18 weeks volunteering as part of their program. <br /><br />I became quick friends with Patrizia and Gritta and they took very good care of me once I became sick. They checked on me several times a day and Gritta even lent me her laptop so I could listen to music and watch movies in my room. And... they let me follow them to Antigua...<br /><br />After the shuttle dropped us off at our separate destinations, (they were staying at a volunteer house where they tried to find space for me to stay but it was full, and I was staying at the Black Cat hostel) I felt lost and alone. I didn't have a phone so was wandering around trying to find a phone card when I heard my name being shouted across the grocery store. I ran into Patrizia's arms crying as it was so nice to see someone I knew even though I'd only been alone for about an hour. I ended up going back to their house where we cooked and hung out for awhile and they tried to convince me to stay after I told them of my decision to return home.<br /><br />We went to the artisans market the next day so I could buy some souvenirs before I left and they trained me in the fine art of bartering. Gritta perfected this art when she was in Thailand and she is quite good at it. I've always been nervous to do it but I finally did some real bartering on my own however, I always got a better price when Gritta and I could play off each other. It was an amusing game to play.<br /><br />This is just a shout out to them as I am so thankful for having made their acquaintance. They are two wonderful and caring women! We talked about visiting each other in our respective countries... they have never been to the States and I've never been to Germany... I hope they do come and visit. <br /><br />Muchas gracias Patrizia y Gritta por todo!Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07607715180120959286noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1866856689962816926.post-39657899905742388872008-10-24T00:18:00.003-04:002008-10-24T13:55:52.706-04:00System Failure...Mission Aborted (or simply relocated?)Due to the inability to fix a dysfunctional system, my original mission was aborted after 3 weeks and a new mission has been undertaken in a new location. I am now living with my sister in East Wenatchee Washington and am currently formulating a plan of action. <br /><br />Yes, I am disappointed. How could I not be? I've looked into going back to Guatemala for a month, but finances are prohibitive. And I really don’t want to get a job to save more money. I worked hard enough over the past year to take this much time off and damn it… I’m going to take the time off! I’ll definitely return to Guate in the future. <br /><br />Plan/Goals:<br /><br />1. Learn Spanish: Granted it won't be as easy to learn here, even with a large Spanish speaking community, but I will continue to study on my own and take a class at the local college in the winter quarter. I thought there would be more opportunities to take classes here, but I was mistaken. <br /><br />2. Volunteer: I’m trying to find an opportunity at a local social service organization.<br /><br />3. Get into Shape: While working 6-7 days a week over the past year, I had no time or energy to do anything physical…dance, hike, run, swim…all things that I miss. Wenatchee is conducive to many outdoor activities. I’ve already gone on two hikes with my sister, we’ve rollerbladed next to the Columbia River, and I’ve gone on a bike ride. I think I’m going to join a gym so I’ll have some more options once it starts snowing. Or maybe pick up some used cross country skis???<br /><br />4. Visit Friends: I’m hoping to make a trip to Oregon and maybe to California.<br /><br />I will continue to keep this blog… I’m still distant from my NY home, distant from work, distant from my usual life… <br /><br />There are a couple more things I’ll write about Guate in future posts.<br /><br />Inky is still with me.Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07607715180120959286noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1866856689962816926.post-58508290929123482312008-09-28T18:06:00.000-04:002008-09-28T18:09:15.178-04:00Finally...a link to some pics!<table style="width:194px;"><tr><td align="center" style="height:194px;background:url(http://picasaweb.google.com/f/img/transparent_album_background.gif) no-repeat left"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tracysabrina/FuentesGeorginas02#"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/tracysabrina/SN_-QpxQHGE/AAAAAAAAAD8/O495cEeXLKA/s160-c/FuentesGeorginas02.jpg" width="160" height="160" style="margin:1px 0 0 4px;"></a></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tracysabrina/FuentesGeorginas02#" style="color:#4D4D4D;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none;">Fuentes Georginas</a></td></tr></table>Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07607715180120959286noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1866856689962816926.post-30198343146164658482008-09-28T12:52:00.002-04:002008-09-28T13:10:52.351-04:00EntreMundos ConferenceLast Tuesday I went to a lecture at EntreMundos with some classmates. EntreMundos is a non-profit organization which supports and helps local community non-profits. An ex-guerilla talked about his experiences during the Civil War and how it changed his life (there was an interpreter, thank goodness, as I could only catch a word here and there). He moved to the mountains and started fighting when he was 14. It was cold, there was little food, and conditions in general were harsh as to be expected. He did have his guitar though which he pulled out and started playing to keep spirits up when there wasn't enough to eat. It was a tragic story and I am not going to recount all of it here. When the war was over, he didn't know what to do with himself as he had no other skills. He drank for awhile, but eventually joined up with some others and started an organization to support others affected by the war and to document and archive radio shows that they have produced.Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07607715180120959286noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1866856689962816926.post-58783366834411932942008-09-28T12:43:00.002-04:002008-09-28T12:52:47.029-04:00Fuentes GeorginasIn the midst of my sickness, I did manage to make it up to Fuentes Georginas last Sunday (it was only day 2 on the flagyl). I took a chicken bus with two classmates to the village of Xunil where we hired a pick-up to take us to the hot springs. We rode in the back of the truck and got to see some beautiful scenery. The hot springs were gorgeous and the water divine. There were 3 separate pools. The top pool was muy caliente, the middle pool less so (where we spent most of our time), and we never got in the bottom pool which I assume was cooler. It was a great way to spend the day and relax. I do have pictures, but am having a difficult time downloading due to a slow internet connection. Please be patient.Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07607715180120959286noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1866856689962816926.post-3260549918369799522008-09-28T12:27:00.004-04:002008-09-29T14:38:20.210-04:00Sylvia Does Not ExistWell...last Friday I started feeling worse stomach-wise and decided I needed to go to the doctor. My teacher went with me to translate what she could into English and what she could not, into Spanish words I know. The doctor looked at my original test results and proclaimed that I never had an amoeba. The flagyl attacked my system causing much inflammation of my stomach and colon. He gave me some homeopathic injections and medicine. I´ve pretty much been bed-ridden the past two days and am only eating soup and drinking gatorade. In my current condition, all I want to do is buy a plane ticket to Seattle and go stay with my sister. However, I would be extremely disappointed if I didn't at least get to see more of Guatemala before heading back to the States. My new plan is to stay in Xela one more week then go with two classmates from Germany to Antigua for a bit. If I´m feeling better, then I will try and visit Lago de Atitlan and Tikal. I don't think I'm going to make it 6 months at this point. Maybe I´ll try and be with my family for the holidays then visit friends on the West Coast before heading back to New York. Plans are in constant flux.Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07607715180120959286noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1866856689962816926.post-33496578134632155102008-09-22T17:37:00.002-04:002008-09-22T18:02:13.848-04:00SylviaI arrived in Guatemala on Independence Day. There were celebrations all week including a fair in Xela with carnival games, rides, music, food, etc. Two classmates and I went to the fair on my first day here and that is where, I think, I unknowingly met Sylvia. Sylvia is the amoeba that is residing in my intestines at the moment. She found her way there via the choco fruta (chocolate covered fruit) I ate from a street vendor. They were strawberries to be specific... something every guidebook tells you not to eat if you don´t know how they have been or not been washed. I knew better, but ate them anyway and they were muy delicioso! Sylvia took up residence and started to blend my food into liquid causing me many unwanted trips to el bano. I have since been to the laboratory for tests, thanks to the Director of my school, and once the results came back she called a doctor friend who interpreted them and told her I needed to take Flagyl (which is very affordable at any pharmacy without a prescription). I´m starting to feel a bit better now...thank goodness. I´m sorry Sylvia, but you´ve outstayed your welcome.Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07607715180120959286noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1866856689962816926.post-47219048300724933902008-09-17T17:25:00.002-04:002008-09-17T17:39:15.665-04:00I Am HereI just attended my first day of one-on-one Spanish classes at la escuela El Mundo en Espanol. I have a lot to learn. The trip here went very smooth. I awoke at 2:30 in the morning on Monday, caught a cab to Laguardia, flew to Ft. Lauderdale, flew to Guatemala City, stayed the night at Hotel Dos Lunas, then took a 5 hour bus ride to Xela where I currently reside. I met a librarian (imagine that) when I got off the plane in Guatemala City. We were staying at the same hotel and hung out the rest of the day. We went to Zona Viva where all the fancy hotels are to find a place for lunch. And we found...McDonalds, Burger King, Applebees, TGIFridays, Taco Bell, and yes... some traditional Guatemalan restaurants. I also met, at the same hotel, a ski patrolman from Washington State... he works at Mt. Baker. It´s such a cliche, but it really is a small world. More later...Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07607715180120959286noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1866856689962816926.post-32799100102017051922008-09-12T09:02:00.005-04:002008-09-12T09:17:23.434-04:00Introducing...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGC7P0uGnC7YBes5ZVmydU851TsHqMK_e5rojJkG617MEZ8-zwugYKu_Q8Fe238qGowXrWngNS2lraXDj-Hn1Sd2wcLYnfoM8dU7Od3I6Kno8RcM81uJBmOU9dlvSR-VkqxCBQ_KwO-Mfa/s1600-h/inky_091208.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGC7P0uGnC7YBes5ZVmydU851TsHqMK_e5rojJkG617MEZ8-zwugYKu_Q8Fe238qGowXrWngNS2lraXDj-Hn1Sd2wcLYnfoM8dU7Od3I6Kno8RcM81uJBmOU9dlvSR-VkqxCBQ_KwO-Mfa/s200/inky_091208.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245121273825907138" border="0" /></a><br />Hi. My name is Inky and I will be traveling with Tracy over the next 7 months. I belong to her cousin, Matthew, who just entered the 3rd grade this year. As part of a geography project, I will be sending postcards to Matthew from all the exciting places I'm going to visit for him to share with his class. I will also be periodically writing on Tracy's blog and posting some pics of myself on super cool outings. Oh...and hoping to learn a little Spanish along the way!Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07607715180120959286noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1866856689962816926.post-43805092372314588862008-09-07T07:28:00.000-04:002008-09-07T07:30:08.357-04:00!Hasta luego!On September 15th I will fly to Guatemala for the beginning of a 7 month journey. The past year and a half have been spent working at the library during the week and doing massage on weekends in order to pay off my credit cards and save enough money to make this trip possible.<br /><br />My last day at the spa was on August 31st and my last day at the library was September 5th. Yes, it's true, I'm finally quitting the library for good! I can barely believe it myself.<br /><br />I plan on spending about 3 months in Guatemala studying Spanish and volunteering. After that, I'll travel throughout the rest of Central America and maybe into South America if time and money allow. I plan on traveling up the West Coast of the States in March or April and visiting family and friends in Cali, Oregon, and Washington. For the Left Coasters... let me know if you'll be around and I'll try and swing by! I'd love to see everyone.Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07607715180120959286noreply@blogger.com2