Hey Friends & Family,
The first few days have been quite the adventure in Xela, Guatemala.
On Friday, my school went to an impoverished rural community to spend some time with the children in the preschool there. However, the bus never arrived to pick up our group. No Bus equals great adventure. We hopped in the back of a pickup truck and drove through the mountains. In Guatemala they call it a pickup, which makes sense because we get picked up in a pickup truck. I am quickly finding that traveling via pickup truck is the most fun way to get places and is quite conveniant as well. (This is a picture from the truck ride)Saturday morning, I took a bus and another pickup to travel high in the mountains to spend the afternoon in natural hot springs. It was such a relaxing day. The rest of the day was spent walking around the city and trying to make myself more comfortable with my surroundings.
Yesterday, I was fortunate enough to be invited to ride on the back of a guys motorcycle to one of the largest Sunday Markets in Central America. I have become friends with these two brothers who are motorbiking from Alaska to Argentina - they were kind enough to let me ride with them to the market. The two hour bike ride was very cold but gorgeous. It was the best way to see more parts of Guatemala. The market itself was colorful, huge, and a ton of fun. I had the opportunity to practice my Spanish Speaking skills as I worked to bargain with the venders. (This is a not-so-good picture of the market)
As my first full week in Guatemala commences, I have become quite sick. I am pretty sure it is from the food that has been prepared with unpurified water down here. However, this shortcoming will not last and soon I will be feeling great again and ready to seek out more adventures. I should start volunteering at a local school very soon and I think my Spanish will really begin to improve soon. Friday afternoons I have the opportunity to help teach English to Guatemalans who want to learn.
I hope you all are doing well. You are each in my thoughts and prayers each day.
Look at you being the "yes man". I am glad you are having such a good time! Hopefully your sickness will leave soon and you will be ready for the next adventure. Guatemala is lucky to have you!
ReplyDeleteStay safe!
-Justin
Include the names for those of us (re: me) who know what these places are! I intend to relive the experience vicariously through you.
ReplyDelete- Ted
Mathew your adventures sound so cool :) Do you ever feel like you're going to fall out the back of the trucks when you ride them? That'd be my main concern haha. I hope you feel better soon!
ReplyDeleteMaaaashewwwwwwwwww!!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds so sweet. Minus the getting sick part, which is kind of a bummer :( BUT...the rest of it sounds like pure adventure. How are you learning the language? Picking it up pretty fast with that American accent...? :) Hope everything's been great since you posted this.
Also, you should make sure to teach all of the kids all the jump rope tricks that I showed you. I think the sport has a good chance to spread down there. Don't let me down Mashew.
-hsubear
OMGGGGG riding in backs of trucks is the best thing that's ever happened to anyone!!!!!
ReplyDeleteYou sound wonderful, besides the sickness :(
I love you so much. Keep your head up and your heart open. I am so proud of you and all of us are constantly thinking about you!
I love youssss.