#3. Speed Up and Slow Down

Entry #3- August 2018 

So I have hit the pavement running (yes, Amanda there is pavement!) and feel like perhaps I need to slow down a bit.  This week consisted of finding my groove with the school schedule and feeling at home in my school and living space.  We have quite a funky schedule that is based on six-five period days and I see my five sections of English II four times each.  I will stop there with trying to explain it and just say, it took me two full weeks to figure out a system for keeping it straight. My big picture brain could not snap the shot which is bad when one is trying to establish credibility and a repertoire with the students. After several attempts to make schedule calendars, naming my sections on Google Classroom only to rename them, a tutorial session with the IT administrator in charge of the grade book program (which does not name the sections in a logical manner), I think I have it. I can now be comfortable planning and being myself.  It is kind of like having to have the kitchen clean before you begin to make a recipe. If you are a cook, you will know what I mean.  The good news is the students are patient and lovely and that the school is full of green spaces, flowers, and interesting flora when one needs a break from looking at the colored boxes I call a schedule. With those things factored in, one cannot lose.

So now the sign-ups begin.  I signed up for salsa lessons and have so far been to two classes.  I might learn a little Spanish in the process of learning some steps. I think I have the feet part down but now I need to learn to move my arms/elbows and my booty/hips like a Latina (a girl can only dream!)  We did the Bachata, Punta, and the Salsa (5 different moves). By the end of the Punta (no it is not a dirty word), I am just moving for exercise because there is no way I will ever be able to do all the shake and baking--look it up on Utube!  I am so glad I signed up for the classes.  Next my agenda, are Spanish classes.  The profesora had us take a placement test.  I basically told her hands down I was a beginner and did not need to test because I would be guessing and could possibly guess correctly.  I had to take the test anyway (but I could have saved her some time). This is a priority for me and I will probably hire a private tutor and perhaps go to language school for a week during a vacation. I had a horrible experience this weekend and had to rely on someone else (and thus inconvenience them) to help me iron out my dilemma because I could not speak the language (more on that next).  I need to speak Spanish!  In addition, I will also be teaching local children from an orphanage one a month.  They come to our school for lessons and fun. I raised my hand high and was assigned the wee ones!  I am so excited to teach 3-5-year-old children. It will be so different for me. Last but not least, we signed up to offer a CAG life class.  I proposed three different ones (meal prep for singles- kind of like a cookie exchange but with healthy food), a game night once a month and a “What cha reading?” book club.  I just want to do one but I think others are throwing out the same kind of things so I wanted to cover all my bases. We will see if any of those make.

My disaster! So instead of volunteering for a non-profit working to help natural disaster victims this weekend, I chose to travel to a town on Saturday to commission some hand-made leather ankle boots. In all fairness, I had made the plans and filled my car with others who wanted to go before the memo came out about volunteering. However, in retrospect, I think maybe Karma got the best of me. In my car, I followed a teacher who was headed to the boot town of Pastores; it is not too far from Antigua (the colonial town NOT the island). We walked, we looked and we found all kinds of stores that made custom shoes, purses, and boots. We ended back up where we started and I had the cobbler take my foot measurements (on a spiral piece of paper he traced my foot and then measured my instep). Next,  I picked the leather and the Guatemalan material that would add an accent to the shoe. Then we all headed out (I left earlier than the teacher I was following because I needed gas). To make a long story short- I did not stop at an intersection (because there was no stop sign and because I was too concerned with the public bus in front of me) and got plowed into by another driver.  Yes- my "new to me car" in less than three weeks in the country---wrecked! We pulled out of the intersection to inspect the damage; the driver of the other car was noticeably pissed. I was just in shock and since I could not speak Spanish, all I could do was shrug my shoulders and say I’m sorry (and while we waited, offer him a Coke and a smile).  His car was damaged pretty badly (he had just got the car and had no insurance); my car had a little scrap and a blown out tire. My friend, Amanda has now dutifully named the car Tank-Tina. Two and a half hours later and with a grateful heart to my Spanish speaking friends who dealt with my insurance company as well as the tow truck driver who changed my tire- we puttered off towards home (not to exceed 40 MPH because of the doughnut tire). My pride is hurt and my ego; I think it was a little message from above that I need to slow down and think before I act. My carelessness inconvenienced eight people.  I will have to say, I do not like being dependent on others and unable to communicate in matters of business. This was an extremely humbling experience for me and not one I want to repeat. 

That’s all for now. I have a presentation in front of colleagues tomorrow that I need to practice. Fingers crossed I will do well.

A few observations:

1.  That’s a lot of protection!

I have not been as scared (well except for when a car plowed into me) in this country as I thought I would be after seeing the American government warnings and the news.  I am pretty well insulated in the area where I live and in the places that I have gone so far. However safe I feel, I cannot deny that there are some dangers.  Today in my neighborhood (remember it is gated with a huge metal gate that has to be manually opened by the armed guards), there was a huge party that one of my neighbors was throwing (I must have missed the invite!). As I was walking Bentley things were winding down and the large Mercedes truck covered with a tarp over the back (think military grade) was pulling out. I thought it was going to be loaded with tables and chairs and party items; it, however, was loaded with men in uniforms and guns and a couple business suited bodyguards. Two weeks ago on my way to buy furniture in San Jose, armed guards were outside of a McDonalds. As I stood outside with Bentley while my friends made a pit stop, I thought it strange that a fast food place felt the necessity to be guarded. Then a man came out with his to-go bag of burgers and two bodyguards flanking his sides. Last week as I was at a local happy hour spot right up the hill from my house, I notice two black-suited men eying me as Tank-Tina and I pulled in. Someone important must have also had a hankering for happy hour cocktail.  No matter how safe I feel, I must always be aware of my surroundings and not take things for granted.  I am sure some are overly cautious, but I do not know enough of this country to make assumptions.

2. Community is Comforting

Much like I experienced in my two years in Yangon, the teaching community here in Guatemala is also so altruistic and caring. This is extremely important when a person finds themselves alone in a strange land.  I guess I have been lucky because the teachers and people here are so welcoming and helpful I oftentimes have to pinch myself. I had EIGHT people stay two and a half hours to make sure I was ok and that the insurance guy would take care of me when he arrived.  I tried to insist that the extra car full of people, go about their day; I tried to insist that those in my car call an Uber, but they would not budge. I had several text messages today to make sure I was ok and one neighbor followed me to the tire shop to drop off my car with his trusted mechanic. Around noon I had a knock on my door and there was Katie with a smile and a bunch of flowers to try to brighten my day. I was not hurt (well maybe my pride) but was embarrassed and yet everyone offered support rather than judgment. I feel blessed to be in such a nurturing community.  I know my family and friends worry a bit, but no need to; all is well with my soul. 

....and now some pictures!!

 

 Sights along the road to Pastores (photo credit Amanda since I was driving)

 Sights along the road to Pastores (photo credit Amanda)

 Sights along the road to Pastores (photo credit Amanda

 Some of the hanging flowers on my campus

 Bentely's growing adventures!

 What his car looked like.

 The dreaded intersection.

 The road less traveled

 Bentley's new friend, Marianna,  entertaining him.

 My cheer up flowers.

 More flowers

 Rachael helping with Bentley.

 A cobbler and his craft.

 store front

 shoes, boots and more boots

 another cobbler doing his craft.

 Roof top dog- I think he wanted to get Bentley!

 The shoes I ended up buying but in black and with a different material.

 precise foot measuring :)

 The beautiful scenery while we wait for the insurance man.

 NOW the intersection where I had my wreck has a traffic cop!!!!

 My new friends and a big boot!

 

 Maybe I need to trade in the car for a new mode of transportation. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

August 2018- First full week of school

August 2018- First full week of school

It is the weekend and the first full week of school is on the books.  I probably have gotten 1/3 of my students’ names and 1/3 of my new colleagues’ names memorized. It is a daunting task; learning so much so quickly. I teach all of the 10^th graders and many share names. As I am trying to say hello (think “hola” with a high inflection on the latter part of the word) I quickly ask myself, “Is this student Andres or Andre?” Is it “Juan Pablo or just Pablo.” I have five Andreas and five Nicolles. This is not new for most teachers but I usually associate kids with someone or something familiar to remember their name and it is just not working.  I think I will have to do nameplates on desks for this week. With my colleagues, I am trying to do a few new names a day. In theory, this should work unless your memory key fails you. So one woman’s name (who I just adore), is Aida. Because of this, I think I will associate her with the opera. Big fail since I have never seen that opera; I keep calling her Evita.  So now I think “I am gonna eat with ya”. I should have known a food association would work. Long story short, I am struggling with names. – “I ate a”.  It worked!
 

Life in Guatemala is interesting and exciting at the same time. I am venturing out to explore.  I went to the HUGE farmers market (think tons of fruit, vegetable, and meat stands) with one of the teacher’s husbands last weekend. He navigated like a champ because he does it weekly. The money one saves doing this is unbelievable. Besides vegetables, I bought four live plants- a fairly big lime tree, a fanned out crocus, and a Dieffenbachia (or dumb cane), and an ivy for under $15.00. Dealio.  Not everything is inexpensive, however. There is a Walmart, a warehouse store like a SAMS, and fancy grocery stores with imports. It will take a while to figure out how to save money because there are many conveniences it will be hard to resist.

 I am going to try to make the market an every other week kind of trip. The only thing I am scared about is parking.  The custom is to back in and the parking garage is like a sardine can. I might UBER this activity. (Yes- they have UBER!).

 

Safety:  Like all first of the year warnings, the school administration went through the school safety procedures. Besides the safety of the children, the main thing we talked about was the earthquake drill. After they went through what to expect during the drill, the ending comment was, “This is not for every little earthquake; 5.2 is like a tremor, we sound the alarm for the really big ones- like 8.0”. “Really it depends on who has their finger on the alarm. Basically, if your coffee is spilling, take cover.”  Lol- I almost lost my lunch.

I drove to the beach today with a few friends.  I made it. You know how in the States (my only point of reference) the road crews do that obnoxious thing where they put cones up for two or three miles before they are really needed and merge the lanes into one for minor roadwork? Well, quit your griping about that because the alternative is scary.  Driving 60 (I think- I do not know if my gage is in kilometers or MPH) and all of a sudden a line of CONES.Right.in.the .middle.of.the.road. My "mom arm" goes out to save the passenger and I stop just in time. Traffic was stopped for miles so a wrecker could get a car up on its bed. No warning. I will never complain again. I took Bentley on this trip and I guess he took to the ocean ok.  We are having our walk down the beach in the sand moment when all of a sudden he starts to go poop right in the sand near the water.  I rush up to the dunes (burning the soles of my feet to high hell in the process), to get a plastic bottle to scoop it up into (I did not bring his poop bags because he had just gone!), I got it all (almost all) but it was embarrassing and careless and a mistake I will never make again.  I am learning daily about the dos and don’ts of the traveling dog. With that said, I cannot tell you how glad I am to have my little companion with me.  All in all, the trip was lovely, the countryside was beautiful and the small towns we passed through, memorable. I needed some vitamin C, and to hear the roar of the ocean.

Once again, probably the best thing about this country is its people. They are patient and work hard.  They are friendly and want you to feel comfortable in their country.  The people with whom I work are smart and interesting and I cannot tell you how many different people have popped in my room to offer and helping hand or to check up on me. Their generous spirit and their kind hearts humble me.

A few observations:

This is just CRAZY!
One of my new friends taught for several years in Venezuela. To hear her speak of her time there is daunting.  The devastating inflation, the food shortages and blackouts, the black market and the desperation just sound like it is the plot in a novel of fiction. We just had a young man come in from Nicaragua. The country is also in dire times with the country about to go bankrupt.  He had to leave all his belongings and his money in a bank that will probably fold next week. As citizens of the world, it is our responsibility not to save everyone, but to at least be empathetic to the plight of those who are affected; to practice the Golden Rule and to pray without ceasing. It is so easy to turn a blind eye since we really feel helpless-- but let’s not. Let’s have the discussions and learn what’s going on in the world beyond that that we hear in a sound bite. Let’s not be so myopic. I know I am guilty, but I can try harder. “And so it goes”.

So many places to go! 

As I listen to people talk and do research on my own, I find that there are so many places to go in this country.  I cannot wait to explore the history of the Mayan culture and the art of Lake Atitlan.  I cannot wait to go Livingston and see the Caribbean culture and the different traditions that region offers. I can’t wait to climb a volcano (ok- it is a little one, but I am going to attempt it), and see Semuc Champey.  I have never heard of any of these places but they are now my backyard and I am excited. I guess every country has its beauty and “must see”.  I am glad I have made this choice Otherwise, I do not know if I ever would have ventured to this area.  As I think about all the other places I have never considered going, I get a bit overwhelmed.  I have a great deal to see. I must get busy.

 Now life in pictures: This is Bentley's new routine. He sits by his box of toys and does a little heavy sigh until I grab his leash and take him outside to play. Damn, he is good!

 Pineapples at the market are like three for $1.00.

 Scenes from the market.

 Kat using her bargaining skills. Her Spanish is great.

 WOW! That's one big balancing act.

 Market scene.

 We shall call this the rock and roll bus; it is trying to get through the busy street. It is scary to be beside them because basically, they do what they want to do.

 My haul from the market. I made chicken vegetable soup, salsa and smoothies.

 My new plants

 Lime tree

 My reading room.  I still need to buy things for the walls.

 My name badge.  I generally do not like my pictures but I was having a good (straight) hair day.

 Have I told you that I love my car? This is a FULL size couch that I hauled for a friend.

 My condominium. Yes- the whole thing.

 I will call this section "A little of this and that... This is the traditional Guatemalan liquor. It is called Quezalteca.  They have four flavors. This little bottle goes for the bargain price of $1.00. Not delicious but not too bad.

 These ARE delicious!  They are 100calorie snack bags that have fruit that is in the form of a chip. No additives or other ingredients used.

 ok- I am a little obsessed with these ice trays. I have no idea if we have them in the States since I have an ice maker but they are wonderful. No twisting (and then cracking the plastic) to get cubes out--you simply push up on the silicone bottom. Now the coolest thing is that the small skinny ones are perfect for those bottleneck water bottles. Video compliments of Beth who thought she was making fun of me but little did she know I would use it in my blog.

 The crew who braved the road to the black sand beach of Monterico.