such a tough enchilada: May 2012

24 May 2012

Amun Shea work and play

My host brother Cristian.

Saturday meeting with all the faculty.

This is Bryan.
He is such a sweet boy.
He was all over our new volunteer Laurelle and I.
Thru the week I learn his mom left for the U.S. on April 8th.
I'm pretty sure it hasn't been so easy for him, as he says he misses her
But Bryan is taking it well and gives hugs generously.
And I give them back as well.
Big BIG fan of Bryan.

"working" in the office is basically answering the same question about 10 times an hour
"whatcha doin"

And since all week I was reviewing photos and videos
We decided to learn how to take some photos and then I ushered them back out to the playground

"Krystal, do you have games on your computer?"
The only answer to this type of question is a definitive NO.
Absolutely no games on this computer.

introducing Rayo

I arrived in Perquin at night, tired, exhausted from an 11 hour trip from Antigua Guatemala to El Salvador.
But the next morning, bright and early, This is who is waiting for me...
Mi Rayo del Sol
Rayo means Ray and due to his white stripe in the middle of his face the kids decided to call him Rayo.
Lantis and Rayo play all day and all night, they are by far having the MOST fun in all of Morazan.

22 May 2012

antigua con mi hermana del alma

Maximo (San Simon of Guatemala)
pronounced maa-shee-MOHnhe is represented by an effigy which resides in a different house each year, being moved in a procession during Holy Week. During the rest of the year, devotees visit Maximón in his chosen residence, Worshippers offer money, spirits and cigars or cigarettes to gain his favour in exchange for good health, good crops, and marriage counseling, amongst other favours. The effigy invariably has a lit cigarette or cigar in its mouth, and in some places, it will have a hole in its mouth to allow the attendants to give it spirits to drink.

Drinks with view of the many ruins found in Antigua

hot mama

My favorite door in Antigua.

Waiting at Angie Angie in Antigua for Frank
the famed Nim Pot and Art Gallery owner in Antigua
He takes interested visitors to his huge amazing plot of land just 15 minutes away
Frank grows all kinds of stuff... and will soon be opening a restaurant up in the mountain.

Frank has two green houses full of my favorite flowers

Orchids
Lots of Orchids.

view of antigua from the rooftop deck the photo gives it no justice

Frank's garden... growing fruits, veggies, and herbs to sell to local restaurants in Antigua.
You name it and Frank is growing it.

Compost. Serious Compost.

Best artisanal products are made in Guatemala.

21 May 2012

antigua. home is where my backpack is.

Above I've unpacked and have all the essentials which includes a photo of my little host brother Cristian on his graduation from kindergarden.

After California and a quick 2-night stop over in San Salvador with my friend Jeni Rae
then I was off to Antigua Guatemala
My favorite town in Central America to finish my final research paper to graduate
This place is the perfect setting.

Unlimited FREE wireless all over town
Tons of cafes with strong coffee
perfect weather (almost)
and beautiful surroundings
oh, and pretty cheap living!

After the first week, I ran into an all too familiar bump in the road.
Strep Throat. uuuuugh.
I hate my tonsils and will be consulting a doctor about getting them out as soon as I return to the states.
Luck for me, I have a wonderful friend who took care of me.
Once I walked around town, pharmacy hopping I found a medical "professional" who quickly prescriped about 5 different prescriptions... I bought the pain killer spray stuff and the antibiotics and disregarded the rest
4 days later I was back to reading, researching, writing, and drinking copious amounts of caffeine

Flowers from my friend Fatima to celebrate finishing my paper!!!
Also, once she delieved the flowers to me at the cafe where I was doing my last edits
the baristas there joined in the celebration and I scored free chocolate cake and free cappuccino!
I love Antigua. True Amor.

After two weeks of researching, writing, and being sick I was free to celebrate!
This included a lot of , drinking of margaritas, dancing barefoot on rooftops, swinging in hammocks, buying new scarves, making friends, walking the beautiful streets of Antigua, photographing the streets of Antigua, BBQs, riding on motorcycles (I wore a helmet most of the time I swear). And a general celebration of life and youth.

The best Sandwiches are at Metiz.
Find it near the square on 4th Ave.

one of many rooftop views...
and one of many margaritas!

soaking in the city by night...

the beautiful home of Fatima's Aunt who opened her doors to me.
Such a great setting to have a great visit with my girl Fati!

Little boy we met while bar-b-que ing on labor day (here in Guate)
His family shared their grill and table with us... as the whole place was full with families taking advantage of the holiday to spend time with their families