...when the car for a 5-person family is a motorcycle. Dad drives, wearing the helmet, young child in front of him, mom behind him, holding the baby, with the oldest child sandwiched between mom and dad.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Friday, January 23, 2009
Anniversary
Today is the anniversary of our arrival in Guatemala. It's hard to believe we've been here for a year already. Last year, we were settling in at Casa Serena, living out of suitcases, with no idea where we would live or which way was north and south.
Some things we've learned:
1. La Casserole in Antigua is the best restaurant in Guatemala.
2. Good Samaritan laws (where you help someone who is injured without fear of reprisal) do not exist in Guatemala. Witnesses to bodily crimes can become the next victims. Best to just walk on by and pretend you don't notice. This is really hard for a nurse.
3. When the map says paved/unpaved road, be prepared for only 100 feet of payment and lots of potholes, dust, and gravel.
4. You CAN carry an Evenrude boat motor on your back (with forehead strap) 1 mile down to the river and back.
5. When you encounter a traffic jam, you can bet there are police "directing" the traffic.
6. Contrary to what Curious George says, bananas grow up, not down.
7. Guatemalans generally don't like ice in their drinks; you need to ask for ice for your otherwise lukewarm limonada or soda.
8. There is an "As Seen on TV" store here in La Capital.
9. The yellow bus you used to take to school is probably enjoying it's second life here in Guate, painted red and spewing out all sorts of noxious fumes.
10. The zone system in this city is a nightmare. Each zone has the same calles and avenidas, and you never know when you go from one zone to other. Signs are nonexistent so getting lost is guaranteed.
11. This country is beautiful and interesting, but also very dangerous. You have to be on your guard all the time.
12. We run a very comfortable B&B and we welcome visitors!
Some things we've learned:
1. La Casserole in Antigua is the best restaurant in Guatemala.
2. Good Samaritan laws (where you help someone who is injured without fear of reprisal) do not exist in Guatemala. Witnesses to bodily crimes can become the next victims. Best to just walk on by and pretend you don't notice. This is really hard for a nurse.
3. When the map says paved/unpaved road, be prepared for only 100 feet of payment and lots of potholes, dust, and gravel.
4. You CAN carry an Evenrude boat motor on your back (with forehead strap) 1 mile down to the river and back.
5. When you encounter a traffic jam, you can bet there are police "directing" the traffic.
6. Contrary to what Curious George says, bananas grow up, not down.
7. Guatemalans generally don't like ice in their drinks; you need to ask for ice for your otherwise lukewarm limonada or soda.
8. There is an "As Seen on TV" store here in La Capital.
9. The yellow bus you used to take to school is probably enjoying it's second life here in Guate, painted red and spewing out all sorts of noxious fumes.
10. The zone system in this city is a nightmare. Each zone has the same calles and avenidas, and you never know when you go from one zone to other. Signs are nonexistent so getting lost is guaranteed.
11. This country is beautiful and interesting, but also very dangerous. You have to be on your guard all the time.
12. We run a very comfortable B&B and we welcome visitors!
Monday, January 12, 2009
We came home from the holidays to find curious little moths flying around in the pantry. I assumed they flew in the open laundry room window along with all the dust. Not so. These Guatemalan moths like frijoles negros, masa flour, avena (oatmeal), and trigo (wheat.) A friend at church INSISTED that I take home a bag of wheat that I could grind in my Vitamix to make bread. I didn't create any golden loaves, but I did create moth heaven in a bag. The upside is that I'm done with my pantry spring cleaning. And no more moths.
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