The American Embassy is about 2 miles from our apartment on 3rd avenida in Zona 14.

Yesterday, I left the Embassy at 4:30 for home. 35 minutes later, the traffic had moved about 100 yards. Horns were honking (short toots are just to get someone's attention; a long, continuous honk is rude), traffic was increasing, cars were filling all the intersections. Gridlock. I was in the left lane and was finally able to turn left on 14 Calle, past the Camino Real hotel, heading for 6th Avenida. We don't like to go that way because it is usually a traffic nightmare, especially with the traffic cops in their neon green vests and [neon green] gloves directing.

There was a lot of traffic on 6th Ave, but I made it home in another 20 minutes. 55 MINUTES. 2 MILES.

I found out today that a friend (who passed me just before I turned on 14C) reached the half-way point at the Obelisco in 2 hours. Who knows how much longer the last mile took.

The paper reported that the commute for some people down Avenida Reforma to said Obelisco--3 miles at the most--took 6, that's SIX hours. The cause: a couple buses broke down (the ones that were taking kids to school in the US in the 70s), a shoot-out, and numerous rude drivers who jammed the intersections so traffic came to a complete standstill.

I love Guatemala.

In case you didn't know...

...today is the start of the 5125th year of the Mayan calendar.

Where in the world?

Just got word that the bid list will be out on Monday. There are lots of guidelines, mostly having to do with timing-when we can leave this post, training, when needed at the next post, etc. I'm excited and a bit nervous to see what the choices are. This first round will have hundreds of listings which have to be scrutinized with aforementioned timing, pets, won't go theres, dreams...

We had dinner with some friends last night; they are praying that Zimbabwe (I can't even spell it) is on the list. M and I are praying for Rome or Madrid or Zurich...We are fairly certain this is one prayer that won't be answered

On a sad note, one of M's A100 classmates was killed in his home in Ethiopia. Notice I said killed, not died. They are investigating now, but the reports say there was "severe trauma that could not have been self-inflicted." We are heartsick.

You know you're in Guatemala...

...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.

Boss lady

Marlan has a new boss--Hillary Clinton. Hahahahahahahahahahahahaha

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!

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.