A Travellerspoint blog

Guatemala

Time Lag ...

Well, folks, the trip is over and I'm back in Tulsa! All safe and sound. I found it rather difficult to get internet access while I was in Guatemala. Not that it's not available, but the time spent there was either action packed, or when I had free time, the internet place in Santiago was closed.

BUT - don't despair! I kept a written journal and I'll be describing my adventure as if I was entering it here all along.

It'll be just as good - AND - I can add pictures too!

Stay tuned.
Steve

Posted by tulsan 5:38 PM Archived in Guatemala Comments (0)

An email from Sean

Finding God in Belize

I find it really interesting that I got Sean's email today, the day before leaving for Guatemala.

Sean is volunteering in Belize this month and told a story about waiting for over 6 hours to meet a friend, who never showed up, only to find out that she has been waiting 6 hours for him in another place.

He reflected a lot about finding God's will in adversity. Since I'm going to a place with a long history of adversity, I know I will be reminded of what he wrote.

I can't help but think that my whole approach to this short trip will now be changed. Thanks Sean! I think I was supposed hear your words before leaving.

Stay tuned to find out.

Posted by tulsan 5:56 PM Archived in Guatemala Comments (1)

Article about Fr. Rother

It doesn't look like anyone but me is reading this blog, but if someone does happen to find this, there's currently an interesting article about Fr. Stanley Rother at

http://www.americancatholic.org/Messenger/Jul2006/Feature1.asp

Posted by tulsan 7:12 AM Archived in Guatemala Comments (0)

One day to go

Pre-trip rituals

sunny 31 °C

Tomorrow - EARLY - we leave for Guatemala. So now I'm in my pre-trip ritual stage.

I'm cleaning my house like mad. I'm not sure why I do it, but I like to leave the house as clean as I can make it before a big trip.

The incredible heat wave of the last week has broken somwhat. It's only going to be 89 degrees instead of 106, which is a real blessing.

I'm currently watching the final time trial of the Tour de France, expecting Floyd Landis to take the yellow jersey, and then I'm off to cut the grass. Ugh. Definitely not my favorite activity.

After that, it's time to finish the laundry and start packing! The weather in Santiago Atitlan is expected to be between 60-75 degrees with occasional thunderstorms. Looks like I'll have to take a fleece afterall.

Early to bed tonight since we have a 6:30am flight.

Posted by tulsan 7:04 AM Archived in Preparation | Guatemala Comments (0)

Should I Take Food?

No such thing as good bread in Santiago Atitlan

27 °C

Now that the important issues of who is going with me and getting the airfare squared away, my thoughts are turning toward what I should take with me.

I'm really not considering all the rules of the normal backpacker since we're only going to one place for a short time. So, the whole weight vs. reward considerations are really not too pertinent.

When I visit SA with students, I always take along a few easily prepared food items. It's nice to have a touch of the familiar for students who have never been out of the country and it helps to ease the issue of what to cook for 20+ people on every meal.

One thing I've learned about SA is that their version of the corn tortilla is the basic breadstuff eaten by the locals. It just doesn't do anything for me.

The local panaderia will provide what they call pan dulce - small rolls with sugar on top. Very nice, but the consistency of the bread is a little like sawdust. You can buy packaged sandwich bread in some of the shops, but it's as blah as anywhere else in the world.

So, I'm considering taking along a box of Bisquick. I know what you're thinking ... but sometimes a good biscuit or pancakes is just the ticket on a chilly morning with a cup of the local coffee.

And how can you go anywhere without a jar of peanut butter. I mean really... what is life without peanut butter when you're hungry?

ahhhh.....

Posted by tulsan 9:32 AM Archived in Preparation | Guatemala Comments (2)

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