Rio Palmeras

Hey everyone!

So despite my claim in the last blog, I did not attend a futbol match this weekend. We were all set to go, but Matt (the other volunteer down here from SJU) got sick and I wasn’t exactly in the mood to go by myself. Next week!

I have spent the last two days in Rio Palmeras – the site of one of our school/building projects. We celebrated Dia de la Independancia there yesterday, September 15th. There were events planned ALL day. It started with dancing, put on by the students at the school. Then there was traditional marimba music while we ate and then danced. The people there loved to see us gringos “trying” to dance to the marimba (a little different than Sal’s on a Friday night).

On another note, it is so damn hot there. I mean like 100 F no problem. The schools, while situated in the mountain jungles, are still about 3,500 ft lower in elevation than Cobán. The craziest thing about it is the indigenous population there wears large, bulky wool skirts and these sweater throws. The men all wear jeans, rubber boots and long sleeve shirts. It is awesome being there, and probably the most rewarding work so far, but my favorite part of the day is still coming back to a cold shower (not by choice, but perfect in that situation!). The other part that tops the day off is the ride home. This over an hour drive would normally seem boring, but here in Guatemala it is the perfect time to enjoy a couple beers. No joke. You stop at a tienda on the side of the road, pick up some Gallos (Guatemalan national beer) and drive. Numerous monks taught me this. Should I feel guilty doing this?