Dia de los Muertes, Circo, Antigua

Wow...I am really starting to get behind on my blog. Anyone familiar with Dia de los Muertos would know it was celebrated last Monday! I don't even have a good excuse as to why I haven't filled you guys in-

Here we go. So Monday was Dia de los Muertos. It follows all Saint's Day every year. People spend the day before adorning the tombs of dead family members and friends with flowers. These makeshift alters also contain numerous photos as well as items the deceased enjoyed, such as chocolate or cigarettes to name a couple. While celebrated as a reflective holiday, the general attitude seems to be more positive than people visiting grave-sites in the States. More of a "celebration of life" if that doesn't seem to cliche. The afternoon is spent eating HUGE traditional meals. Kind of like Thanksgiving in the States, it is notorious for over eating/drinking. My cheeks may have been a little red at prayer that night...

Tuesday night Matt and I went to the Circus, or circo, with two of the monks. It was more of a talent show than a circus the way we know them in the States. I give them credit for trying. In between acts, they would rotate in and out as food vendors, security, ticket sales etc. The highlight of my night was the Michael Jackson tribute. No it wasn't. That's a lie. Thought I could run away from that whole media mess back home, only to run into tribute bands here. I visited the capital this week too - another impersonator in the central park. I have no idea why, but he is more popular here that he was back home. Ridiculous.

This past weekend we went to Antigua for a graduation party and stopped in the capital on the way back. Very fun. I'll tell you more about it. Tomorrow. Off to Belize this next weekend to renew my "90" days on my passport/and for my birthday.

Damn Yankees. Souless.

Happy 25th Anniversary Mom and Dad! David and Kevin too if I'm not mistaken? Two years for both of you, wow. I'm either the immature one or the smart one - who knows?! ha

Got a package this week. I like getting packages.

Miss you all back home-

PD