Friday, September 11, 2009

Just Landed!

Hello everyone!

I made it to Guatemala - all limbs and vital organs in check! Things got a little crazy on the way down though. I was expecting to be picked up at the airport in Guatemala City as planned, but I got word Fr. Bernie would not be able to make it anymore. Instead, he would be driving to the airport two days later to drop off the prior and was saving time and money by only making one trip. That made perfect sense, except Matt and I now had to chill with all our luggage somewhere in Guatemala – a good problem as long as an adventurous attitude keeps your spirit up!

We took the easiest route, which was to catch a shuttle to Antigua. That city is amazingly beautiful. Imagine a city plucked from picturesque Europe and dropped in the middle of Latin America. Fantastic. There are Macaws, fountains, and flower gardens all over, especially in the nice hotels and Parque Centrale. Volcanoes surround the whole city as well; creating a landscape that is absolutely breathtaking.

We spent our two days staying in a moderately nice hotel. Some how we happened to pick the only one right next to Antigua’s only Irish Pub, Riley’s. Funny how that works… The monks always say God works in mysterious ways, and I couldn’t agree more! The last night before heading to Cobán was by far the best, as a guest joined me all the way down in Guatemala. Yup – Michael Anderson flew all the way down there and spent several hours on various chicken buses (local transportation, usually not recommended for tourists) to meet me in Antigua. We spent the evening at a couple different bars, and yes, one was Riley’s Irish Pub next door. Expect another update soon as I just got to my new home in Cobán and will be filling you in on the details, friends.


Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Day of Preparation

Despite the very misleading title of my first entry, this is NOT the first day of preparation I have had. There have been numerous contacts made, phone calls, emails sent and plane tickets bought! Hopefully I have everything in line.

Packing has been a bit of different story though. As most of you know, I spend my summers sealcoating my life away - making it difficult to "shop" during the day. I took today off of work though and spent way more time than anyone should ever spend in a mall. I have no idea how you shopoholic do it!!!

On my list of things to purchase was some computer supplies that I will be bringing down to Fr. Bernie (my pseudo host father?!) in Coban, Guatemala. I promised him I would put a plug in, so anyone looking to help out and donate could send 2GB flash drives. We are trying to get between 75 and 100 total.

As soon as I get down there, I promise my blogs will be MUCH more interesting - well I hope! Let the adventure begin!!!

Picture of the Week

Picture of the Week
Mayan Ruins in El Peten