I ordered chicken eye the other day at lunch. It was an accident, obviously. I was trying to order chicken with garlic, pollo con ajo, but instead I asked for pollo con ojo. I thought it was pretty funny.
On this same day I also saw a dog walking down the road carrying a dead dog's head in its mouth.
There's always something happening in Guatemala.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
chicken bus trip
Imagine waking up one morning at 5:30 a.m. to the sound of fireworks exploding right outside your window. Once the crackling ceases, a cheesy version of Happy Birthday ,that sounds like a mix of an 80's Wonder Bread commercial with a few members of the Brady Bunch thrown in, starts blasting from your speakers. As you rub your eyes awake, pull on your jeans, and stumble down the stairs in a sleepy stupor your friends await you at the bottom, groggy yet bright eyed and clapping you into your birthday. Sounds like the ideal way to start your day, right?
Well, that was me this morning. It's not my birthday today, but I got the pleasure of being a groggy clapper this morning for my neighbor Joe. Apparently this is celebratory tradition for Guatemalans on their birthday. Joe isn't Guatemalan, but his girlfriend is and she planned this grand awakening for him. So as the roosters were coaxing the sun's slow ascent over the mountains in the horizon, I was drinking fresh coffee and eating a breakfast of fresh cut fruit, fried eggs and tortillas covered in chipotle sauce with my friends. Although early and probably not the most appealing birthday morning, it was a great way to start the day!
I am happy to say that my living situation here in Guatemala is pretty great. I have a beautiful house with a great view. When the gate to my house closes behind me I don't even feel like I'm living on a dusty and busy road. My housemate and I get along well and my neighbors, also co-workers, are really awesome! We all get together and cook, making each night feel like a dinner party. I like the feeling of community there is among us all.
Since I've been here I have spent most of my time working, with a few little excursions here and there. I've been bowling, attended (and lost) a night of Texas Hold-em at a friend's house with a beautiful view of the city, walked around a little bit, and have been out to a few bars. This past weekend was my first time out of the city. It was wonderful! Until this past weekend I had only heard about the beauty of Guatemala, now I've had a chance to see a little of it!
My co-worker, Andrea, and I headed out of the city to experience the wonders of Lago Atitlan, or Lake Atitlan. We traveled there via "Chicken Bus." I'm not really sure where the name of the bus originated, but from what I can tell, a Chicken Bus is an old school bus painted with really bright colors. Somewhere on the bus you will find a picture of Jesus or the words "JesusCristo" written on them. People sit three across with one tiny aisle in between. When all six people actually sit in the row the aisle disappears and it becomes extremely crowded. Also, I don't think you need to be at the bus terminal to be picked up. Our bus stopped anytime someone was on the road waving the bus down. We would be speeding down the highway, rounding a curve, and the bus would skid to a stop, jerking everyone forward. The journey was beautiful, with roads that curved around the three volcanoes that surround the lake. The ride was one of contrasts, the bus blasting along the roads paying little attention to the steep dropoff less than six inches to my right; and the bus creeping through small Mayan towns, roads so narrow that you can practically touch the people standing on the street.
Our final destination, Santiago Atitlan, is a small Mayan city tucked between two volcanoes, Toliman and San Pedro. The city was host to Festival Atitlan, a music festival a.k.a "hippy festival." Andrea and I picked up our friend Lily from the dock and headed off to the festival, the reason for our journey. The action took place in a pine grove just outside of town. A small stage was set up with an area for dancing in front. People were sprawled out on the grass basking in the sun or seeking shade beneath the pine trees. Local artisans were selling their wares and some amazing food and drinks were being served. There were bands from noon to midnight from all genres: blu grass, folk, funk, reggae, salsa, ska, rock, and blues...etc There was also a really amazing piece of spoken word performed, which I was happy to hear. I met a few really cool people at the festival. Night and day were spent chillin, listening to the music, and chatting with people. I didn't take any pictures this weekend, but I will post some from Andrea's camera.
I headed to San Pedro after the festival. I spent the morning there eating breakfast basking in the sunshine and the breathtaking view of the volcanoes and the lake. I took a boat across the lake to Panajachel. Panajachel is really touristy and the "hub" of most activities that happen around the lake. I spent the afternoon exploring and relaxing by the lake, watching locals swim and eat together. Late afternoon found us smooshed on the Chicken Bus, speeding towards home. I arrived home dusty and exhausted, cheeks red from the sun.
I definitely feel refreshed after my weekend away from the city. I'm looking forward to exploring more of the country whenever I have the chance. I have five days off in April. I'm thinking about heading up to Coban or maybe Mexico. Anyone wanna come visit me? I'd love to have a travel buddy!
Well, that was me this morning. It's not my birthday today, but I got the pleasure of being a groggy clapper this morning for my neighbor Joe. Apparently this is celebratory tradition for Guatemalans on their birthday. Joe isn't Guatemalan, but his girlfriend is and she planned this grand awakening for him. So as the roosters were coaxing the sun's slow ascent over the mountains in the horizon, I was drinking fresh coffee and eating a breakfast of fresh cut fruit, fried eggs and tortillas covered in chipotle sauce with my friends. Although early and probably not the most appealing birthday morning, it was a great way to start the day!
I am happy to say that my living situation here in Guatemala is pretty great. I have a beautiful house with a great view. When the gate to my house closes behind me I don't even feel like I'm living on a dusty and busy road. My housemate and I get along well and my neighbors, also co-workers, are really awesome! We all get together and cook, making each night feel like a dinner party. I like the feeling of community there is among us all.
Since I've been here I have spent most of my time working, with a few little excursions here and there. I've been bowling, attended (and lost) a night of Texas Hold-em at a friend's house with a beautiful view of the city, walked around a little bit, and have been out to a few bars. This past weekend was my first time out of the city. It was wonderful! Until this past weekend I had only heard about the beauty of Guatemala, now I've had a chance to see a little of it!
My co-worker, Andrea, and I headed out of the city to experience the wonders of Lago Atitlan, or Lake Atitlan. We traveled there via "Chicken Bus." I'm not really sure where the name of the bus originated, but from what I can tell, a Chicken Bus is an old school bus painted with really bright colors. Somewhere on the bus you will find a picture of Jesus or the words "JesusCristo" written on them. People sit three across with one tiny aisle in between. When all six people actually sit in the row the aisle disappears and it becomes extremely crowded. Also, I don't think you need to be at the bus terminal to be picked up. Our bus stopped anytime someone was on the road waving the bus down. We would be speeding down the highway, rounding a curve, and the bus would skid to a stop, jerking everyone forward. The journey was beautiful, with roads that curved around the three volcanoes that surround the lake. The ride was one of contrasts, the bus blasting along the roads paying little attention to the steep dropoff less than six inches to my right; and the bus creeping through small Mayan towns, roads so narrow that you can practically touch the people standing on the street.
Our final destination, Santiago Atitlan, is a small Mayan city tucked between two volcanoes, Toliman and San Pedro. The city was host to Festival Atitlan, a music festival a.k.a "hippy festival." Andrea and I picked up our friend Lily from the dock and headed off to the festival, the reason for our journey. The action took place in a pine grove just outside of town. A small stage was set up with an area for dancing in front. People were sprawled out on the grass basking in the sun or seeking shade beneath the pine trees. Local artisans were selling their wares and some amazing food and drinks were being served. There were bands from noon to midnight from all genres: blu grass, folk, funk, reggae, salsa, ska, rock, and blues...etc There was also a really amazing piece of spoken word performed, which I was happy to hear. I met a few really cool people at the festival. Night and day were spent chillin, listening to the music, and chatting with people. I didn't take any pictures this weekend, but I will post some from Andrea's camera.
I headed to San Pedro after the festival. I spent the morning there eating breakfast basking in the sunshine and the breathtaking view of the volcanoes and the lake. I took a boat across the lake to Panajachel. Panajachel is really touristy and the "hub" of most activities that happen around the lake. I spent the afternoon exploring and relaxing by the lake, watching locals swim and eat together. Late afternoon found us smooshed on the Chicken Bus, speeding towards home. I arrived home dusty and exhausted, cheeks red from the sun.
I definitely feel refreshed after my weekend away from the city. I'm looking forward to exploring more of the country whenever I have the chance. I have five days off in April. I'm thinking about heading up to Coban or maybe Mexico. Anyone wanna come visit me? I'd love to have a travel buddy!
Friday, February 27, 2009
just call me carmen sandiego
"I have always believed that in the lives of individuals, just as in society at large, the profoundest changes take place within a very reduced time frame. When we least expect it, life sets us a challenge to test our courage and willingness to change; at such a moment, there is no point in pretending that nothing has happened or in saying that we are not yet ready.
The challenge will not wait. Life does not look back. A week is more than enough time for us to decide whether or not to accept our destiny."
-Paulo Coehlo
I can't help but think that this quote is quite fitting for my life as of late. In the past 2 weeks I have experienced some major life changes. I won't go into details over the net, but I can say that I haven't had such a crazy past couple of weeks in a long time!
I just arrived in Guatemala City last night. I will be teaching English here for the next 6 months at least. I interviewed for the job two Fridays ago, found out I got the job on the following Tuesday, which gave me a week to get my act together and get on a plane. The time has gone by so quickly. I'm so thankful that I have been blessed with friends that are so good to me!
So yeah, that's where I'm at for now. I will fill everyone in as I know more. I am headed to school this afternoon to meet everyone and start training. I start teaching on Monday. I will be moved into my own place on Sunday.
I'm not really sure what to expect, so I'm trying not to expect anything. No matter what happens, I'm sure it will be an adventure!
The challenge will not wait. Life does not look back. A week is more than enough time for us to decide whether or not to accept our destiny."
-Paulo Coehlo
I can't help but think that this quote is quite fitting for my life as of late. In the past 2 weeks I have experienced some major life changes. I won't go into details over the net, but I can say that I haven't had such a crazy past couple of weeks in a long time!
I just arrived in Guatemala City last night. I will be teaching English here for the next 6 months at least. I interviewed for the job two Fridays ago, found out I got the job on the following Tuesday, which gave me a week to get my act together and get on a plane. The time has gone by so quickly. I'm so thankful that I have been blessed with friends that are so good to me!
So yeah, that's where I'm at for now. I will fill everyone in as I know more. I am headed to school this afternoon to meet everyone and start training. I start teaching on Monday. I will be moved into my own place on Sunday.
I'm not really sure what to expect, so I'm trying not to expect anything. No matter what happens, I'm sure it will be an adventure!
Monday, December 1, 2008
Ode to the Onion...
...by Pablo Neruda
Onion,
luminous flask,
your beauty formed
petal by petal,
crystal scales expanded you
and in the secrecy of the dark earth
your belly grew round with dew.
Under the earth
the miracle
happened
and when your clumsy
green stem appeared,
and your leaves were born
like swords
in the garden,
the earth heaped up her power
showing your naked transparency,
and as the remote sea
in lifting the breasts of Aphrodite
duplicating the magnolia,
so did the earth
make you,
onion
clear as a planet
and destined
to shine,
constant constellation,
round rose of water,
upon
the table
of the poor.
You make us cry without hurting us.
I have praised everything that exists,
but to me, onion, you are
more beautiful than a bird
of dazzling feathers,
heavenly globe, platinum goblet,
unmoving dance
of the snowy anemone
and the fragrance of the earth lives
in your crystalline nature.
well, the level of my onion admiration isn't quite as intense as Neruda's, but it is definitely increasing. I am using onions in my cooking now and eating food even though i know there is onion in it. For those of you who know me well, this is a really big deal. Just thought I'd share.
p.s.- i'm also eating mushrooms now, too!
luminous flask,
your beauty formed
petal by petal,
crystal scales expanded you
and in the secrecy of the dark earth
your belly grew round with dew.
Under the earth
the miracle
happened
and when your clumsy
green stem appeared,
and your leaves were born
like swords
in the garden,
the earth heaped up her power
showing your naked transparency,
and as the remote sea
in lifting the breasts of Aphrodite
duplicating the magnolia,
so did the earth
make you,
onion
clear as a planet
and destined
to shine,
constant constellation,
round rose of water,
upon
the table
of the poor.
You make us cry without hurting us.
I have praised everything that exists,
but to me, onion, you are
more beautiful than a bird
of dazzling feathers,
heavenly globe, platinum goblet,
unmoving dance
of the snowy anemone
and the fragrance of the earth lives
in your crystalline nature.
well, the level of my onion admiration isn't quite as intense as Neruda's, but it is definitely increasing. I am using onions in my cooking now and eating food even though i know there is onion in it. For those of you who know me well, this is a really big deal. Just thought I'd share.
p.s.- i'm also eating mushrooms now, too!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
knotty knotty
I've been meaning to put up pics of the dreads for a while now. It's been about 9 and a half months since I started the whole dread process and I love them more every day!
Day one: Feb 8, 2008. Thank you to Morgan who spent all day working on them for me!!
Day 2: Feb 9, 2008. I think Morgan probably put in about ten hours of work that weekend. Also, thanks to Jinny for coming over to help too!
A long weekend of work, finished! Let's see what happens...
A few days later after the first wash... still looks like curls to me.
Sometime in April in Laos. The shell is an addition I found on the beach in Thailand.
May in Cambodia.
July in Korea. My hair keeps getting shorter and shorter!
Nine months has gone by...November 8, 2008.
Day one: Feb 8, 2008. Thank you to Morgan who spent all day working on them for me!!
Day 2: Feb 9, 2008. I think Morgan probably put in about ten hours of work that weekend. Also, thanks to Jinny for coming over to help too!
A long weekend of work, finished! Let's see what happens...
A few days later after the first wash... still looks like curls to me.
Sometime in April in Laos. The shell is an addition I found on the beach in Thailand.
May in Cambodia.
July in Korea. My hair keeps getting shorter and shorter!
Nine months has gone by...November 8, 2008.Tuesday, November 18, 2008
worth a thousand words...vietnam
A woman selling fruit on an early morning in Hanoi.
Children coming to investigate the foreigners that wondered into their village.
Happy Buddha! The belly button of this statue also serves as a window to the room inside of Buddha's belly. How can you not smile when you see this image? I love it! I do believe that the "Halo" behind him lights up at night although I've never seen it. 
A rain shower rolls over the lake as the sun starts its descent into the horizon.
Worship.
A family plants rice together. The men poke holes in the ground with bamboo sticks and the women drop rice in. The families plant all over the mountainous terrain.
Caught in the rain outside of Hoi An.
I just had to leave you all with an image that makes you smile!
Cheers!
i forgot just how good Wisconsin cheese tastes...
"Attack! Attack!" the little girl screams as she chases her fellow 3 year old classmates across the playground. As I was walking past the YWCA on a beautiful autumn day, I realized how weird it is to actually understand what kids are saying as they play. I've spent the past year, while teaching in Korea, having kids play in my classroom and never understanding the hilarious things they were probably saying! I'm actually kinda bummed that I missed out on that part of teaching kindergarten. The old mantra rings true, "kids say the darnedest things!"
That being said, I've made it back to Wisconsin. I've been back for about 6 weeks now. The time has flown by as I've been busy reuniting with family and friends. I also started working a week after I got home. I got hired back at the restaurant I used to work at, so I'm fortunate that I didn't have to search for employment. My boss at the gym I used to work at was also really excited to have me back, but because I do not have a car I couldn't commit to a job 2o mins away by freeway. I can't hitchhike here like I could in Hawaii! I'm living close to the bus stop so luckily I can jump on one of the city's 6 buses and get to work that way. Being gone for so long made me forget how reliant people are on vehicles around here. Except for grocery shopping, it is so much more convenient to just hop on a bus or the subway and get where you are going. I liked not having to pay for gas or deal with traffic!
I've been going through my moments of reverse culture shock. At first they were moments that brought a smile to my face as I remembered what things I like about living in Wisconsin and being back in the United States. However, as of late, my moments of culture shock leave me a bit depressed and disappointed. My stomach growls as I crave newly discovered foods of other lands. I smile and nod as I talk to people I encounter, rejoicing when someone actually offers up semi-intellectually stimulating topic to chat about. It's as though my brain has been floating through a ton of beautiful information and then all of a sudden that beautiful information dissipates and bam! the brain is on the floor, cold and alone... haha, that may be an exaggeration, but I'm struggling to keep my mind curious.
At the moment I am craving the unhurried, yet passionate, pace of Hawaii and the beautiful people that live there. And although I am insanely jealous that Alexis and Morgan are continuing their travels without me, I am confident that I made the right decision by deciding to make a stop in Hawaii. It was a last minute, spur of the moment idea to visit my cousin Liz in Hawaii. My stay in Hawaii rocked my world and I wouldn't trade that time for anything else in the world!
I have, however, been enjoying the comforts of living in an apartment again. It has given me the chance to experiment with cooking! I got a food processor and have been busy trying out new foods. I've really enjoyed making hummus and fresh fruit smoothies. I found a cute little organic food shop that supports as much local agriculture and food production as it can. I try to buy whatever I need to there. This is the one store that has managed to help me on my quest to quench some of my newly acquired cravings. It has my 5 minute Indian meals that I love and kimchi too! Plus, a few other things I've grown to enjoy like seaweed salad, kombucha, and tahini! I am happy this store is only a few blocks away!
Anyway, so far my time spent home has been a wave of emotions, both good and bad. I am thankful for all my wonderful family and friends. Northern Wisconsin definitely is a "culture" of its own and deserves to be experienced by all. I am happy to "be here now" but am looking forward to my time of exploration once again.
That being said, I've made it back to Wisconsin. I've been back for about 6 weeks now. The time has flown by as I've been busy reuniting with family and friends. I also started working a week after I got home. I got hired back at the restaurant I used to work at, so I'm fortunate that I didn't have to search for employment. My boss at the gym I used to work at was also really excited to have me back, but because I do not have a car I couldn't commit to a job 2o mins away by freeway. I can't hitchhike here like I could in Hawaii! I'm living close to the bus stop so luckily I can jump on one of the city's 6 buses and get to work that way. Being gone for so long made me forget how reliant people are on vehicles around here. Except for grocery shopping, it is so much more convenient to just hop on a bus or the subway and get where you are going. I liked not having to pay for gas or deal with traffic!
I've been going through my moments of reverse culture shock. At first they were moments that brought a smile to my face as I remembered what things I like about living in Wisconsin and being back in the United States. However, as of late, my moments of culture shock leave me a bit depressed and disappointed. My stomach growls as I crave newly discovered foods of other lands. I smile and nod as I talk to people I encounter, rejoicing when someone actually offers up semi-intellectually stimulating topic to chat about. It's as though my brain has been floating through a ton of beautiful information and then all of a sudden that beautiful information dissipates and bam! the brain is on the floor, cold and alone... haha, that may be an exaggeration, but I'm struggling to keep my mind curious.
At the moment I am craving the unhurried, yet passionate, pace of Hawaii and the beautiful people that live there. And although I am insanely jealous that Alexis and Morgan are continuing their travels without me, I am confident that I made the right decision by deciding to make a stop in Hawaii. It was a last minute, spur of the moment idea to visit my cousin Liz in Hawaii. My stay in Hawaii rocked my world and I wouldn't trade that time for anything else in the world!
I have, however, been enjoying the comforts of living in an apartment again. It has given me the chance to experiment with cooking! I got a food processor and have been busy trying out new foods. I've really enjoyed making hummus and fresh fruit smoothies. I found a cute little organic food shop that supports as much local agriculture and food production as it can. I try to buy whatever I need to there. This is the one store that has managed to help me on my quest to quench some of my newly acquired cravings. It has my 5 minute Indian meals that I love and kimchi too! Plus, a few other things I've grown to enjoy like seaweed salad, kombucha, and tahini! I am happy this store is only a few blocks away!
Anyway, so far my time spent home has been a wave of emotions, both good and bad. I am thankful for all my wonderful family and friends. Northern Wisconsin definitely is a "culture" of its own and deserves to be experienced by all. I am happy to "be here now" but am looking forward to my time of exploration once again.
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