Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Attack of the Fairfielders!!!

It is a hot, sunny Wednesday in PG. I imagine it is a cold, dreary day up north, so that makes me feel better.
This post is once again pictureless, but hopefully by next Friday, a new picture taking device will find its way into my hands, and then into your eyes. Well, not literally. That would hurt.
Anyways....
Last week!
So, as I mentioned, the Fairfield service group was in town for a solid seven days. For most of the week they were working out in Delores, one of the furthest villages in Toledo. On Friday I took the day off from school and went out with them. It was a wild two hour ride, but totally worth it. We spent some time working on the church the group was building, ate some tasty foods, then played futbol (soccer) with the children at the school. Afterward, the teachers challenged the lot of us to a volleyball match that they barely won.
It was quite awesome to have people I knew in town. While they got to see a bit of my reality, they also got to have an experience all of their own and one that will hopefully stay with them for a long time. So my friends, thanks for coming. I will miss you.
In other news, I started my reading program back up. I got a few new kids, but the rest are all the same from last semester. It was really nice to start getting into a schedule again and seeing the kids that make me love to go to work. I'm also doing a bit more special education this semester, so I have two kids to work with, hopefully to integrate them more into the classroom. It is so hard when there is no special teachers in the school who can work with children with disabilities. There is one blind child in the school and I can't imagine trying to learn when there are 30 other children in the classroom and the teacher really doesn't have the specialized training to help them.
Hmmm, apart from that, it has been a fine week. January is halfway over and the spring will soon come.
Good luck this week. Go on an adventure. Discover something neat.

Monday, January 10, 2011

Back in business

And so we find ourselves in another year, anxiously awaiting November 11 (11.11.11), and thus another blog has been written.

Firstly, I apologize for the lack of blogs over the past three weeks. Upon returning from Guatemala, things got hectic here. Christmas, visitors, New Years, the brothers of Matt, more visitors. We have had a very busy time. (Item, emit, and mite can also be spelled with the letters that spell “time”. Thought you should know). Anyways, I hope you enjoyed the last post. It was definitely my favorite one I have written, both from Belize and Botswana.

Secondly, I sadly announce the untimely but inevitable demise of my trusty camera. It had traveled with me to three continents and Central America and took around 20,000 pictures, if not more. It died the day I was leaving for Guatemala, but luckily Matt was kind enough to lend me his for our journey. Lovely, taped up photographic friend, you shall be missed.

Thirdly, if there is a Miss Cindy out there, send me an email! Someone described as a 71 year old teacher from the US came to Peter Claver while I was in Guatemala and dropped off school supplies for the teachers. I am told she was asking for me, so if you dear reader know who this wonderful lady is, please let me know. And if it is you, thank you.

Fourthly, JACK MCNAMARA. (I hope that was suitable).

Fifthly, let’s begin!

So, school was scheduled to begin again today, but because of the days off from the hurricanes, we started up again on Wednesday last week. I was SO glad to get back to work, mostly because I was getting a little antsy hanging around and having so many guests around. Lots of kids came up to me asking me if I remembered them. I don’t think I give the impression of having a terrible memory, but apparently they think I do. (I remembered most of them, by the way.)

On Friday I believe I had food poisoning, so I was out of school for my first sick day this year. Though, when you live next to school, “staying home” doesn’t really apply. Nothing is worse than being really sick and hearing kids screaming outside your window. Actually, what is worse is that the Fairfield service group was arriving that day as well. Of all days!!! They got in late that day (due to a flat tire), so by that point I was back on my feet and capable of eating things again.

It has been AWESOME to have Fairfield here. A little weird seeing them roll around the streets of PG, but really nice to see lots of people I know and share a bit of my life here with them. Currently they are out in Delores, a village about 2 hours away, building a hurricane shelter.

There are a few other service groups in town right now, including Marquette (Al’s alma mater). They had us over for dinner last night at the place they’re staying and we had mighty tasty food and great conversations.

In other news, Matt’s Jesuit friend, Father Prayne came to visit for a few days. In his ambitious stay, he decided we should have chickens. Thus, a chicken coup was constructed (it may be more sturdy than our actual house) and a laying hen was procured. Frances, our hen, has already laid three eggs for us. More chickens will be gathered soon, so if you want to Donate-a-Chicken, let us know. Laying hens are only $5.50 US. Chicks are about $.50 US.

Well my friends, I hope your New Year has started off well. Weekly updates shall be occurring from now until probably Easter, but that’s a long way off. Thanks for reading and I promise more pictures next time.

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Guatemalan Adventures

A splendid greeting to you. I hope this finds you and finds you well. I believe much of the north eastern America place is quite snowy, so pull up a hot cup of chocolate/tea/coffee and enjoy.

**(Writer’s Note: Between December 17 and 23, Al and I traveled through Guatemala. The following entry was written throughout the trip to give you a clearer picture of my thoughts and impressions at the time. All editing was done in a Guatemala City bus station.)**

Santa
It’s 10:03 at night in Santa Elena, Guatemala, and Santa Elana has brought back my belief in another Santa. This one, of course, is Santa Claus.
Before you appear too confused, let me speed you up to things.
At approximately 10:30am today, we (Al and I) left Punta Gorda with Father Jeff. After a nice long drive up to Belmopan, Al and I squeezed onto a bus to Benque, the last town in Belize before the Guatemalan border. We walked the 2.5 miles to the border. The next few hours were a rush. We crossed the border, probably got screwed by men changing money, made a costly and unnecessary bus ride, ate some chancy street food (moi bien), and finally reserved the bus to Guatemala City.
Thus, here we sit, with blankets across our laps, a kindly gift from our bus driver in a Santa hat, bearing a whitening beard and the friendliest face I’ve seen in this country. Everyone loves Santa, not because you can understand him or because you have profound conversations with him, but because he is kind. Everyone needs a kindly face, especially when last amidst a culture you don’t understand in the least. This was my early Christmas present, so gracias, sir busdriver, gracis.

long walk to the border


eating in Santa Elena



People Watching in an Antiguan Café
The café itself is a duly lit, yellow hued, noisy little hole. It teases patrons with a gated door in the back, that would open up to a green courtyard, if the lock had been a little more open. A short bar protrudes from the left wall, tempting visitors with small stools and a place to rest the elbow.

cafe in antigua


Two ladies serve as our baristas, whipping up caffeinated confections carefully and quickly, sending men and women alike off with steaming chalices of the sustaining liquid they crave and worship.
People watching takes on a distinct flavor in a foreign country. Elsewhere, a snippet of conversation can be picked up by the astute ear, adding some substance to observations. Here, the bouncing of Spanish between friends can be heard by my untrained ear. Only laughter needs no deciphering.
Faded eyes gaze out of the doors to the street beyond, searching through the progress of our age for memories long deemed obsolete. No one draws near nor speaks to him, so there he sits, hands clasped upon the table in silent prayer.
Children giggle into their pastries while parents stare distractedly into their drinks, thankful for a moments rest. The arrival of dinner will soon jolt their brief serenity.
Across the worn wood of the bar leans a young man, smiling charm to the lady on the other side. She smiles with her back to him, savoring the attention, as well as the barrier between them he strives to cross. The fast approaching evening cools off his efforts and he slips into the night, leaving his love and perhaps some hope.
Gossip is exchanged by the recent shoppers, valuing news over their newly acquired goods. Hands rest on chins as these stories are shared, bring about moments of surprise, confirmation, laughter, and disgust. The ladies slip into the chilly night, tightening up their coats against the winter.
Wreathes hang golden and green, festive amidst scarves and sweaters that come and go. Strains of music from outside remind one of the holiday season, even nestled among palm trees and towering volcanoes. Spirits of merriment and joy know no boundaries imposed by climate or environment, always finding a home in the open hearts of the world.
And so we sit, human wreathes, filled with the wonder and joy of all those who pass, following stars that remain a mystery all but ourselves.

Mocha


cops getting shoes shined



Morning in the Volcanoes
Early was the time I chose to awake, far before the sun had stretched its tired rays across the land. I lay in my bed, wondering why I hadn’t work socks that night, yet unwilling to make the trek to my bag to grab a fresh pair. Instead, I waited until the church bells in the distance assured me I wasn’t alone in my consciousness. I roused myself and stepped onto the patio outside my door to greet the day.

morning in antigua


The day immediately greeted me with a chilly bite, prompting me to retreat for my wool cap I had procured the day before. Outside, my breath rose in front of me while, in the distance, smoke rose similarly out of the awakened volcano. The terra cotta roof tops hosted avian visitors and the warmth of the sun, while above the clouds, already long basking in the warmth of the day, sat Volcan Agua, watching the city come to life.

view from our hostel


more awesome houses


breakfast spot. coffee eggs and beans


antigua streets


favorite picture


nuns bridge


Pretty homes


aslan?


wild market



Beds and Warmth
I sit right now under numerous layers of warm, soft blankets in a room with four solid walls and a lovely ceiling, all a calming yellow hue. They remind me of my childhood bedroom, except without the racecar wallpaper zipping around the top of the walls.
We don’t often think about our beds. Sure, maybe you have a fancy Temprapedic that gives you massages and makes you coffee in the morning, but how often do you climb in, literally climb into a beautiful mix of blankets and sheets and give thanks for the comfort it unquestioningly provides. Not often enough is what I say. And, continuing with what I say, here’s how we got to bed(s).
Our story begins, fittingly enough, in a bed. This particular one was found at the Black Cat Hostel in Quetzaltenango, or, as the locals call it, Xela (Sh-ay-la). For those intending on traveling to Xela, don’t stay here. The rooms are overprices, you can’t bring in your own food, and you have to pay for purified water. And don’t get me started on the beds. Yes, it was a bed on which I found myself awake, contemplating if the squeaking was part of the décor and if the inadequate amount of blankets was a conscious, money saving, backpacker screwing effort on the part of the management.
However long these thoughts lasted (I awoke quite early), they subsided when the clock struck 6am on my watch. I suppose digital time pieces do no striking whatsoever, as they are much too smooth for such barbaric practices.
I arose from this poor excuse for a comforting dream ship and began to pack my bags. In an hour, Al and I were rumbling through the awakening streets of Xela, then soon on the winding, twisting roads to Tajumulco. Tajumulco is a volcano, inactive at that, which stands a lofty 4220m above the level of the sea. This is the highest point in all of Central America. The thought of adding such a feat as climbing this beast was motivation enough for Al and I to schedule a two day hike. Along with us on our journey was Carols, the best guide one could ask for. A man of many stories, jokes, helpful Spanish phrases and a warm heart is Carlos. Formerly a member of the military, he now runs hikes throughout the region.

long hike ahead of us


carlos! and valley!


Our ascent began at around 11:30am with the sun shining brightly through the thin mountain air. My nose already burned with each breath I took, alerting me to this new height I had somehow already attained. Our hike took the better part of three and a half hours, up dusty roads, past the wind chapped faces of boys watching sheep grazing on the volcanic slopes, through open fields of dead grass, between looming pines settled defiantly on the steep sides, up paths of pebbles that threatened to betray every step, all set on the most glorious backdrop of villages, roads, fields, and lives far below under clouds sweeping through the mountain valleys.

ladies hiking down


al hiking up


heading into the trees


The air gradually got thinner and colder was we climbed, though by the time camp was made, sweat had made a grand entrance on my countenance. Over my disbelieving face I pulled a sweatshirt, feeling the chill in the air. Upon reaching our campsite, the immediate task at hand was to collect wood to keep us warm when the sun fell down. After an ample arsenal of branches was assembled by our tent, our sunset assent began. Out across the land we saw thousands of lights on the ground, mirrored in the countless spots in the night sky quickly spreading above our heads. The wind was in a delightful mood, playing with the dust at our feet and whistling through the open arms of the hardy trees, sucking all warmth our trek and the memory of the sun had provided. Our fire was lit and food was prepared. Even so, my toes and fingers, the most vulnerable of my appendages it seems, were not eager to revive themselves from the blast of winter. Lazy they have been in Belize.

on top!


hello clouds


sunset


sunset



The situation only worsened with the advent of altitude sickness: splitting headache and nausea. However, this did not me from partaking in the events of 1am.
We happened to climb on the night of the winter solstice, the full moon, and a full lunar eclipse. The earth lined up directly between the sun and moon, slowly casting its mighty shadow over our rocky neighbor. Gazing up at this cosmic even between the boughs of a pine, I could only wonder how dire my situation on earth was becoming. The heavens are even sending me a warning. Back into my tent I climbed, shivering in the extreme frigid air. On the cold, rocky ground lay my sleeping bag, intended to bring me comfortable rest that evening. My pillow, an empty water bottle, lay at the head of the sleeping bag, eager to be loud and hard just when I needed it.

lunar eclipse


That night, I lay awake, contemplating the new areas of my body pain had discovered, all the while cursing the cold that managed to sneak into the supposedly warm reaches of my body. I didn’t sleep at all that night. At 5am, feeling utterly defeated and exhausted, we were aroused by Carlos to begin the trek to the summit to witness the sunrise. In the face of such adversity, I mustered the strength and put on foot in front of the other until the peak was under my feet. Out in the distance, the most spectacular view presented itself to me.

volcano erupting in the distance


incredible dawn


mountain views


dawn


holding mr. moon


moon setting in the distance


The sun rises and falls every day of our lives. Never has there been a day it simply didn’t. No, it is an event we are used to and take for granted. If you find yourself on top of Volcan Tajumulco, the rising of the sun, the star that makes everything, everything possible on this earth, will not appear normal, but incredible. Simply nothing can compare to the slow rise of the sun over countless millions, illuminating homes and fields and clouds and mountains, all together on this planet we call home. Never will you feel so in awe of the unity of people, even if they may be still asleep in their beds.
Beds. That’s where we began. So, here I sit, in a bed. Not a bag, not in a tent, but in a room, on a mattress, with a blanket. And it is amazing.


The Buses of Guatemala
The first, very first thing you notice about Guatemalan buses is the chrome. Each bus is different in design, but the chrome industry is alive and well in Guatemala. I guarantee if school buses looked like this in the US, children would never want to miss school. Fancy lettering, flashing lights, religious messages, sweet decals all find a home on these bus exteriors.
Inside, there’s a different story. These cheap, “2nd class” modes of transport are commonly known as chicken buses. Why? Well, the first one we got on in Guatemala did, in fact, have chickens on it. The seats are uncomfortable and the overhead racks are completely bulging with personal effects.
The bus, after leaving the station, will not head to the destination right away. No, the conductor will lean out the door as the bus inches along the narrow streets, shouting out the destination in the hopes someone else will get on. Many someone elses get on and the seats begin to fill up. Three to a seat, with children on laps. The isle then gets packed with people until the conductor can barely move through to collect money. Often, to get back to the front, he climbs out the back, over the roof, then down to the front door again, all while the bus is moving. Now, after the conductor declares no mas, no more, the driver ceases his meandering ways through the streets and kicks it. How these drivers manage to maneuver the buses through city roads at insane speeds is beyond me. Passengers are tossed this way and that, puppets to the whim of the cruel master of a bus.

passing on mountain passes


Now, there are usually three or four main stops for the bus, but passengers can get off anywhere along the route. Thus, random, sudden stops occur, briefly halting the rollercoaster ride.
Bus rides take between 30 minutes and four hours, depending on destinations, and cost between 5-35 Quetzals ( $.80-7 US). Between Xela and Tajumulco the road winds up the sides of mountains, presenting spectacular views of valleys below and mountains afar. Small homes, horses, fields, children playing, children working, women laughing are all sights you will see. Most people in Guatemala make a living on the farm. Poverty is quite high and quite apparent in the country. Carlos told us that the president made it so parents must pay to send their children to school, and while it is a small amount, many families can’t pay. Thus, many kids are seen looking after livestock or helping in the fields. From the bus window brief snapshots of these people’s lives can be seen, but the bus keeps moving and so do we, traveling onward yet retaining memories of these sights.


Traveling though a Spanish speaking country with no Spanish, and surviving, gracefully (at times) (well, maybe once)
Immediately after crossing the border into Guatemala, I was overwhelmed. Never have I felt so incapable of understanding what is going on and unable to communicate with those around me. I came into the country with a few useful phrases, like “donde estas le autobus por Antigua,” “quando,” and “si.” Now, I new I was beyond screwed when it came to communicating, and, yes, this was the case. However, the Guatemalan people have revived my faith in humanity. After arriving in Guatemala City we had to get to the other side for the bus to Antigua. Guatemala City, a place of 3.1million people, is quite intimidating at 6am, especially coming from Belize (total pop. 320,000). However, with the help of friendly policemen, women on the street, and that man selling newspapers we gound our way to the bus, all without English needed. Maybe there is something each human shares that allows for us to understand each other, even if we have no idea what we’re saying. Just now we arrived in the Fuente del Norte bus station in Guatemala City on our journey home. We were sitting on the bus here from Xela when the conductor seemed to be asking me where we were going in the city. I said the Fuente del Norte estacion and a man turned around, nodded to me, said something to the conductor and something to me. From just this conservation, of which I understood zero words, this man would take us to the bus station when we got off the bus. Sure enough, we followed him to public transport and a short walk and here I sit in the station, awaiting a 10:30pm overnight bus to the border of Belize.
It is hard to travel in a foreign country where you don’t know the language. It is exhausting. However, Al and I traveled some 1720km this past week and we made it. I don’t think I can honestly say I can’t understand somebody anymore, because if I can’t, I’m just not trying.

stalls where we ate most of our meals


Xela square


christmas tree