We took a charter bus from the 1950ś to Esquipulas. There was a guard with a huge shotgun at the station. I dont know if I feel safer that there is a guard, or less safe cause they need one? The trip took 4.5 hours. It was so new and beautiful that I couldn't sleep. People came and went and one guy stood by the door- often open and kept shouting to get more people to take the bus. When we arrived somebody lead us to the abbey, unbeknownst to us was connected to the basilica and is the highest and most visible thing there. Which brings me to language.
The security guard seems nice, he wants to learn english more. The housekeeping guy-Mario also would be a good guy to work on my spanish with- not because I can understand him better but because he smiles alot and that helps. The first two days I think everyone thought I was a little stupid because I just stared at people when they talked to me and then looked at Phil-who has a tough time, but can understand people way better. I can understand better now after 2 days and a 2 hour meeting in spanish with the Global Health people (from the US), but my vocab is lacking. We are going to be a communication link for the doctors (and yes maybe even some PTś Amber , and will get to go with them in Nov. and April to the small towns to do healthcare work. Nice to feel like we finally have a purpose. My brain hurts from all the attempting to listen and comprehend what people say. But as the wise John Smith said. Spanish is more than a spoken language- act it-bring it, and smile-that is perhaps the most important part.
Highlights- being invited to play soccer, feeling like I will do something that is improtant, when the women at the street market said something about los ojos de los gringo enfronte? As katie told me- they love blue eyes. When the kids around town stare and laugh when they see Phil and I, most likely for the same reason we were affectionately nicknamed the ¨midgets.¨ Also rolling a necessary 4 doubles in a row to make an astounding comeback in backgammon.
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3 comments:
Love you Theo!!! Yay for exploring the world!!
This is great. I think it will be a wise source of wisdom for me. We had a meeting about Guatemala on Tuesday adn it went well. I am nervous for the host family and the language. But I am also getting very excited! I will try to get skype soon, this week. I can wait to tell you about dinner at the presidents house!
I can't believe you are already there! Make sure to bring some montReal love with you. good to hear from you egger
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