sabbatical

Once again time to borrow Chad’s laptop to catch up on what has been happening here. .
I did join the guys in the end for the climb of Acotenango 3976m! I wasn’t really sure what I had gotten myself into but by the end of the day I knew. We got up around 4.15am and the shuttle was there about an hour later. We got dropped off in a town and started walking around 6.15am I was prepared for cold but it wasn’t as cold as we had expected. I didn’t start taking layers off right away but the higher we got I took of some layers but decided to keep some on although others were running around in T-Shirts. I was so sweaty that I didn’t want to risk getting all cold. In the beginning it was very steep through fields and going up. Once we hit the tree line it was more like a curvy path leading up. I was okay at that point still and was also able to carry the backpack. Once we hit the first peak I was beat. My head started pounding and I was falling behind more and more. Elmer stuck with me and the last part up to the top was really tough. I have never been that high up before in my life and had no idea what to expect. The first time that I had the experience that I had hit my limit when climbing up. Pictures that he took prove it. I mean I was out of breath, head aching and trying to draw a breath … heart racing … I look really pale in the pictures but I have never been a quitter and this volcano wasn’t going to make me. We made it to the top 30 minutes behind the rest and we had a break to eat and drink. While we were up there we had a perfect view of Fuego and it had twice eruptions. Smoke and ash was being blown very high in the air and we could see the lava flowing down on the sides. It was a great spectacular but when you think about the fact that some of the towns further down are still lived in and not evacuated … I don’t know if I could get used to the idea that any day it could blow and you might not make it … Going up took us about 6,5 hours and down 3 hours with breaks of course. By the time we were down my head felt as if it would explode. I was expecting knee trouble as usual when I overdo it on exercise but none this time. We took a shower and felt clean again afterwards. My muscles though the next day hurt like hell and walking up and down stairs were hell. The one surprise I was in for though was that only my upper leg muscles hurt really bad! I was looking forward to a lovely Sunday of chilling and all … instead I got a phone call from Jose asking me if I could help him out since he had fired a waitress. Big surprise there since it was more a matter of time. The girl was already stealing money from Funky and running up a tab so I was actually surprised he hired her at all. Guess he isn’t so tuned in to the gossip line here. The problem is that it is a very small town and once you have a bad reputation it takes very long and very much hard work until it changes. Doors for work will slam in your face although they will always be very polite about it.
Today 12-12-2006 means only 12 more days and than it is Christmas and the room isn’t even decorated yet. Our place looks rather messy and although there is time to do stuff during the day it just seems we don’t find the time or energy to do that. I am having a day off. I must have caught another little bug except this time I spent the night in the bathroom and last night wasn’t the best one either. I just can’t figure out how since Elmer and me had the same food and he is fine. Although the last time he caught something, I was fine. I guess that evens it out o,)) I feel a bit out of it and don’t have the energy for gym yet but hopefully Thursday I will have the energy again. I miss my work out. The last time I went Manolo showed me some nice arm workouts and the next day my arms and shoulders were killing me. I guess I am a little whimp o,))) although I am proud of the figure that I am starting to have again.
Since I started working again I hardly go out at night. I might go for literally one beer and than I just want my bed and on other days I just can’t be asked for any of that. Elmer was looking for ages for a new job and it was usually we would call you when there is an opening blabla. I told him not to worry and rather use the time to see his son and family and study. I know that time is flying and before he knows it we will be packing our bags and leaving. His Mum is having a hard time with knowing that he will be gone soon. Her nerves have already been acting up and the other day she was crying. His Dad is sad about him leaving as well but hides it better. I don’t know how much his son has understood of it and has really absorbed yet but it is starting to hit Elmer as well now. There are nights when I am beat and asleep and he is still lying awake since there are still too many thoughts in his head going around. He isn’t ready yet to talk about how it will look like in reality and how he will feel but he knows that it won’t be easy. When I went to the States for a year it was more like an adventure and of course I missed my family especially around Christmas time but I knew exactly when I would see them again. Elmer can’t look forward to that yet since it will depend on so many factors. He is taking in a way a far bigger step than I ever did but I am sure that we can make it together. I mean right now again being the Christmas period I miss my family, the cookies etc. everything that makes me think of a Christmas at home. I know though that I will have that next year and this year I get to celebrate it with my colleagues at work 24.12. and at night after work with Elmer and the next day with his family. It is supposed to be great fun and the whole town is up and about and eating tamales … I am looking forward to seeing how that will be. The only thing that I won’t be able to participate in will be to go to church since the last service is around 10pm and I will still be at work.
We enjoy though our “Adventskalandar” filled with chocolates and he has the even numbers and I have got the uneven numbers. Nidia, my boss, gave me a straw angel, who now sits on top of my little tree o,))) She also invited me the other day to a party at her place around Christmas. They are all so nice to me here and I already know that for me it will also be hard to leave.
On the personal front the wedding certificate finally got legalized and the next step was to get it translated and that one legalized than. We than requested the visa for him and if we are lucky than we might have one before the end of year and if we are unlucky than hopefully first week in the new year. To us the embassy is wonderful and very helpful although I have heard other stories as well.
I started my new job like almost 2 weeks ago as a hostess in Restaurant Welten www.weltenrestaurant.com and I enjoy it a lot. There was also a wedding held there for about 80 guests. It was for me not extremely busy but the bartender was snowed under so I helped him out and was busy enough. Elmer was working that night as well. It was fun to work together and to see how we each did our jobs. For me it was very interesting to see how people dress here for such an occasion. Women came in long gowns as well as cocktail dresses; men were dressed from suit to jeans … the few kids that were there all dressed up. They were kind of annoying since they were running around and the waiters really had to watch it where they were going.
The waiters Don Carlos, Ramiro, Nerry and Erik are nice and we have lots of laughs together. I don’t have all that much to do with the kitchen but they are always nice to me as well. Don Carlos is the oldest and is wonderful. The others call him sometimes “abuelo” but it fits since he has adopted me from the start. I guess I have managed to gain their approval quickly since they tell me what is really going on. Nerry e.g. is the handyman for pretty much everything since although not the youngest one he is small and fit and gets to climb on the ladders (which are rather scary to climb up since they are everything but stable) and decorate for Christmas the garden e.g. Erik is nice enough and a bit the on heavy side and a bit lazy. Ramiro is always good for a laugh and a massage or a hug. The first time he gave me one he lost his watch and we all burst out laughing what a cheap watch he has. Ramiro and Don Carlos have already told me that they love me and that they will miss me. I was like but guys I am not leaving yet and anyway I will than only have worked with you for a shirt time period. So they told me that the turn over of hostesses has been quite high lately but that doesn’t mean that they really like the person and they just have to work with them. Point taken! Ramiro and me left the other day together work and got an ice cream on the way home. Don Carlos is always checking if I am okay at night walking the last two blocks by myself but there are always enough people around and the police are also around. Okay, maybe the security they give is an illusion but hey … The last time when I was in the embassy and read the note about lots of crime in Antigua and around I was like that is so odd I mean I feel safer here than at home when I walk the streets at night. I shouldn’t leave Sergio out, our bartender. He is my close by companion since the reception is right across from the bar. I help him out if he has got too much going on at once. I guess the other hostesses didn’t do that and I help putting things on the trays for the guys or clear their trays quickly so that they can go and wait on the guests. We have by now a routine and they appreciate the help. Roberto who is responsible for marketing but also works as host some nights does crap all and only talks to Nidia as if the others are beneath him so that doesn’t exactly get him any brownie points. I admire Nidia since she has started out in the kitchen and worked herself up to manager without any so-called education. She is great with details and other things that guests will appreciate and no college education will ever teach you it is only experience. Roberto is German but has a Peruan passport and in most ways he is typically German. He is nice to the guests but it always comes out as trying hard. The other night he was like that was a short round for you. We had two groups and they were all talking animatedly and I just asked if everything was fine and wished them to enjoy your meal. I was like sorry but they were happy and hungry so I will check up on them when they have finished the meal. I know when they are basically saying thanks for asking but you can leave now. Other guests want to chat especially Americans like that but Germans as well sometimes. The Spanish speakers depend on the combination. I had two ladies from Colombia and we started chatting and in the end they wanted a picture from all three of us taken. I chatted with a big family where the brother and sister were running around the pool until the little girl feel in … She didn’t hurt herself was just soaking wet. She ended up in her Daddy’s parka and enjoyed the attention she got. She was cute and the brother rather subdued afterwards. The reaction though was so different than what I have observed. I mean they dote here on the kid and no screaming and harsh words. Everyone is just occupied with making sure kid is okay, warm and taken care of. There is always something or other going on and I love it. When lunch hour is slow than they will be in front with me and keep me company. We chat about everything and nothing and just joke around. At the beginning it was weird for me that they would wait on me since they don’t get a free meal. By now I can’t say that I am used to it but I have grown more costumed to it. Ramiro usually if it is his turn will tell me your queen dinner has been served at the usual table. He gets a smile and a court courtesy and we both just laugh. Whoever passes wishes me a nice meal and asks if I am happy with my meal. For that short time I am like a customer. Maybe it also helped that I went with them on the excursion. I guess that I can count myself lucky. I had just worked for Nidia like 5 days and they had the Christmas outing. It was all the staff with families. We went by bus to an amusement park near Guate and spend the day there. Usually people who work for 3 years for a company have the right to obtain a certain card that will give them access to certain parks and than they can come and go as often as they like for five years and than they get renewed. Of course, I didn’t have a card and on the card you can take 4 or 5 people with you. Angelica also didn’t have one she became the daughter of one the cooks. I ended up being the wife of Ramiro for that day (why that? because he is about my height and all the others are rather small and wrong age). It sure was funny since he also had his kids with him. We were the first one’s in line … He showed the card and than more or less pushed me through with the kids and went love take care of them and I will be right there. His card has expired and the guy from park was doing paper work for him but therefore didn’t ask for my identification or anything. Lucky me! Angelica and I spend the day together hanging out. We found a picknick spot and all had breakfast (hot tortillas, sodas or water, crème and beans). Yummy! After that we walked around first in a group and going on rides and having fun and later on split up in smaller groups. For lunch we all meet up again. The cooks had made meat and salad, tortillas and also dessert. Ramiro and his kids ended up behind us at the table. He was like love you deserted me. Angelica was like of course any woman would if she would be married to you for a day and have 4 kids. We were all laughing and kidding around some more. Afterwards since we had seen pretty much everything we all waited a bit and than we went off to the pool. Angelica didn’t have a bathing suit or bikini with her so only I could enter but she got my camera and took pictures. Ramiro and kids and Erik where in the big pool while the one’s with the little kids where in the smaller one. I showed them how to swim and than they were eager for me to show them how. The water was cold but as long as you moved around it was fine and than drying of in the sun was the best. We were the last one’s out and than we all took the bus back to Antigua. The only bummer was that some of us had to work at night and we had like 1,5 hours time to get ready for work but were actually rather tired from the day. Oh well, it was a fun day out! Angelica worked me in and we got along very well from the start. I hope to see her again one day. She left to study in Pana and live with her family again since although she loves Antigua she misses the lake and the fish etc.
We already celebrated our 1-month-wedding anniversary and due to our work hours a romantic dinner was out of the question as well as a nice and long tea break since he had to work overtime. It was nothing more than buying a piece of cake and splitting it o,))) It also being “Nikolaus” he got a nice big chocolate one and he is still enjoying it!
On my day off I met up with Anne for coffee. She is an ex-colleague from Flor. It was nice to sit and chat and of course we got chatted up in the café – at least the guys got the hint not interested! Before I leave we will meet again that is for sure! She gave me a good tip about what to do about my stomach. I should eat a spoonful of Papaya seeds and any diarrhea will be gone shortly afterwards and it kills all the little suckers in the stomach. The seeds taste horrible but now I just have to wait and see if they will do the trick!
Today if things go according to plan Sonja will come to Antigua the last time and give me her adapter since I was stupid enough to leave mine at home. Possibly I get to meet her boy friend as well. Elmer won’t be joining us since he has to work and his schedule is still kind of weird. So also no salsa classes at the moment since schedules overlap too much. I hope that once the restaurant is open than he will have a more normal schedule and we can do stuff again.
Elmer told me the good news last night. Marcela has got her visa and has to be out of the country before the 24.01. and she is overjoyed. They felt the whole time that their life was put on hold and now they can plan and move forwards. Chad must be so relieved since he can hardly wait to work again and study again. Marcela is just happy that she will leave soon since they were both getting more and more worried that they would have to separate again due to finances. I have to drop by before work since I want to congratulate her on that.

During the flight I got to chat with the girls behind me and they had booked the night in a hotel in Guate already and were planning on heading out to Antigua the next day. We stuck together and went together through customs. I was looking for a shuttle to take me back to Antigua when a girl started chatting with us and asking where we had to go. It was her first time in Guatemala. She also wanted to go to Antigua and we teamed up. I managed to get a good deal on the price since it is usually 10 USD but I got us a deal for 8USD. By the time I was back in Antigua it was around 8pm although I had arrived don time 5.30pm. We got of course stuck in traffic and the construction on the highway didn’t help things. I was glad that I was back home and it was all clean and tidy. Elmer did a great job but I was in for a great surprise once I was upstairs. He had decorated the bed with roses and chocolates in the shape of a heart and had hung balloons up and Garfield was holding a message for me. The red roses were in a vase and I was so touched by it that I cried out of pure joy. No one had ever done something like that for me. I went right away to Funky thinking that I could use their phone there but instead it was closed. I had to go home and get some money to buy a card for my phone. I called Elmer to tell him that I had returned home and he told me what time he would get home from work. I started making the so tidy room messy by putting my stuff in unloading presents and reorganizing the closet o,))) It was good fun and time passed quickly. Only by the time he came home I was so sleepy and hardly able to keep a conversation up – disappointing! Although when he was finally tired I was wide-awake and at least was quicker awake than me … o,))) No Halloween party for us but the whole city was out and about as well as the usual crows from Guate.
I was supposed to work since it was the 1. November but I couldn’t open Funky up since I had no key. I called Marcela and she told me that they had rescheduled me so I wouldn’t have to work that day. I chilled and enjoyed the time with Elmer before he had to go to work. Abbie called my cell and asked who was working today … than Lea told me she opened Funky up and that I could work now … fine with me. I caught up with the news from her and from Marcela who came by later. It wasn’t really looking good for the business and it was like we thought just a matter of time until Funky would have to close down. After I got briefed on how it looked I only asked Marcela if there was enough money to pay me my outstanding wages. I got paid and was glad about that. I got the key back to the place but was scheduled to work next week. Instead one guy called din sick and I got asked to cover and than Marcela told me that the place is closed and won’t ever open again. The question that remained was only who would buy it? Lea had been busy planning to buy it but we were never sure how serious she was about that. In the end it was sold to some guy who was supposed to be a friend of lea’s but he basically backstabbed her and kept it too himself so now it will serve as office space. I wasn’t all that closely involved since I was busy with our wedding plan preparations. We were in for some surprises … On Thursday we went to Guate to the Minsterio de Relaciones Exteriores got told we could pick up my papers next week Monday. Wedding day!!!! Fab! So we called the notary and told him that the originals are now with the Ministry a dif he could pick them us for us. He needed of course the receipt for it and it was a bit of a bit back and fourth until that was taken care has. Than he told us that everything is done and he had translator for the German papers but none for the Dutch one’s. We were like what he tells us that now … Great! I called the Dutch embassy and asked for names’ of translators that they use or recommend. I called done lady up and asked dif I could email it over and if she could have it done by Monday – being a rush job! I had to wait though till the notary gave us a copy since the originals where with the Ministry it was some organizing. In the end it was all sorted to but I was nervous until Monday and the notary was there and said all sorted out now. Elmer and I did more preparation work on the weekend and I started getting sick. I had a bit of a cold before I left but thought it would go away really quickly. No such luck I ended with a proper cold and painful earache. In the end I went to the pharmacy and told them what was up and got told that I might have an ear infection and that I should use the antibiotic eardrops. I did but now it had moved from left to right side and my face was slightly swollen on the right side. Eating was very enjoyable since it only hurt to chew. I had no fever though and I was only glad that the swelling went down before the wedding and I didn’t end up looking like a hamster for that day. Oh yes, Thursday we want to the jewelry store for the rings and I was sin for a surprise since I couldn’t remember if we had agreed to get tear if fitted for my right or left ring finger. Anyway it didn’t fit on neither so I guess that means I gained weight in the month away. The guy was like sure we could have the ring changed for next week Wednesday. We were like well the wedding is Monday so can you still manage it. The guy promised to call us Monday first thing and to our surprise he did just that 8am sharp. This time it fitted for my left hand. Elmer had a change of mind when the big day cam closer and he wanted to invite more people. Monday we woke up and were both so excited that the day had finally arrived that we had waited for so long. There were still last things to arrange in the morning and than around 1.30pm I was at the spa. Mary one of Marcela’s bosses had given her half the day off but the other one didn’t know anything about it and she had to stay and work until 4pm. The wedding was supposed to take place at 3pm. Good start! Chad went with me to their place where her sister did my hair and her Mum the make-up. We were running late … Rosa our landlady had already in the morning arranged flowers for us and also got us a rain cover and decorated the patio. Chad was supposed to help Elmer out with getting ready but since the whole schedule was a bit screwed up he stayed at his place and we all left together. Sophie, Marcel’s’ sister got dropped off at work and we got dropped off at our place. We were running late so I changed shoos in the car and got the right jewelry on … By the way we got there the noatry was already there but he told him that we were waiting for our witness … since he is a friend of Rosa’s that a no problem. He later on got his wife and we all waited for Marcela to show up. The joke was she finally showed up and thought that all she had to do was sign her name and when we told her she had 5 minutes to change and get ready she was like my God you guys haven’t even started yet. She changed in a flash and we got started. I was kind of nervous and excited … but I was also so happy as you can tell when looking at the pictures. The ceremony was over and than I was in for a surprise. Marcela knew our notary’s wife because her brothers used to play with her son’s. Such a small world! We had champagne afterwards and suddenly some more people showed up with a very obnoxious little boy. He was more annoying than any show shine boy and that can mean something. Once that was done and dusted we arranged the food and drinks for the night. The boys went out later to get more since the first guests finished off so much! Most of our friends that we had invited showed up. Ema and Mario came to and than I found out the she was actually the sister-in-law from Rosa but they don’
T really gets along. Great! Since I didn’t know that they made civil conversation and all and I only found out the next day. We had a really fun night with all the friends here. In the end I was cold and tired and so was Elmer. We were glad whenever had left and we cleaned up outside a bit and went off to bed. Our first day as a married couple we spend with getting up and having brunch at Café Sky and visiting Marcela in the Spa. Afterwards we were so tired that we went home and slept, woke up had dinner and went back to bed. I think it was all the stress that we were so beat since we didn’t drink that much. He was the perfect host made sure everyone was taken care of while I made my round for small talk etc. We even got to dance to bit just to get warm again o,)) the best thing though is that my dream has come true. Nothing has changed we are still the same people are only feeling more secure and are even more in love than before. We wake u every morning and just smile at each other or tease each other but there is always laughter and that is what life is about. I found the love that I was looking for and we will make it although it isn’t always easy since we are similar but the culture is different and not to forget the difference man and woman (“man are from Venus and woman are from Mars”).
The side of my face was getting better and the earache was getting better but every now and than it was more persistent and I decided that it was time to see the doctor. He checked my ears first and told me that they are fine. I was like but I don’t understand why they hurt than. I showed him than the swollen part of my face and he looked at me in surprise and told me that I had mumps. I could only recall that it was a kiddie’s disease but not anymore what it was and what the symptoms are etc. I had to look that one up in the Internet later. Anyway he gave me some pills and I got told that minimum for 5 days better 10 days I was ordered to do nothing. Any of you think well should be fun think again. I mean I didn’t have fever or major pain so I felt fine it was just there and therefore a few days it is fun sleeping in, reading a book in the sun and getting a tan, going out at night every now and than or just watching TV … gets boring after a while. I was more upset about the fact that I wasn’t able to continue my salsa classes and couldn’t sign up for the gym. I am feeling so unfit right now and have the feeling because I hardly do anything that I will be fat and unfit in no time and it is frustrating. I have waited my 10 days and it is almost gone now. I will visit the doctor again Monday and find out what I am now allowed to do … we had taken two classes so far with Mike. It sure was fun starting from scratch but suddenly you start thinking about your steps and because you think too much you start messing up stuff that usually you don’t even think about. Elmer is enrolled in his English classes. We found a good teacher and maximum hours for a good price. He now has 6 hours per week and it is he and two other people it level. He is really excited about learning something new. The first weekend after the wedding we went to Pana on Saturday and from there we took a shuttle to Chichi in the morning. The market is really amazing and worth visiting for a couple of hours. I was thinking about buying a little wallet and maybe a purse if I could fin one that I liked. Elmer was excited about trying out his new backpack. He was surprised how quickly it was full with changed of clothes, clothes for going out and rain jackets. Being close to Lago Atitlan the weather can be very chilly and cold – differently cold than in Antigua and surrounding! In the end we really used all the clothes except for the rain jackets. I still had to get used to change in temperature. It is more extreme now than it was the months before. We found a really nice hotel in Pana. It was s new it wasn’t even on any map yet which means the bed was a dream and the hit shower was great. The nightlife wasn’t really our cup of tea as far the music went to many people from Guate around. The place were we had dinner though was wonderful and very original. We did almost everything by chicken bus and had our snacks in the difference comedores on the way. I like that way of traveling since we never have any problem and it is one of those times when I think my background come sin handy. The few gringos that also take the chicken buses stick out like sore thumbs. We had breakfast in chichi and grabbed a bit before leaving. There are still lots of things on the menu here that are new for me. If he likes it he buys it and than I get to try it and if I like it than I will have it as well. We took the bus from Chichi to Chimal which goes through to Guate and that is how that guy was driving. If you know the route than you know there are lots of serpentines and the guy was overtaking other buses and trucks going uphill and stuff. I have long ago decided not to look out ahead and just try not to think about it. This time it was kind if scary though since the bus was full to the last seat (imagine a US school bus and normally 3 people on one side and 2 on the other side but here you juts let 2 more people support each the by sitting in the middle and market day so the overhead was full and lots of bundles on the roof as well). Elmer was more scared than I was and he was more than happy to get of that bus and to change to the one to Antigua. We made it with changing buses in 2,5 hours from Chichi to Antigua and that is even faster than a shuttle ride. So go figure how well the drivers’ go here! It was good to see some more of the country.
In the week from the 13.11. We had almost every night full house. It had started out with Marcela and me deciding to fix dinner and out place. We had wanted to do that for ages but it never happened. In the beginning I was very tired and I don’t know if it was because I was sick or not but because my ears hart ever now and than my balance was slightly impaired if I walked around to long. I old Elmer I would take a nap and he said he would go out to make photocopies and than come back. Instead I wake up realize what time it is and call him. He was having drinks with his buddy in Monoloco … someone was knocking on the door and it was Marcela. We were talking about where our husbands were and what they were up to. So we started preparing dinner and hoping that they would show up. Chad did and he was drunk which is so funny since he starts talking only in Spanish than and is even more fun than usual. Once he heard that Elmer was in Monoloco he was like I will go get him … we called Elmer and told him that Chad as on his way and that they should please come together. In the end dinner was doe and they didn’t show up so we decided to have dinner and some cubas. We girls had fun and when they showed up we were in high spirits. Chad had some food while Elmer just wanted water. The four of us went out since we wanted to dance but nothing came of it. The boys had had more rounds in Monoloco and hadn’t told us girls but the result was that Chad disappeared of to the bathroom. Elmer went looking for him since Marcela was getting worried about him. In the end Fernando and Hiroko showed up and Fernando told us that Chad was sitting in the street not looking all that hot. Marcela took him hem and we stayed a while longer with them. I had reached my limit for the day and declined any more offers but Elmer was game … He had a nice hang over the next day. Marcela and me were just grinning since we don’t cross our limits but occasionally the boys do - must be a macho thing! Since there was so much food left over we had invited Fernando and Hiroko over for dinner. It was fun and not very long since we were still tired from the night before and fern ado had to get up early. The Friday night was Hiroko’s good-bye dinner at our place. It was fun to watch them. Hiroko and two other japans friend fixed a salad and Chow Mein for all of us. It was a MIX OUT OF Spanish, English and Japanese since the language skills are very differently distributed. Fernando had to work longer than claimed that he had been knocking on the door forever but no one answered and no answered their cell phones etc. so in the end he decided to go home and sulk. I was like what he can’t do that it is he good-bye dinner and he goes home and sulks … what a boyfriend, loser! Of course he was out and about a d not at home since the remedy here is called lets forget sorrow in the bottle. Dinner was entertaining and Hiroko wasn’t too upset about it. Elmer gave a speech and we had lots of laughs. Afterwards we went out and started out in rainbow. They were celebrating their 14th year anniversary. Elmer and me can’t stand the place. Must be beastie the people who hang around there are either drug users or dealers. We bumped into Hugo and the boys from the gym and danced a bit and had some drinks. It was so quiet that e than went to Sin Ventura where we found Fernando. From there we went home and I was glad about that because I was tired by than. Saturday night it was Marcela’s surprise birthday party. Chad had invited some friends over and it was fun. I got to meet her best friends and more of her family. We had drinks and some food and than went to town. Since she lives on the outskirts we took a car and we managed to get 9 people into the car. It was fun! We checked out different places for dancing and at 1am called it a night. Sunday was spent with being lazy since we had enough of all the partying. During the days we were busy with our marriage license getting that one legalized. This week we took it to the German embassy and got told that fir the German authorities it will have to get translated. Fine since in the same house there is translator we decided to take it there straight away. The only thing that is still open is that we once we have that than we have to wait for his visa for Germany as for the Spanish side I still don’t quite buy it that he needs absolutely nothing. My embassy recommended that I speak to the consul directly and get more information that way. Today being Friday Elmer is off to his English classes while I have borrowed Chad’s PC to catch up on my log since I am so far behind. Tomorrow Elmer might join Fernando on a trip up the volcano at 5am until 3pm. I would like to go to since I haven’t seen that one yet and it will be freezing cold that much is for sure. On the other hand Sonja might come from Guate and visit me tomorrow but than again maybe on Sunday … I guess I will have o check my mail and make some phone calls to find out what is going on.
Weather: During the day there are still some sun hours where I can sit in the garden here and enjoy about 3 hours in the sun there and than move into the apartment and get some sun there for maybe another 2 hours. That is the time while the apartment will warm up slightly. I am already using my turtlenecks and sometimes also the thermal underwear like when I am cold and just get warm again. The warm water bottles came in handy as well. The sleeping bag was the best investment that is for sure. To give you can example during the day in the sun the temperature can be above 30 degrees C and at night they go down to 10degrees C and in December it will drop even more. Right now lot of locals has colds no big surprise there. We try to eat enough vitamins and using the vitamin & mineral pills will hopefully help to fight off any cold.
Washing clothes once again by hand in the basin outside is good fun and the water is so freezing cold. Only the sleeping bag gets taken to the washing salon o,)))
Time is flying once again here but I enjoy my time although I wish I could do more … because Elmer and me are together again.

Mum and Dad were coming to pick me up and of course my phone had run out of credit. I used Roberto’s to tell them that the train was already an hour late and that they should call me so that I could give a better estimate of when I would be arriving in Frankfurt. In the train we got a time stamp of the delay on our tickets. I got started to chat with a girl from Mongolia and she told me if I could get the ticket refunded I would be more than welcomed to hers since she would be flying back home the next day with her friends. At the train station they gave away free drinks, which I really needed since it was so dry in the train and than got my refund sorted out … called Mum and Dad since I hadn’t seen them and suddenly they were there right in front of me. We went home and had dinner and afterwards we want to see Dominic play in Oberursel im “Brauhaus”. It was jazz but it was lacking the spirit and was rather boring. He was happy to see me and I got introduced to his friends. The smoke though was hard on my eyes and I got tired really quickly.
I had managed to deal with almost everything except my insurance so I called a guy up from Victoria and managed to take care of my insurance on Sunday. Monday was passed with seeing and talking with some more friends and Tuesday was there very soon … the only difference was that this time I got to see bye twice since I was still hunting for my adapter o,))) and had no luck! It was good to be home and it will always be home just like the place where I am is home. In Madrid I bought some Turron and some food since on the short flight you could BUY your food since it wasn’t for free (thanks Mum the banana and grapes came in handy) - only on the long haul to Guate. I was sitting next to a doctor and it was pleasant enough and the food was okay and the air as well as a matter of fact it was better than the flight with Air France in business. I arrived safe and sound after a long flight.

Monday I was brought to the train station in Frankfurt by everyone and when I arrived in Utrecht Roberto picked me up. It was so good to see you again, carino! We went to his place and I made myself comfortable there and unpacked a bit. Since it was dinnertime we went out. In the restaurant we talked more than we were eating and the waitress was hovering close by since we took forever to finish our appetizer o,))) It was a good start of my stay. The next day I had at night my check-up at Visionclinics and it was also the yearly control and everything is fine. Both eyes aren’t 100% yet but I didn’t want to have both done at once since I didn’t know how much that would impact me since I also had so much to do still. The left eye op was scheduled for Thursday afternoon. In the mean time I went to see my notary and find out what had been happening with the house sale, saw the dentist and took care of everything else that I had to. The op went smoothly and after resting at home I texted Roberto to find out where he was and he told me that he was still in the “Guardian” so I decided to come out for a bit since just being at home was depressing. I got to see some of my ex-colleagues and Wensley was one of them. However walking around with the protective sunglasses, which are very dark tinted, made it an interesting walk. I was glad that we left together and I could hold someone’s hand and not fall on my face since I was happily misjudging heights. Roberto was a sweetheart who took great care of me during the whole time. The doctor told me that I might not sleep well and that Saturday would be an awful day for me and that I shouldn’t be afraid to take painkillers. Instead when we went to bed I slept through and overslept my appointment. The lady who did the check-up just laughed and looked at me and went like oh guess since you are so small and not much weight the Valium must have knocked you out. The eye was healing nicely and no problems. Afterwards I had arranged a lunch date with Herman outside of the bank to catch up on things. After lunch we went back to the bank and I made my round and said hello to everyone. It was nice to see everyone back and set up some dates for the next week. The weekend was spend resting, shopping, Roberto and I spending time together and getting to know each other even better. It was nice to have such an easy rapport and it felt in a way like we had always lived together except that of course we didn’t know each other food preferences for example. Monday I was supposed to meet Claire but she cancelled. I had my second check-up and it went well. In the morning I also had to see the notary and got an explanation to why things had taken forever and why more money was involved than originally thought. One of the days I went to Den Hague to see the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The good thing was since I was so early they could do it in 15 minutes than I called the Guatemalan embassy and I could also come by and wait until the paper was signed off. The German side of the paperwork was going along nicely as well. I had lunch dates with Robil and Harald and it was some catching up although just not enough time for more talking. I was supposed to meet Menno a week before but the train he was on as “usually” only went to Breukelen instead of Utrecht and than headed back to Amsterdam. Pim, his brother, and I meet up for coffee but it turned into having drinks afterwards and than even dinner. So by the time I showed up at home Roberto had already texted me and asked if I was coming home anytime soon. Carino, that is the part that I love about you are so easy going and I am sure that you give your girl-friend a lot of breathing space as well. Perfect I must say! I was in a great mood since we had dinner at the tapas place and I must have been reeking of garlic … hey not my fault if he didn’t have any and I warned you o,))) One of the days I stopped at Broodje Mario to get a calzone and Mario asked me what nationality I am and I chatted with him in Spanish a bit and as a gift I got a bottle of wine. Roberto and I finished that one of after my date. Thursday night being “Old Dutch” night I went to the bank to meet up with my old team. I was happily surprised to see even Ming there for a coke. I must say that I was disappointed to find out that Herman got nothing as in a round of drinks in the bar after 5 years of working for the company. As well as not even the whole team turning out for the last drink night. I can’t really say that speaks for a good team, makes me wonder what has happened in the six months when I was gone and in a way glad that I don’t have to return to it. I would probably be frustrated and unhappy in no time. I made it an early night. Friday night and the end of my stay drawing close I still had to meet Menno. I didn’t want to but he wanted to see me in person. In the end it was an okay meeting but added no real value except that that chapter is closed now. At night I went with Roberto to see the boys play indoor soccer. It was entertaining to say the least o,)) Afterwards once we got changed – whoever said boys are quicker than girls is lying – we went out for drinks and than dancing. I got a bit depressed about the fact that it was my last night in the Netherlands for a while and also when I return than it will be as a tourist and it won’t be the same anymore. Carino, thanks and I will take you up on your offer and your promise! The next day was there and I had to pack my stuff and in the end I had to almost sit again on my bag to shut it. We went to the train station and I hate saying good-bye and so of course at one stage or other I was crying. The train, which I expected to be delayed 15 minutes due to construction work on the rails, was delayed about an hour … so we got a bite and than waited for the train to show up. I was crying by the time I had to board. Carino, I can’t thank you enough not only for having let me stay with you and your hospitality but also I want to thank you for being my friend!
Mum and Dad were coming to pick me up and of course my phone had run out of credit. I used Roberto’s to tell them that the train was already an hour late and that they should call me so that I could give a better estimate of when I would be arriving in Frankfurt. In the train we got a time stamp of the delay on our tickets. I got started to chat with a girl from Mongolia and she told me if I could get the ticket refunded I would be more than welcomed to hers since she would be flying back home the next day with her friends. At the train station they gave away free drinks, which I really needed since it was so dry in the train and than got my refund sorted out … called Mum and Dad since I hadn’t seen them and suddenly they were there right in front of me. We went home and had dinner and afterwards we want to see Dominic play in Oberursel im “Brauhaus”. It was jazz but it was lacking the spirit and was rather boring. He was happy to see me and I got introduced to his friends. The smoke though was hard on my eyes and I got tired really quickly.
I had managed to deal with almost everything except my insurance so I called a guy up from Victoria and managed to take care of my insurance on Sunday. Monday was passed with seeing and talking with some more friends and Tuesday was there very soon … the only difference was that this time I got to see bye twice since I was still hunting for my adapter o,))) and had no luck! It was good to be home and it will always be home just like the place where I am is home. In Madrid I bought some Turron and some food since on the short flight you could BUY your food since it wasn’t for free (thanks Mum the banana and grapes came in handy) - only on the long haul to Guate. I was sitting next to a doctor and it was pleasant enough and the food was okay and the air as well as a matter of fact it was better than the flight with Air France in business. I arrived safe and sound after a long flight.

Back at home I had to go through my boxes and suitcases to find fresh clothes, documents that I needed etc. It was strange being back home as a guest and not really having a “home” (guess Antigua would qualify since I have a house key). I surprised myself by managing to stay up all day and even watched a bit of TV at night. I slept through only woke up around 5am and had problems to go back to sleep.
The next day was full with appointments doctor, notary, bank etc. all the fun stuff! Elmer and I got to chat via Skype a bit as well so he didn’t feel so far away.
The weekend I was also at home and got to see my little brother who is a far cry from being little. It is kind of interesting to see how we both turned out. Currently we are closer than before just the kind of people we both hang with are very different. Of course Mum and Dad were worried about my decision since it is so out of tune for me to do, get married after knowing someone only for about 6 months. I actually would have been upset if they hadn’t reacted worried etc. Not that it feels very comfortable having to defend your belief that you are doing the right thing for yourself. Of course I also have had my doubts and all but no warning lights went off during the whole time we lived together and spent together. He is just a wonderful person and has so much to give and is really curious about anything new and there is so much to learn … the most important thing though is that he makes me happy on a daily basis. We have had our ups and downs already and we have always come through them stronger. Dominic was backing me in the end through the conversation and that was a nice surprise! It was so nice to be home and get pampered by Mum and Dad. Sunday was time to pack my bag to go to the Netherlands for 13 days.