Apr 2006

Well, I was actually pretty beat when I came home Wednesday night and called it an early night. I watched after dinner with Ema and Mario ¨Troy¨ it ended around 9pm, read a book and went to sleep around 10pm.

Thanks for the calls Sweety, made my morning so much better! It was the last day in school and I still have to think of something to give Carmen as a present. I hadn´t found the right thing for her yet. She is so nice! I will miss her. School was over and than it was time for lunch. I was so tired and since there were like 6 kids running around the house it was all just a bit too much. I slept for a while no matter how much noise they make. Chelsea went to town early. Camilla stopped by for a chat since she was a bit bored. We made a date for later to go to town together since we both had dates around 6pm. Robert called to tell me if we could move the time up since he had to clean his bedroom because the dog had found his cookies and they were all over his bed and floor ... While I was waiting for Roberto I got company from someone else! Here it really doens´t take long to have guys talking to you. Robert and me discussed where to go for dinner. He had heard from his teacher that there was a good place a bit further down the street we were on. It seemed to be forever and suddenly we had police and military uniforms in front of our noses. That area was really safe therefore. It was actually the most chic place I had seen in a while and the prices matched it as well. We had a quick look around and decided on the restaurant for dinner that I had found in the Lonely Planet. However, for his birthday we will return to ¨Panza Verde¨, get all dressed up and have fun together there! The place we went to ¨Queso y Vino¨ was really nice as well and the wine was great and the chat as well. We got to know each other better and I think that we might hang together a bit more in future when I return from my 2 weeks vacation. After dinner we went to La Sala and split up there since he got the message that someone was waiting for him in parque central. I started chatting with the guys I had meet at the after party until Elmer showed up. Who had called me surprise, surprise during dinner time asking if I would come out dancing. It was a fun night until this stupid cow managed to get my ankle real well with her stiletto. Skin is scrapped off and it is slightly swollen which takes care of what I will be wearing in Tikal - boots! It was all over again way too quickly and I crashed at his place. I walked in this morning around 8am and had my breakfast, a shower and than went to school. Vilma needed my passport number for the certificate and I chatted a bit with the rest. Tobias showed up and told us that he had been jumped here at night and that they tried to rob him but that he had defended himself and that is why his hand and leg are slightly mutilated. Too be honest his own bloody fault. He should know better than to go wandering alone around 2am at the bus station here in Jocotenago that is like an invitation! Now I am quickly online and than I will go home for lunch, meet Vilma later on since she will show me the project and afterwards I will meet Camilla for grocery shopping. I bet we will be hungry when we leave so early in the morning and the flight itself is around 6am and doesn´t even last an hour. If I get out of Antigua at a reasonable time I might go to bed for some sleep and than go dancing since I had promised Felix to return something to him otherwise I will stay in ...

I did my shopping today, withdrew money at the ATM before the run started at the banks again. Every Friday here is pay day and the lines at the banks are crazy. Also at the 1. and 15. are not very good ideas to do bank transactions inside, take forever! I thought it better to try to withdraw money today since in the weekends it happens that the ATMs are empty or are out of order. Monday being Labour Day here means all banks will be closed etc. I am glad that Camilla and em will go by plane and return Sunday means a whole morning to sleep in for me while for her it means a phone interview on Monday mornring. If we aren´t too beat we will say bye to Anja and Suzanna who are going travelling and might or might not return here again. I had dinner in the mean time and now I only have to pack my stuff together for the trip and than I am off to bed to get rid of this stupid cold for good. I have been sleeping a lot lately and have been taking it very easy with everything, oh well! As long as my ears will be fine than I will be fine as well ... Next week vacation time which means nothing that I really have to do and we can just chill and talk and do nothing like lying in a hammock and watch time go by ... I am sure that I´ll be ready afterwards to get started with my project.

Last evening was good fun. I left the internet place and almost got completely soaked on my way back. My sandals were wet and when I passed the supermarket I just had to buy an umbrella. I ended up with an intact one after looking through 20 or more and the design is lovely: flowers and the colors scream Grandma. At least I didn't get more wet but the market was flooded and lots of people were wandering around barefoot. I didn't dare do that because there is just too much glass on the street and other stuff that I wouldn't want to step in. It was so dark on the way back that I was just grateful that I had to get off at the end stop. I walked home and Ema opened the door since I couldn't be asked to look for my key. She had put a towel on the floor so that the house would stay kind of clean. Chelsea saw me with the umbrella and let out a jipee because she had also gotten soaked but was so lazy so that all she did was get a tuc-tuc home. I was dumping my things in my room when the phone went off and Roberto had finally managed to work out how to use his phone. He was going out with Sjors for a beer and we would meet later. I changed clothes and had to show what I had bought. Ema was very impressed with the skirts and complimented me on them, Mario as well as a mater of fact. After dinner I tried out the little sweets that Elmer had given me. They were like donut holes with lots of sugar. They tasted nice and I shared it with the whole family. I think that I will wear the new black skirt for Thursday nights dancing. I had to wear the new top straight away. The temperature had dropped but I was hoping around Monoloco in the T-Shirt and only at the end of the night decided to put on my fleece since I was so sweaty and afterparty behind under the stars makes it rather chilly. Our couples were sitting at the table making out so that was really boring but thank God I know by now lots of people and just started milling around. I have to find new people soon the crowd that I am with right now is about to break up soon. People going traveling, friends and family coming over ... or returning home again. Nicole and me had a nice chat as well beign her last night. I ended up chatting with some lawyer and some tour guide for Antigua in my best Spanish O). Mike wasn't to be found but I ended up at the table of the German speaking people which was good laughs. Camilla and me left in the end though and went on to Sin Ventura for some dancing. I hadn't really intended to dance but before I knew it I had plenty of guys around me. The nice thing is though that they are friends of Elmer and they keep their distance. It was so much fun and Anja and Suzanna were so happy drunk that we decided to move on to the after-party. I had send Heidi a message to tell Chelsea that we would make our own way home. We sure had major fun at the after party although the location is kind of strange. We couldn't leave when we wanted to though since the police was outside and we had to wait for them to disappear. I got taught a new dance but since I was slightly tipsy it didn't go well but we had lots of laughing fits. The pictures sure show how much fun we had O))Emanuel gave us a ride home so I was in bed by 3am. Since I hadn't had a reply to my text from Heidi or Chelsea I just assumed they were cool!

This morning Chelsea waltzed in around 6.30am when Ema opened the door. I was kind of surprised but figured that she was with Diego and Heidi and Luis. I was wrong she hadn't taken her house key with her and had relied on me. She tried calling me but no connection was so be had so she crashed at Heidi's right next door. She got to sleep on the coach and was freezing cold there. Only later today did Heidi and her realize that she could have slept in Hanne's bed ... really smart! When I woke up this morning my legs were killing me. It sure felt more like I had done limbo dancing last night than Salsa and others. I had a lovely phone talk O)) and cornflakes for breakfast. I was again in such a good mood that Ema is just smiling as well as Mario. I was wearing my new long skirt and I love it! By now I have gone native with my clothes and my color is getting there as well o) After next week with some proper beach time I hope to really be there! School was fun today maybe because I know only one more day to go but what I really need I have learnt (why do I need subjunctivo I can also say it differently O)) no just kidding but I am picking up more and more and only when I have to think about rules does it go wrong. When I can just talk that it is mostly right and I use the correct tense. After school we went home and since Ema was out she had told me that she had prepared our food already. Today it was a fruit salad which was yummy. I went off for a much needed shower and than took a nap! Around 3pm I meet Camilla and we went to town. I had to get more cash from the ATM's and was in for more fun and games with these stupid things. By now I have figured out which bank group to use since they aren't such a pain in the butt for using their machine. Off we went to the travel agency to get our tickets and are now really going for the weekend to Tikal. Camilla had a date with Terry who was already waiting for her in the park. Elmer had called me earlier but I could hardly understand him in the bus. We will meet again before he starts work in one of the cafes here and I can really do with either a proper drink or a piece of cake. Afterwards I will go home and Chelsea just called to say that she will be home for dinner. I can still make up my mind than if I want to go out or not.

Well, time to go now otherwise I will be the one running really late for my date and I am trying to get him to be on time O)) He is already improving and he is reliable since he had said that he would call me and he was a bit tipsy last night as well.

well, last night it kept on pouring until like 2.30am. Elmer had called the mobile and my place and the mobile again but I was out earlier and than Chelsea had the phone ... but Heidi came along to pass the message on which was great! So I called him (another 15 minute conversation and I am so happy that I can do it) and we were both like no the weather sucks and we both can´t be asked to move out of the house. I was watching a bit TV, chatting with Milton, writing a leter etc. I had to steal the phone out of Chelsea´s bedroom since she had falen asleep with it. Sweety thank you so much for that very lovely call! I went back to sleep and feel very rested today I must say. School was fun because I actually knew what I was doing and I am more motivated now because I will have to speak the next two weeks non-stop Spanish and that is so much better to ... Well, after school I didn´t take a nap since I had so much sleep it is strange actually. Oh well, I went with the girls to town and went on a shopping binge but it was so much fun to be honest and I have now everything that I might need for a while. I found my towels for beach and regular one, some earrings, a handbag, flip flops etc. Than Camilla and me booked ourselves the trip to Tikal for the weekend. We think that we might stay up all night Friday since the shuttle pick-up is at 3.30am Saturday! I am curious how the plane ride will be in a baby plane o,)) After that Camilla went off for her meeting and I was waiting for Elmer who was running late. We grabbed a quick coffee and tea and quickly discussed next week. I thought what the hell try the net again since due to lightning the power here is going frequently. I am really happy though that the blog saves my writing. Other than that all that is new is that Robert has finally managed to work out how to use his phone. Who has ever said that men know whow to use a mobile o,))) So I guess we might go for dinner tomorrow night o,)) I will have to head off to the buses soon to be back in time for dinner. Ema washed some of my clothes today (I had orignally thought not necessary but actually aal my pants were dirty only jeans not; so I bought two skirts today as well to have something different to wear) and the funny thing is that it was boiling hot today but around 4pm it changed to more rain and thunderstorming and lightning. I am happy that my baby backpack has the rain cover otherwise it would really suck to get everything wet.

Gotta run now!

and it only hit me today that I have left Germany 22.03. and have been off work a bit longer than that! Guess what I don´t miss work at all! Amazing actually since I thought that I am more or less married to my work. Today I had a good talk with Ema over lunch. She said that I basically radiate happiness everyday except for the day when I was sick. She also complimented me on the fact that I look always very photogenic in the pictures that were taken so far. I don´t quiet agree since there are some action pictures that I don´t like all that much ,)) but hey I am having a good time here. People have the same problems like everywhere else but the mentality is more my style.

Yesterday it finally rained which explained why everyone was a bit more slow and quiet. The weather just made us all tired and when it started raining the timing was far from perfect since we got soaked going to Cafe Sky for Hanne´s birthday dinner. The rain felt good in a way since the humidity has increased but since it isn´t raining season yet the locals find the weather rather odd. Oh well, I had a top under my T-Shirt and put my fleece over it and didn´t get too cold but my T-Shirt was damp all night. It was Heidi, Hedda, Chelsea and me at first for the dinner and later Nicole and her travel buddy came by as well. Nicole told me that she is happy to leave early that night since they had just returned from a trip. Also she prefers a nice and quiet night every now and than and some proper talks. She is leaving Wednesday though and we will have bye-bye drinks Tuesday night in Monoloco. I made it last week no alcohol unless it counts having two sips of the local beer. I didn´t like the taste of it way too sweet. Gallo is a bit better but it always gives me a weird aftertaste in the mornings. So I think I rather stick with Cuba Libre o,)) or other rum based drinks. Hanne had dessert and I had asked in my best Spanish if they could put a candle on it so that she could make her birthday wish O) Eventually Alejandro showed up with Carlos and kept on babbling forever. The gang was like who is Carlos. I went I don´t know he is a friend from Alejandro. That is the next thing actually Antigua is very small and once you get to know a few people before long you run into the same people and everyone chats with everyone. When I went after internetting to Cafe 2000 for the afternoon movie (no charge but you usually you order drinks and food for the 2pm movie) it was ¨Madagascar¨ and I liked it. I got stopped on the way by someone saying hola Claudia. I have seen him around and he knows lots of people and the guys do the handshake thing but I have no clue what his name is but he certainly knew mine. Other than that after we were done with dinner we left and Hedda and Hanne wanted to go home but no tuc-tucs to be seen. We told them that they have to walk back with us to La Sala sine that is safer than that area where the cafe is. Later on they got the tuc-tuc home from there. Enzo showed up just than as well and said hello to everyone. He was on his way to play poker. Mike was there as well and I was his good luck charm for a short while but during that time he won money but refused to say that I brought him good luck o,)) Men!!! The guys from poker also know my face by now and just smiled at me. While all they said to Chelsea and Enzo was same old, same old, they kept on argueing that he hadn´t called as promised and therefore had 3 strikes and was out (means she can date Diego now). The joke is only that he invented it all o,))) We called it an early night since the rest of boys didn´t feel like going out and our clothes were kind of damp.
When I woke up this morning my throat was acting up again but other than that I was fine. I am glad that my room is the coolest because it doesn´t get as quickly damp like Chelsea´s. Sweet thanks for the very extensive phone call o,)) I was running a bit late for school but for some reason I was the one most motivated today. No idea why! I was chatting with the teachers in the break and with Lionel (he picked me up from the airport is one of the head honchos here). After school I went home and had a nice chat with Ema. Mario came home for lunch and we had a fun talk. I think that when Chelsea is gone (6. may) than I will have more talks with Ema and will actually learn more Spanish. She is so nice and always busy with cleaning or washing something. I must say that I have one if the better rooms others don´t even have mirrors or even fleas in their beds ... Great! After lunch I went to my room and slept a bit. I woke up and had sleep in my eye es so I was asleep very deep. Since it was pouring outside I decided to wait for an interlude to go out. I wanted to withdraw cash yesterday but all the ATMs in Antigua where either not taking my card or had run out of money. So I got my money today and have decide to stop in the Internet on my way home. Today I think that I will stay in and take it easy unless Elmer doesn´t have to work tonight than I might go out but the weather just really puts me off anyway!

God I am glad that I am able to save what I was typing because lightning just struck the cable here and all PCs went dead. Most rebooted and came back online but the one that I had is dead now. Otherwise I would have lost work of 45 minutes and that sucks!

It wasn´t really all that exciting! We met the rest in the park and waited for everyone to show up and than we went off for food in Monoloco since Luis just said that is where he wants to go since we all couldn´t make a decision. We stayed there for ages until I just couldn´t sit anymore on the benches and we went for a walk. I was chatting with Luis´s friend Stanley (who is playing on the national baseball team) and is studying to be a chef. It was an interesting enough conversation when his girl-friend wasn´t calling o,)) It got cold in the park and we left around midnight.

Today we slept in until 9am but actually I was awake by myself around 7am and just snoozed. Other than that I got myself a bowl of cereal and tea. At around 9.20am Heidi showed up and we got ready to go to Cafe Fernando for breakfast. The owner was really nice because although I hadn´t played Trivia yesterday I also got a free breakfast since he said that I also belong to the team. Than we did some shopping and I bumped into the Swiss girls and we might do some activities together which sounds like a real good plan. To kill time today we will go see a movie later on. Other than that it is Hannah´s birthday and we already got her two books. So we will return home after the movie get changed and than go out and I hope that later on I will meet Mike at poker. So it will be another early night! I bought two English books today for 42Q which is just really great! Now I better go check my inbox. Hope everyone had a good weekend! I must say that I like these chilled weekends!