Jul 2006

Saturday was over in a flash and the only thing to report is that at night we were like let’s go out. We ended up in Queso y Vino and got a superb advice on what wine to have with our pizza since we were starving. They really have the best pizza in town in my book. Afterwards we went to have a drink in Reilly's and had fun there.
Sunday we both had to work as usual. When he wasn't around I worked on the present and got it almost done.
Monday we both took a day off and he went to visit his son and I finished his present which was great. I wrote the card in Spanish but the album is in English so for him to understand it he has to study English o,))) He had a very relaxed day in contrast to me since I had to arrange the last little bits and pieces and had to do grocery shopping. He showed up with his son in the supermarket and apologized for me having to carry all that stuff back home. The reply he got was so what else is new. He didn't get my sarcasm. I told him later that I wasn't upset about it today but since I usually do it I always have to carry the heavy stuff since we do grocery shopping like once a week and that is usually me. I told him though that if little things are going to run low like milk or stuff he can also buy it instead of moaning about not having it for his coffee. I was mad about that and other little things and he finally got the point. He promised to help more wonder if I will get to see results ... He came home very late but I have learnt by now not to wait for him and made dinner. I was having mine when he came in and he liked my weird combo so that was fine. We had a little argument about something and he sulked a bit. In the end we went to Red's for drinks and bumped into Josue and his friends. At first we had our own table and than joined them. It was okay and the daiquiris were nice and not too strong. Going on midnight we changed bars and went to Reilly’s. I asked if he could get a drink being his birthday and of course he got a free beer. The part that I hadn't counted on was that the bartender would get the whole bar to sing happy birthday. Elmer being the center of attention just smiled and blushed. We got att to take some picks and than some crazy one's all together his group as well. Right now the fiesta for Antigua is going on. On the way home we passed the park and the last little tents were still making tortillas with stuffing so we stopped to have a bite and it was very tasty and different but my stomach can handle that stuff now without a problem. At home when he was in the bathroom I got his gift out and put it on the pillow. He opened it and was as curious like a little kid. He made the same remark as you usually Dominic when reading my birthday card> this is a novel! He was really happy with his album and said thank you. The voucher for the spa left him a bit puzzled.

I woke up early and did some errands while he was still sleeping. I got back home and made pancakes. I wasn't feeling so hot and napped for another 30 minutes than we went of to the spa. We got a full hour massage both feel asleep afterwards than we got a facial and that was a nice feeling. In another room was the manicure and pedicure. My nails have never looked so well. The first time since I arrived here they got nail polish on them. When I asked him afterwards what he liked the most he was the massage and that your nails are painted. He really loves it when I run around looking very female and sexy o,)) we were both hungry by than and picked up a sandwich and went to the central park and had lunch. I told him sorry can't have more since in an hour we are having coffee. To kill some more time we got some pictures developed for his Mums' birthday. Chelsea had left me some nice frames which she never got around to use and now it is the perfect gift. I told him that I had made a reservation ...the part that he didn't know was that I had invited his parents. So he was really surprised when he saw them standing there. We had a nice coffee and to make it perfect while we were there his brother called him from Spain. We went back home afterwards and changed into our work clothes. At 6pm we both started work. Mine was busy so I hope that my tip for the day was good especially since I had to work until about midnight. I was ready to call it a night and go back home but instead I bumped into friends in front of Sin Venture who I hadn't seen in a while and we ended up chatting. So of course when it was 1am I went back into Monoloco and waited for Elmer. The boys took forever to tidy up so by the time we all left it was after 1.30am. The night was really cold and they wanted to have drinks in the park I was like no chance. If we are quiet than we can have a little party at our place and that is what we did. In the end we were 6 people total and had some drinks and chatted. I am starting to get better with understanding their slang. I couldn’t believe it when they went for more beer around 3am but the thing is there’s always someone who is open and still sells things at odd hours (private or pharmacies etc.). We kicked them all out about 4.30am since I was so tired. The whole night my right ankle hurt like hell and started swelling up but for the life of me I couldn't remember what I had possibly done. I could hardly stand on it and when we went to bed. Elmer insisted on putting some crème on it which at first was hot and than cold but gee that hurt and I was crying. The only thing that came to mind was in the spa the lady was a bit clumsy and by accident hit my ankle with the brimstone but I didn't think anything of it but that was the only thing that I could think of.

Today I was the first one to wake up and although my ankle hurt less it was far from being fine. Once I got up I went to clean up downstairs I can't stand empty bottles and stinking ash trays. I had a shower and went out and got the pictures that we had dropped of the day before and got a bandage to bandage my ankle up. I stopped by Mc Donald's to get us a bite since we needed the hangover food. I was feeling better than he was since Cubes, beer and champagne aren't such a great mix! I helped him bit with the gifts for his Mum but he basically had to finish that part of by himself since I had to get to work in Funky and was already running late. The night is okay so far and I even made a tip of 11Q - huuuhhhuuuu! Afterwards I am going home to drop some things of and than I will go back to Monoloco since tonight it is Jeffrey’s' birthday and Billy’s leaving drinks. Billy is one of the owners and he is going back to the States to study at Harvard. He has got a scholarship but when talking to him he doesn't seem that smart kind of a person so I guess that will be good fun. I just hope that we don't have to stay too long since either he has to lay soccer tomorrow morning or we have to get really early because we are going to visit with his parents his aunt in Lago Matitlan for the day.

Tim is back in town so when we did manage we met up for a drink and caught up on what has been happening. Who knows in maybe 6 months he might move down here and stay for a while or years... since his university has only offered him another year contract.
Monday night was Kate's last night so I had promised that if I would get off work at a reasonable time to meet her. Instead I met up with Elmer and a friend in Ricky’s and than we tried to track her down. She couldn't even tell us where she was and her Guatemalteken buddy was no help either so the 3 of us went to Reilly's for drinks. We sure had a good time there and went home very happy tipsy! My first real drink in ages which was very enjoyable.
Wednesday night I thought I would get off work early instead I got told that he had made a mistake and that I had to work until 1am. Morgan showed up for La Goma it basically means they turn one room into a disco and only serve drinks in Cafe Flor. The crowd that showed up was mainly drunk Americans and half the crowd is into drugs. Just fab! I did my job but couldn’t wait to get out there since the last time when I stumbled into it privately I couldn’t leave quickly enough. Not my cup of tea at all!
I have by now a little shop right on my block to which I go and try out different cakes that they sell if I feel like having something with my afternoon tea. The owner knows me by now and we chatted a bit. By now I get favored treatment and he makes me a good deal on his cakes o,))) you just have to love the little tiendas.
Thursday night after work we went dancing and for the 3 time since I have been here I went to an after party. The owner from Cafecito had invited me and told me that I wouldn't have to pay the entrance fee and neither my friends. So we had a really good time and I was surprised once again how many people I know by now. I chatted with pretty much everyone. I "stole" Mario's sombrero and walked around with it all night. In the end we stared dancing and I got lots of compliments ... We left very early something like 4am or so and back at our place we talked for at least another hour.
Friday was spent therefore lounging in bed and since we also had the biggest thunderstorm that we had yet. We were both like no we are not gong anywhere. The rain came through the front door and dripped happily down the walls and onto the staircase – the windows really aren’t the best quality and very accurate for closing. I guess we should count ourselves lucky that the rain didn’t hit our window next to the bed since we are unable to close that one at all and a wet bed isn’t my dream come true. We had very late brunch in bed and watched TV ... we both had to be at work at 6pm and that was okay. I made an okay tip after 10pm but before I think it just sucked! I went with Jose and Michelle (his daughter) for a drink in Cafe No Se. He drove me home since he always takes car of his girls as he says. Elmer was in the doorway with his jacket on and I was like oh so you just got here. I got a NO, where were you. I was working late and than we went for a drink. You didn't call me and you should have been home like 15 minutes ago ... he was really worried about me and had already walked over to Cafe Flor which of course was closed. I told him there is no need to worry since if I decide to spontaneously go out with friends I'll call him or at least send him a text. That is strange here some people will never get the texts and others will have it in a matter of seconds. The best part about the cell phones here and the pre paid cards is that once a week each provider has "doble tiempo" which means if you buy a card for 100Q you get credit for 200Q and it is good or a month.
Cafe Flor working there is mostly enjoyable except for the Wednesday nights. I really don't feel like bartending since I think than I might as well have gotten a job at Reilly's and make proper money there.
My Spanish is getting there since I called Elmer's parents today to arrange a date for his birthday and we can go and have a proper cake for his birthday. Since hot showers and baths are unheard of here unless you stay in a noble hotel or go to a spa which is costly there isn't all that much to do for relaxing. I was thinking already for a while to get a massage on a Tuesday since they offer a 2 for 1. I need to get our arrangement in for Tuesday as well and still have to find some bubbly here as well.
Saturday morning working here in Funky and finally catching up on my stuff here. I wanted to do so Thursday night but gee the place was full and I ended up chatting with lots of people. After work it is my turn to get the laundry done and since he gets off work around 6pm I might just finish up than. Either we go out for dinner or maybe if there is a good movie showing tonight than that and have a bite there ... anyway after that long afterparty we are both lets take it easy tonight. Also we both have to work tomorrow. He is pulling his double and I hope to find time to finish up his gift. Since I have got the lunch hour shift and dinner shift that ends at 10pm.
29. July is when my place is sold (just a few more days of keeping the fingers crossed) for good and I am really looking forward to that and will celebrate here.
Claudia, since yesterday when I got started on a seddukku puzzle I got hocked so now Jose has to provide me with his paper. During lunch hours that will be my new past time.

Monday was another free day for me that was enjoyed greatly on the terrace and I burnt my nose a bit since it turned red at night. My legs also had pretty much sun since the time when we were in the kayak at Lago Atitlan my pants covered my legs partly and they were white higher up but not anymore. I finished my book. In the afternoon we had our first session of English class. I learnt about as much as he did since I had to get the grammar right and make up questions using a limited vocabulary etc. It is challenging for me as well and that means I have to use my brain which is great! We both had fun but gee we were tired afterwards. So we started off writing words down of things in the room. We both learn better when we have things written down in front of us and this way we can both study since it is espanol/ ingles. I had gone to the market during the day and had stocked up our fridge since it was getting close to empty. We both wanted to go to the gym after his work but instead he wanted to have a bite before. He cut himself rather stupidly in the finger and the bleeding wouldn’t stop. First time I had to get my first aid kit out ... so in the end he was chilling and watching TV while I went off to the gym for my workout. I came home and he was fast asleep so I took my shower and prepared dinner. It was really delicious spaghetti Bolognese and as dessert freshly made fruit salad. I can tell you the pineapple was so good as well as the papaya ... our vitamins are taken care of for that week since I bought so much fruit. I must say that we eat very healthy because my breakfast is oatmeal or cereal with milk. Fruit we have either as smoothies with water, milk or yoghurt or just plain fruit. Since we have the new pans I eat less greasy than I did at Ema's. I sometimes wonder if my figure has changed here with my diet since some clothes feel more loose than before but maybe just my imagination. I tried to weigh myself the other day at the gym. Too funny, it was one those weighing machines where you have to adjust the weight by yourself. So I think it is now around 129 pounds but hey they never fine tune their machines.

The rest of the week was pretty much work, sleep ... nothing special to tell you guys. Whenever I get a chance I work on the present for him since that seems to be difficult when he is around it has turned into a night project. This week is once again the heat wave week and you just don’t want to move if you don’t have to so daily siesta is a very good option if I got around to it. Other than that started my job in Cafe Flor this week and I still have a lot to learn for waitressing and where what is etc. It has been fun though so far and it pays more than in Funky. Jose seems sometimes a bit like a mother hen with his restaurant and his daughter can be a pain in the butt. She wants to help and than messes things up more than before ... Of course we get the blame and only when her Dad tells her to stay out of something than she will. Oh well, she won’t be around forever since she is just visiting Daddy during school break. So I am trying to hold down two jobs which is good fun since one gets me free internet access and the other one takes care of some of my meals o,)))
Next week rent is due which means that I have been living there already for a month and time is flying by. I really don’t want to leave but at least I can always come back o,)))
Oh yes, I got to meet the boss from Funky Cesaer since Abbie is still in the States. He was nice to me but I got told that he can be pretty weird and get violent as well. Lea got to know him on his bad day and he was such an ass that the people in Funky where about to jump to her defense but she told them to keep their mouths shut since that was the boss.
Right now it is Sunday and I am on break from work. Time to get the laundry done and it is almost time to go and pick it up. I just bumped into Tim here and he has asked me to come by Reilly’s for a drink but I really don’t know if I want to do that ... depends on how my mood will be since Morgan will be part of the crew. I don’t know it is just that right now I still don’t feel like socializing with him. I stay away from people that drink too much constantly and who are into dugs. Just means trouble down the way. It was Camilla’s last night here Friday and I saw her briefly and was very glad about that. She was very emotional and one day she will come back as well...

Actually the end of my Friday shift was different than I thought. I was so tired and annoyed with everything that I basically told Lea you better double check that I counted the money right since I am not with it anymore. She was like okay. Elmer came by to pick me up and he got told to take good care of me. I got a back massage and we chilled until he had to go to work. I said that I would fix my dinner at 7pm and than just watch a bit of TV. Actually I finished my dinner and was asleep by 7.30pm and woke up at 9pm to turn off the TV and turned around afterwards. I woke up as Elmer came home and we chatted briefly before turning off the light again.

Saturday, the alarm went off at 7am for my breakfast and I had to be at work like 9am. Since I wasn’t quite with it the day before I had only the key for Funky and not for the main entrance. I had to wait until someone from Monoloco showed up to unlock the front door. I used the time to buy myself some lunch and had a tea with a cookie. I chatted with a guy who also is in Funky every now and than. Later on he had to go and I talked a bit more with Miguel. I opened almost an hour late but hey it was Saturday so who cares, right? Tourists sleep in and locals don’t want internet that early. Once I was up and running though I felt great after having had so much sleep I was like this is easy and it will be a good day. I watched the game Germany vs. Portugal here in Funky with some friends and it was good fun. Once I was done with my shift I was glad to hop out of here. Elmer had changed his shift so he got off at 6pm. I went to Jocotenango to pick up my FedEx package. In the bus I meet some of the guys who are friends from Elio and are from Germany and Switzerland. I chatted with them and got introduced to an American who now lives with Ema. The boys wanted to play ball but had to change so I got let in. Milton was in and we chatted a bit before I left again. They had some kind of small fair built up in the town square and it as draining all the electricity. I wanted to get a haircut and the lady went no problem if you trust me to cut it with this light. I was like it should be enough to just cut the split ends and once I was in the seat the lights came back on. The haircut was fine just the bangs are very short and I hope that they grow very quickly since right now they always fall in my eyes. I took the bus back to Antigua and picked Elmer up from work. We talked a bit about what we should do since we both had the night off, go out, have a drink ... since antibiotics and alcohol don't mix and I was getting tired of going out and sipping water or juices I was like I want to go out on one hand but on the other hand I just can’t be asked. We had a brief bite but not enough to fill our stomachs. He was like I will go out and buy us something. I had a mood swing out of no where and we ended up having a very serious conversation which took some hours. He needed some air after that one and was still hungry so he went out and I stayed in. He came back late and we chatted but skipped that topic and said lets talk abut it tomorrow.

Sunday, my fist day off this week and he had to go to work. I was helping him fix breakfast and when he left I happily went back to bed and chilled watching TV. Yes, it is Sunday so there isn’t all that much to do but the laundry was waiting to be done. So I took all the stuff during the final to the laundry place. I saw a few minutes from the first half and thought it was boring France vs. Italy! I got back home with my laundry right before the rain started and watched the last minutes of the overtime and than the golden goal shooting. It was kind of nice but nothing to go gaga about in my opinion although the fireworks looked really nice. Afterwards I tieded the room up and put away all the clothes. Elmer came home during his break and we chatted a bit. Once he was out of the house I started on my project called scrapbook for him. I got so into it that I had forgotten the time and when I heard the key in the door I was like what it is already that late. I told him that he can’t go upstairs just yet and he was like why. I told him birthday surprise. He is like a little kid and bombs me with questions as to what it is ... I love giving answers that just create more questions but don’t answer anything - so much more fun. He had some milk and I had some more water. I am finally getting there that I can drink my 3 liters per day without too much of a problem. He was pretty beat though since he had worked all day and he got a massage and than he was okay ... Although he had the morning shift he wasn’t really tired in that sense so we talked a bit while we both had our drinks and turned off the lights pretty late. Lots of things have been happening at his work. The bosses fired 4 guys on one day and they have implemented new rules, they put all the waiters on probation for a month, they now get monitored via the cameras and are supposed to rat out their colleagues if things look suspicious ... that makes right now for a bit awkward work atmosphere. I just don’t understand where that is coming from maybe all the redecorating etc. doesn’t go according to plan. The thing with two of the owners is that they have got tempers and they loose them frequently. They will chill eventually however you better stay away from them if you can. I am right now trying to make sure that he gets to work on time and only see him if I have to pass on a message so that they can’t use me as an excuse to fire him. In the afternoon I was called up by Jose and he asked me to come by so that I could have a look at the schedule and how it all works etc. I came over and got the grand tour. I got introduced to Jean-Marie from Amsterdam and we chatted away for a while in Dutch. It was funny when she said that her boy-friend had just started as a bartender in Monoloco. She was like the working hours never co-inside and she hates waiting for him to go home since she doesn’t like taking the tuc-tuc home by herself and prefers to walk with him ... seems so familiar one reason why I am so grateful for living so much closer.

Actually Elmer and I had a little disagreement Sunday night and I tried to make it up to him Monday morning by fixing breakfast. He was still moody and not very talkative. I took the wash to the laundry place, went for a check-up in the lab. What else have I been up to oh yes bought some books to read in English though, sat in the park for a while ... Got the lab results and no change really so got stronger stuff and hope that will work now and kill the little suckers! When I got home all I wanted to do was nap for a bit and chill instead I got a phone call from Noemy who asked if I could watch Funky for a while since she had to go to the bank and run other errands. It was only than that I found out that Andrea was on a week's vacation which we as evening shifts knew nothing about. Now we also had to fill the morning shifts. I ended up with lots of those for this week. I checked out possibilities to get to Honduras Thursday and return Friday but the shuttle service is just no good to get back in time for work for both of us. So Alex and I have to work something else out. At night Elmer had said that he would go out so I was planning to work on his birthday gift. Instead we went to the gym together and had a very long work out and by the time we were showered and ready to do something. He was like I rather go out with you and grab a bite somewhere. So we ended up in Red's had dinner there and meet some friends there. Pit stop in Reilly's for some drinks and than we went home since I had to get up early Tuesday.

Tuesday, I worked from 8am until 1pm since I wanted to have enough time to find a good spot to watch the game Germany vs. Italy. I ended up staying longer in Funky than planned but had luck finding us a spot to sit in Cafe 2000. It took a while until Elmer showed up since he was busy with other things but hey I had a seat saved. I enjoyed the game and we had our food served in the break which was good timing. The first goal was bad luck but I was hoping that they would manage to get back right away. So the second goal took me by surprise and I was a bit sad that they lost like that. However, I am not such a fan that I will be depressed all day long and cry and rant and rave, gee, have got other things to do as well ... However, lots of people came up to me and told me how sorry they were that we lost. I am trying to remember what we did afterwards oh yes since it was such a long game there was no point in going together to the gym so instead we went grocery shopping; I posted your birthday card, Wuschel!!! We had an ice-cream on the way back since the place where we watched the game was boiling hot. Elmer changed and went to work and I stayed in and took it easy. I had a date with a Norwegian guy that night for dinner. He was all by himself which was a surprise since he usually always has his friends around. He told me that he had to cut his trip short after injuring his hand rather badly. He wanted to protect his expensive camera and managed to cut himself on volcanic rock so since they couldn't stitch it up they glued it - looks wonderful! We tried Frida’s out but I must say not my place, food is pricey and the food isn't that great and neither is the service. We went for a drink in Reilly’s and than called it an early night. I walked back to Funky since I was in time to collect the key to be able to open in the morning. Marcela was surprised to see me and Chad as well. So we chatted and she closed up. I got the key and made a quick round in Monoloco. I bumped there into Alex who I hadn't seen in ages (he gave Chelsea and me the phone) and we had a brief chat. I meet some other people as well but all I wanted was to get out of there - too full for my taste. I bumped into more people in front of Sin Ventura and we ended up chatting. Suddenly some guy was like you are from Germany right. Yes. How long are you staying? For a while, why. Would you like to work for me as a German teacher? After listening to his terms and conditions I don't think so anyway got enough on my plate as it is but it might be an idea along the lines for my next stay. I got home and went after a nice warm shower to bed. I woke up when Elmer was in the room I hadn't even heard the house door opening. I was awake for a second and than gone again.

Wednesday and Thursday only consisted of work since I was working double shifts. I was so beat on Wednesday night that I had my shower and was off to bed. This time I was slightly longer awake when he returned and was able to hold a conversation. Thursday night I just wanted to go dancing since sitting all day is bloody boring. It was pretty full and I had flip-flops on beats me how people can dance in them for me impossible. I preferred dancing barefoot which resulted in very black feet. At home had a shower, washed my feet and off to bed we went.

Friday, had to get up early again. Elmer was like you are working too hard and you should take a rest. Well, I wish but there is no one else right now and yes maybe it is only a job here but those of you who know me know that I am always too responsible and I felt that I had to help out. Wonder if I get an extra from Abby when she gets back. I should get paid on the 15. and I think it should be a nice sum by than. So here I am again, watching TV on silent and writing tickets etc. I hope that Lea gets back on time so that I can get out of here. Today afternoon and at night I will take it easy get lots of sleep. Elmer had yesterday fish and he brought some home for me so that will be dinner tonight for me.

Tomorrow I will go pick up my package at Ema's and Sunday will be my chill day and I will most likely stay at home working on the gift for him and sleeping in and going out for a meal and if the weather is as nice as it was the past days I might sit in the sun and work on my tan o,)))