sabbatical guatemala tag:travellerspoint.com,2006-01-25:/blog/?domain=sunshine12 2006-12-13T22:21:18Z Sunshine12 img/travel-blog-feed.png about 2 more weeks and than it is Christmas tag:travellerspoint.com,2006-12-13:/blog/?domain=sunshine12&thisblog_entryid=63&entryid=34598 2006-12-13T22:21:18Z 2006-12-13T22:21:18Z 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 ... 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.

about 2 more weeks and than it is Christmas remains copyright of the author Sunshine12, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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]]> Back in Guate tag:travellerspoint.com,2006-11-24:/blog/?domain=sunshine12&thisblog_entryid=61&entryid=32386 2006-11-25T00:03:03Z 2006-11-25T00:03:03Z 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 ... 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.

Back in Guate remains copyright of the author Sunshine12, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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]]> Last few days with mom and dad tag:travellerspoint.com,2006-11-24:/blog/?domain=sunshine12&thisblog_entryid=60&entryid=32384 2006-11-24T23:59:34Z 2006-11-24T23:59:34Z 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 ... 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.

Last few days with mom and dad remains copyright of the author Sunshine12, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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]]> Visit in the Netherlands tag:travellerspoint.com,2006-11-24:/blog/?domain=sunshine12&thisblog_entryid=59&entryid=32381 2006-11-24T23:56:41Z 2006-11-24T23:56:41Z 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 ... 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.

Visit in the Netherlands remains copyright of the author Sunshine12, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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]]> back at mom and dad's tag:travellerspoint.com,2006-11-24:/blog/?domain=sunshine12&thisblog_entryid=58&entryid=32379 2006-11-24T23:54:52Z 2006-11-24T23:54:52Z 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 ... 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.

back at mom and dad's remains copyright of the author Sunshine12, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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]]> stay with Mandy and Mike tag:travellerspoint.com,2006-11-24:/blog/?domain=sunshine12&thisblog_entryid=57&entryid=28492 2006-11-24T23:53:22Z 2006-11-24T23:53:22Z I arrived in JFK and my bags appeared fairly quickly. I was than looking for a pay phone to call Mike to tell him where I was. I didn’t really believe that he had received the message that I wasn’t coming in with Conti but with Delta. His plane was delayed but he was quickly there from La Guardia to pick me up. We drove home and chatted during the way. Mandy was still awake to my surprise but she ... I arrived in JFK and my bags appeared fairly quickly. I was than looking for a pay phone to call Mike to tell him where I was. I didn’t really believe that he had received the message that I wasn’t coming in with Conti but with Delta. His plane was delayed but he was quickly there from La Guardia to pick me up. We drove home and chatted during the way. Mandy was still awake to my surprise but she said it was only because Aden had decided to wake her up. We were at their place like around 2.30am and I was more than ready to hit the bed.
The stay with them was wonderful as always and time passed very quickly. Maille and Aden are no longer babies but kiddos and are up to a lot of mischief. They are adorable though ... Seeing them making a mess out of themselves especially during “feeding” time can be really funny. Fingers in the food and than the nose itches or lets scratch my ear and than before you know what is happening all the food is all over them. They are very quick and love running around and Maille loves jumping of pretty much anything and has no fear of heights. I think they both recognized me fairly quickly and after a while I was accepted again to bring them to bed and hold them. I was very happy that Mike went out of his way to go to Best Buy so that I could purchase a headset. Now I was able to communicate with Elmer per PC. I think I will be a new frequent user of Skype now and once Mum and Dad also understand how to use it we can have conversations as well. We did some shopping as well and found some really nice stuff for Elmer and Bryan and myself as well. The suitcase that I had bought was so full that I had to sit on it to close it but in the end I had no problem with my weight. I saw Mike a bit as well but he had to go on his next business trip. They were a bit miserable about the fact that daddy wasn't there to play with them and tuck them in. Speaking to him by phone didn’t really make a big difference on that score. The time was flying by as well and although I was almost a week there it seemed less.
I thought it would be clever to reconfirm the flight and ask if everything was okay or if I could expect more problems. They assured me that everything would be fine and that as long as I would go first to Delta and than to Conti I would be fine. Day of leaving came and Mandy and kiddos brought me to the train station. There the loudspeaker blared no train going today to Bridgeport - great! - but a bus service would be running. It was actually even quicker than the train and I had to wait for the Amtrak to get me out to Newark. In the train I was chatting with my neighbor so time passed quickly. In Newark I went straight away to the Delta counter and was in for a nice surprise. I got told that I didn't have a ticket and to be able to fly with Conti I would need 100.000 extra miles since I was flying on air miles. I was like what no one ever told me that and by the way so much for your Sky Alliance. Next I got told was that I could of course go to JFK and try to catch the last flight out with Delta - no guarantees and of course they wouldn’t pay for a cab and it was pouring. By now I was starting to get really ticked off. In the end they wanted to charge me for changing the ticket and airport tax I was like listen I change a flight and if you are to dumb to get it right and inform your passenger right that is not my fault. I only had to pay airport tax in the end since they put me on the Air France flight via Paris. I than stood in line to board and the guy started giving me a hard time about me flying business. By now I was hot and bothered standing there for 1.5 hours and started to get antsy and I wasn't quite as polite as normal. The Air France flight to Paris wasn’t what I had expected. I couldn't sleep on the bloody plane since my feet were somewhere on the floor and cut of the blood circulation, my headset wasn't working and the videos stopped playing during the "night". How I could forget we left of course with delay and landed in Paris in nowhere's land. Bloody nightmare! Everyone was inquiring if we could all still get the connecting flight and the ground crew told us make a dash for it. No luck I arrived at the counter and than got told that the flight had been cancelled. GREAT! My recommendation don’t fly with bloody Air France if you can avoid it the service sucks and that for business so I don’t even want to know what economy with them would be like. I met Maria and we stuck together and chatted for a while and that was good fun at least it wasn't that boring. I got a voucher for a sandwich and she had one for a proper lunch since she was supposed to be stuck there even longer than me. Being businesses class got me a flight out at 1pm she being economy got an offer for 6pm. Fab! Than in Paris the business class lounge refused to let me enter with her saying today not possible blabla … and later on they even closed the lounge down. In the end she changed the airport and got home earlier ... Oh yes, I forgot to mention while in JFK and wanting to inform Mum and Dad that I was going to come in a lot later than expected. No PC station in that lounge at all anymore, no person with laptop to ask a favor to kick an email out, fax out of service ... everything going against me. In the end I called Mandy up and asked her to kick mails out to the whole family so that they would know that I would be home later. By the time I got off that plane in Frankfurt I felt light headed and felt slightly nauseous. I just wanted fresh air, a shower and fresh clothes. Mum was there to pick me up since the rest of the family had to work by than of course. I couldn’t believe it that I had made it and my entire luggage as well.

stay with Mandy and Mike remains copyright of the author Sunshine12, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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]]> the last few days in Guate tag:travellerspoint.com,2006-11-24:/blog/?domain=sunshine12&thisblog_entryid=56&entryid=27023 2006-11-24T23:52:20Z 2006-11-24T23:52:20Z The last few days went by in a flash and we did manage to arrange everything. We were two days in Guate either for shopping or running errands. We did some more shopping in Antigua as well. Finally found a notary that knows what he is doing. Rosa our landlady said that he is a friend but once we talked to him we were both like yes, we will use him. Since we were running against the deadline for hiring ... The last few days went by in a flash and we did manage to arrange everything. We were two days in Guate either for shopping or running errands. We did some more shopping in Antigua as well. Finally found a notary that knows what he is doing. Rosa our landlady said that he is a friend but once we talked to him we were both like yes, we will use him. Since we were running against the deadline for hiring one to put the announcement in the paper. It was a bit of a rush job but okay. In the end we managed to get it all done and now all I need is my papers so that we can be officially married. The newspapers were the announcements have to be placed are some that I had never heard of but at the airport in Guate I found one and had a look. The notary will keep an example for us as well with our announcement.
I had quit work for the last week and the last few days as well and it was the best decision of that I am sure. What happened at Funky was crazy! Abbie was still in the States and Cesar had once again dropped off the face of the earth. So Marcela sits in Funky when suddenly all the lights go off and all the PCs. What had happened was that they hadn't paid their bills for so long that the electricity company cut off the electricity! Now Marcela got stuck with finding money, making phone calls etc. She sure had fun with that one. No surprise I still haven't been paid yet but who knows they might pay Elmer while I am still gone so that he can pay the rent. In the meantime they must have borrowed money since they are suddenly able to hire more staff and all.
In the end we went to Monterrico for the weekend Friday until Sunday. We got picked up and I did a double take on the driver. He was the same one that drove us (Chelsea and Camilla and me) to Coban with his family. He also recognized me and asked me how I was etc. He told me that I look to 80% like his daughter. The next surprise was when we arrived at the travel agency. They switch drivers there. One collects all the people while the other one drives the people to the destination. It was Marcela's Dad who did the driving. We stayed again in the same hotel as the last time and even got the same room. Marcela and Chad joined us a day later. Unfortunately the owner said that we weren’t staying in that hotel and they ended up in one at the other end of town. Not so great but it meant we had to walk a lot o,))) Friday at the beach Elmer and I were talking that we just managed all the paperwork in time and now we could actually more or less relax on that front. I was like we don’t even have a day as such that we could call our engagement day. He was like that can be changed right now. He proposed there on the beach and it was wonderful! Saturday we celebrated our 6 months and around midnight we toasted to my 30th birthday. I think we were back in the room pretty early since the 1am deadline doesn’t apply there o,))) That weekend was filled with lots of laughter. It also seemed that half of Antigua was in Monterrico that weekend!
Elmer was able to bring me to the airport. There I was in for a surprise. I mean I had changed my dates sometime in august and I had reconfirmed my flights etc. At the airport though it was that they could see that I had the reservation in the system with Conti but they couldn’t issue me a ticket since they said that Delta hadn’t given them access. Great! After waiting for what seemed like forever I got told that I could fly out with Delta instead and would arrive 15 minutes later in JFK. Better than nothing so of course I took that one and sent a text out to Mike and Mandy for the pick-up time and airline change. Elmer and I exchanged a few more words and than he had to get back to Antigua and I went through the security check. The waiting area was the literal freezer and I couldn't wait to get on board and hope that it would be slightly warmer.
I was looking out of the window and thinking, gee, that is what I will be missing for a while and I can tell you guys even knowing that it is only for 26 days made no difference since I sure missed Elmer and the people and the country already than.

the last few days in Guate remains copyright of the author Sunshine12, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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]]> another week almost over tag:travellerspoint.com,2006-09-23:/blog/?domain=sunshine12&thisblog_entryid=55&entryid=24069 2006-09-23T20:05:18Z 2006-09-23T20:05:18Z Time passes here differently but maybe it's also just me. I mean Elmer and I talked and I told him that I really like it here but I couldn’t do what I am doing right now all the time unless I would own a place. Why? It is a no brainier and if I ever have a family than I still won't be sitting at home all day. He was like I know that you want more and that is ... Time passes here differently but maybe it's also just me. I mean Elmer and I talked and I told him that I really like it here but I couldn’t do what I am doing right now all the time unless I would own a place. Why? It is a no brainier and if I ever have a family than I still won't be sitting at home all day. He was like I know that you want more and that is why you also work more hours than I do. He said that he wouldn't expect me to be sitting home with kiddos and not have a life anymore and especially not go out with male friends since that is just not done here. For the standard here I am cheating on him every time I have a drink with some guy other than him. We both just laugh at it. His buddies are really worried but he is like we are fine and there is nothing going on they are having a drink. Gosh, if I would have a fit every time some girl is clinging to him or drooling after him I would be really busy and wasting my time and energy. Our philosophy is they can all look but can't touch and we come home to each other and not to anyone else. Recently I had a nice compliment. I got told that I looked too young to ever have been married in my life. The guy was from Ireland and is buying ipod music from me and has lots of very different requests so he makes me work which I really appreciate since time passes more quickly for me. He told me that he has been thinking about me and than hastily added not that way but he feels like he should show his appreciation with something ... wonder if he was serious or just talking. He sure makes me laugh and I just love the Irish accent. His buddy is also pretty funny. We were chatting and trying to get the ipod which was Mac formatted to work on the Windows one by restoring it to factory settings but that just wasn't happening. Some guy wanted a disc burned with his pictures. The guys were like we will look for a shop that can do it and than come back and in the mean time you serve him and we will be back later. He was from Belgium and we chatted a bit while the discs were being burnt since he had 1 GB of pictures. It reminded me that I still have to take more pictures from Antigua and Jocotenango. I don't have any from Ema and her family or anything like that only a few from Jocotenango. I guess because it just is all so normal and I wonder what would be worth taking pictures off. Oh well, I better take some more before coming home. The week has been okay so far although the money hasn't really been great and Cesar is like a week late with paying me. I hope that he will pay me next week so that I can pay my rent.

Monday Elmer had swapped his shift against a Thursday one since he wanted to have a day off to chill. I took time off from work as well and had only to work from 12-16h. We had a nice breakfast after I came back from Funky Monkey. I had to buy some more disks and make some phone calls. Then it was time to see the guy for our rings. We sure had fun on the way talking on the way on which hand the ring would be. I told him for me it would be normal to wear it on the right and he told mar that for him the normal way is left. I must have lost weight since I can't remember since my size was that small. Oh well! I guess I should be grateful since a lot of Europeans and Americans who stay here for a while turn flabby and fat. After we stated what we wanted and the guy told us that he would make of Elmer's ring a silver sample and we could come back in like two weeks and have a look if that is what we want. We left smiling to ourselves that it all will be very real soon! He had the idea to invite his parents over for dinner. I was sure I only have to work for four hours and than could prepare dinner. He ran some errands while I was working and than we went shopping and got started with dinner. We made Spaghetti Bolognese and it was delicious. We had also bought some nice candles in the market and so it all looked very good. For after dinner we lighted some scented sticks and it was all very agreeable. His little brother was rather bored and I felt a bit sorry for him ... We all left together since we escorted them to the street so that they cold catch a tuc-tuc there to take them home. Of course when you need one not one to be seen so he called his buddy who makes his living by driving people around. He came by eventually and Elmer and me than went to Ricky’s for a drink. We bumped into some people we knew and I was greatly amused by some Swiss guys. Sometimes it is great that you can understand people and they think if at all you can barely speak English.

Tuesday I was working at Funky in the morning and at Flor at night. It was pretty dead. I wonder if I made more than 5Q in tips since it is really bad right now. Sandra and I had some parts to laugh about though. Francine who I didn't know until that night is actually Dutch showed up with a girl-friend for dinner. There is no love lost between Sandra and her and it was funny to observe. Sandra is as straight as can be and she said hello but did not go kiss-kiss. Francine greeted me as if we were best friends and I am polite to her and oblige her with the perfunctionary kiss but think by myself what an arrogant bitch. She is the type who needs to be center of attention whole time and you need to cater to her very whim otherwise she sulks and bitches all the time. At the moment in Flor we have during the week and for ladies only a 50% discount on the main meal. So what happened after she got told that she could choose between her regular discount and taking the special? She started bitching than of course in Dutch about the fact that poor little she got mistreated … Sandra and I just grinned inwards and the cooks were just smiling since they also can't stand her. I am still trying to understand the rules for the card game the cooks are playing and every time I think that I have got it they play a card and I am like why, someone won ... it is all very much fun ... I think they all like me since they treat all the waitresses in different manners but my favorite is the cook's daughter. I think she is like 15 or 16 and we laugh a lot together.

Wednesday I had the morning off so I got to sleep slightly longer than usually. Elmer had to get up early for a change and had a reunion. I got dressed and than went to a travel agency to find out what the process would-be if would book my flight back from here. It is kind of funny all the prices like for flights, overland buses and jewelry get quoted in USD while all the little day to day things get quote in Q. The guy took forever and that the electricity has constantly spikes didn’t really help to access the reservation system. Elmer called me while I was waiting for them and told me that he would go for a drink with his buddies from Monoloco since they were all mad. I was like okay tell me later what has happened. Once I was done with that I stopped by Funky Monkey to check the going rates online for flights. The first quote the agency gave me was return ticket for 1.800 USD via the States which is a no go since when I return to Europe with him he can't go via US. I found something but it wasn't great! I spend that day and the next hunting for a good price since all the cheap fares where already gone I ended up with a one way flight BUT it only cost like 615EUR including insurance so that wasn’t a bad deal all round.

Thursday called the German embassy first to clarify something and later tried the Spanish embassy. They score in my book really bad as one of the most unprofessional embassies that I had to deal with yet. Not only unhelpful but don't seem to know what they are talking about either in English or Spanish ... So we decided to go to Guate and sort it out in person.

As or the rest nothing special to report all same old same old ... and too much work...

Monoloco fired Elmer on in my opinion flimsy excuse that wouldn’t stand up for anything in our system. I thought it was really bad for him especially since he always got told that he is a good and hard worker and keep up the good work etc. He has gotten a lot better at being on time for work as well – his fines have been a lot lower lately. Than they use an incident as the reason to give him his papers … I was furious because I thought it was so unfair. The first day he was basically in shock and close to crying – being a mixture of being mad and thinking of now what … I told him not too worry too much about the money we will be fine and can manage. What interested me more was if Victor would write him a recommendation or not … I guess I am getting more practical. However the whole incident and politics behind it reminded me of Dresdner. I tried to cheer him up a bit once I got off work. I spoke to Cesar and told him about it. He was like sorry buddy but yes that is how they run their business if for some reason they don’t want you anymore or prefer to hire someone else than you are quicker out than you can imagine. I told him that is unfair where is the law that protects the worker. All I got was a smirk like laws are there to be bent. I don’t think that I could be happy to work like that here …

Anyway he kept busy with household, seeing his son and when I had time off we would spend it together. He has gotten over the shock and is looking now for other work. I guess I worked too many hours lately because I am lately always tired so I decided to call it quits a week earlier than planned. The good part is that we will get to spend more time together and might even go away for a few days. I guess it will all depend a bit on how Monday will be … What am I referring to? Here is my idea of what I want to do the next few months. I will return we will get married 06.11.2006, we will celebrate Christmas and New Year’s here than we will make our way to Colombia start January and come back to Europe mid February. I therefore have to think in terms of what shall I buy now and take with me so that I won’t be burdened later on with too much stuff … and in case something gets stolen that I won’t be like if only I had … So we have both got some planning and thinking to do of what to take on my trip home already - especially considering that things here are cheaper. I bought the other day handmade boots for a great price compared to at home. It is now shopping time and spending money time I guess. On the other hand I hardly spent big money so far so it is more a toss up between what to purchase here if it is good quality and what to buy new at home for myself. GRIN!

another week almost over remains copyright of the author Sunshine12, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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]]> countdown continues tag:travellerspoint.com,2006-09-09:/blog/?domain=sunshine12&thisblog_entryid=54&entryid=23315 2006-09-10T01:42:03Z 2006-09-10T01:42:03Z So what has been going on last week since this week is almost up. Monday worked during the day and did grocery shopping after work. We both wanted to have fish but once I got in the market I was really like well I don't want to buy THAT and be sick. I asked if they had some refrigerated shrimps and of course they did and they did look fresh so I bought them. I had before looked at recipes online ... So what has been going on last week since this week is almost up.

Monday worked during the day and did grocery shopping after work. We both wanted to have fish but once I got in the market I was really like well I don't want to buy THAT and be sick. I asked if they had some refrigerated shrimps and of course they did and they did look fresh so I bought them. I had before looked at recipes online for a proper sauce. So I got started on that at night once we had both relaxed a little bit ... Elmer had a little accident when adding spices since the cap fell off and we ended up with lots of ginger in the sauce. I just thought it was funny! We had a romantic candle light dinner and that was partly forced since electricity died on us for a while though not very long. I was home the week before too much for my taste so I wanted to go out for drinks. We didn't bump into Fernando and Hiroko but instead he found an old friend. That guy was buying us a round of good rum but on the rocks just isn't my style of drinking it. I was feeling slightly drunk after that! It was an entertaining evening and we got home early.

Tuesday I was working a double shift and Wednesday as well. Result> all I wanted to do was basically sleep!!!

Thursday once I got off work we met up. All I wanted to do was sleep instead we had to go to the laundry place since washing the clothes by hand is okay but after doing that for like 2 times it needs a proper machine wash. Although here there is nothing to be had like a hot wash like 90 degrees C so by now I try to wash the white clothes by cooking them on the stove since I refuse to use bleach. We had so much to wash that afterwards our room looked like a drying room. It smelled very clean and good though! At night for dinner he had bought fish. I was starving and already had some potatoes before we actually got started on the dinner. I wanted to go dancing later on that night. He was like okay but this time we are going to Toreros close to the market. Well, there was lots of space but the floor was tiles and rather slippery. I danced also with Fernando and he flipped me over (he is like up to my chin but boy the flip worked well enough) and when I landed on my feet I was trying to find sure footing but no luck. It must have looked really funny like in the movies! It was the first time that I danced with him but he is really good dancer and it was easy to follow what he wanted me to do. They closed early though since there were hardly people there. We all went for drinks in another place. Fernando and Hiroko told us that they will go traveling together and depending on how that will work out he might come back or maybe he will go with her to Japan for a visit. Beats me though how since he has hardly got any money and doesn't want to get a better paid job since that might be work. Elmer and me were just shaking or heads afterwards and saying that she must be a bit silly but hey not our problem.

Friday was my day off completely and I had a dinner date with Sonja - ex-colleague from Flor. Elmer had to get up like 05.30am and he was of with Miguel to Esquintla to get his papers for the wedding. They went by motorbike and one way is like 90km so the boys showed up again shortly before 11pm. Elmer was rather nervous for the photo shoot in the spa. In the end it was a lot less exciting and all than he had originally thought. He said hat it was actually rather boring ... since they didn’t pay him for it he got a voucher for a free massage. I wonder when they will publish the photos on the web. By the time he showed up at home I was dressed and had done some housework. We didn't have much time left together but we were both hungry so we went to a cheap place to eat and afterwards to Cafe Condessa for a hot chocolate and cake. Sweet tooth and it was cold! All I did afterwards was basically napped and than he went off to work and I was like I have to check my mail ... Sonja called me though and canceled our dinner date since she was sick. I chatted with Marcela instead, Chad had to go to some party, Elmer was working and that left us girls alone. I felt like getting a pizza and she was all for it. We girls had pizza and I got a margarita from Monoloco. They are trying to transfer money from here to Canada and it isn't really working because the word service here doesn't exist in banks. They basically got the standard form for a SWIFT payment and got told fill it out 100% correctly and than come back. They had questions like what is a Swift code and fed wire ... The girl just said ask your bank. Poor babies they were like no idea what to do or what questions to ask... I told Marcela that I would help her since she is always holding my hand for everything. The last time was when I had to go to police and I played dumb tourist and I needed a translator since my Spanish is so bad ... I was more than glad to help out. Also next week I will go with her to Guate by car and we want to hunting for a dress to wear for the wedding. This time I will have the one that I have always wanted – RED one! We will also look for other things as well that I want to take back home. After work she went to a party and I went home and cleaned up the kitchen and watched bit of TV and dropped off to sleep. I woke up when he got home.

Saturday usually is my day off but since it is kind of boring being all by myself I thought what the hell and put myself down for the nightshift in Funky. Elmer and I both almost feel out of our bed this morning though. Someone was calling his cell at around 07.30am and it made so much noise and I couldn’t place it at first and was thinking we don't have a fire alarm. His Dad needed some help with something. So we went back to sleep for a bit than I got up and made breakfast. I cleaned the whole house and especially the floors this time with detergent so it smelled really nice and fresh. I had my shower and waited for him to return. I had packed my things together so that we cold leave right away. We went to the market and bought lots of gifts and now almost everyone is covered. This year I already have to get my Christmas gifts with me when I return since they will be left at home. I guess this year I will be working and making hopefully some good money. Being on a shopping spree made him hungry and me sleepy. The last thing on the list was basically looking for wedding rings. We had found a design on the web that we liked but in the shops they only sell silver rings. So we asked if they are able to manufacture what we want here in Antigua since we aren't all that keen to go to Guate. They said that they could do it for us so that was great. Once we had agreed all the details since we needed to discuss the little details. The guy had disappeared of to an appointment and the lady couldn't quote us a price. Useless! We will set up an appointment with them for next week and than we have the next part sorted out. Yesterday he got hold of a friend who recommended a notary so that means that we can hopefully also set up an appointment there soon. I am so glad that things are looking so much better than we both thought at the beginning. By the looks of it I would say the wedding will take place in November. After all that I managed to sleep for about an hour than shower and off to work. Right now I am at Funky and am really tired. It is getting really chilly now at night and I am always wearing now my sweater.

Tomorrow I will work in the morning in Funky and than I will be off to Flor and than the weekend will be over.

Next week 15.09. will be a great fiesta here since it is their Independence Day. I will work and will get paid double so that will be worth it I hope for Funky and if I can get a shift lined up at Flor than I should also be making decent tips. The problem right now is that the season is very slow and works on the highway from Guate to Antigua and vice versa doesn’t really help that people want to come here and spend money since it means being underway something like 2hrs instead of 45 minutes if the traffic isn't too bad.

countdown continues remains copyright of the author Sunshine12, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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]]> only about 4.5 weeks to go tag:travellerspoint.com,2006-09-03:/blog/?domain=sunshine12&thisblog_entryid=53&entryid=22622 2006-09-03T20:50:50Z 2006-09-03T20:50:50Z and I am starting to dread to pack my bag, buy goodies for everyone and all BUT on the other hand it will be nice to see everyone back ... I guess it is kind of strange especially going back to NL to take care of business. I mean it won’t be the last time of course that I will be there since my friends are still there but this time will be very different. I guess it is in ... and I am starting to dread to pack my bag, buy goodies for everyone and all BUT on the other hand it will be nice to see everyone back ... I guess it is kind of strange especially going back to NL to take care of business. I mean it won’t be the last time of course that I will be there since my friends are still there but this time will be very different. I guess it is in a way a closing chapter to all that has been going on. By now I have had enough distance to it all and all the angry and hurt feelings that were there have been replaced with a different way of thinking. More now into let it go and take all the good that I have learnt from it with me and remember all the good things. I mean a new chapter of my life has already started here in Guatemala and I am sure that my future is with Elmer either here, Spain or some other country but together which is more important than anything else.

Carino, thank you already for letting me stay with you for about a week or so - who knows if you will be glad to see the last of me afterwards or if you hardly want to let me go o,)))

As for taking care of business I must say that right now it is a big *uck-up. Pim has got the power-of-attorney from Menno and I but the bloody notary won’t return his phone calls and won’t answer our emails either. So instead of everything being sorted out by now and the transfer having taken place ... nothing has happened so far and that is really bad! I hope that it will be sorted out by Monday so that we are done and dusted with it all! Right now though it makes me nuts that I can’t walk over there and tell them to better get their act together or else.

Today was great! I was awake before the alarm and felt very active so I made pancakes. We both left around 10am him off to work and I was off to Jocotenango. I got a haircut there since the prices in Antigua are ridiculous high. The joke though was that the girl who usually cuts my hair wasn’t in so I got a young guy. He was like 19 years old and started hitting on me and wanted my phone number etc. It was in a way funny but also rather irritating! I than went by Ema’s but she wasn’t in instead I chatted with Julie a bit. She is from Germany as well and is staying again with Ema. She had a bit of a horror story to tell since she and her friend got mugged like 50m away from home. So much for it being safer in Los Llanos than Antigua! I basically don’t dwell on the possibility of getting robbed, mugged etc. although so far I have been lucky I guess - better knock on wood for that one! I took the bus back to Antigua and it started to drizzle by the time I was in Cafe Flor it was pouring. The temperature dropped and before when I was running around in my tank top and short skirt I was now sitting there and was so cold. I was glad when I got off work and was actually able to take a shower. Due to the power outages our freezer had decided to leak all the water into the fridge and that of course leaked onto the floor. Typical men! He saw it happening and put some Tupperware jar under the dripping part in the fridge and took the big ice cubes out of the freezer. However he didn’t mention it with one word to me or move the stuff in the fridge to the sides so not everything would be contaminated. Gee! I cleaned the fridge today and the bathroom and the kitchen needed some cleaning as well. The day before we were like really lazy and did nothing except sleep, eat, talk and go to work. He made a wonderful brunch and it was really delicious. Anne my friend from Cafe Flor told me that he is like an exception. She has by now almost given up on her boy-friend who will hardly do anything or will hardly pick up on the little things and do something about it. Must really be the mentality here or how they are raised I don’t know. Anyway, I am happy with my baby and he is getting to be more like me in some ways which is good and he does help when asked o,)))

I don’t know if it this weather or just the fact that there are hardly people around but I am pretty quickly tired since it is so boring. The weather doesn’t really help either since it is now raining more again. So far I have managed to keep my shoes dry - hhuuhhhuu! That is an accomplishment and wet shoes really do not have a pleasant odor!

By now I should be looking into what presents to buy and if it all fits into my backpack and what to take with me like clothes, what I have to buy in the States better ... I have already got ideas but not quiet sure yet if it really the right thing for everyone etc.

The days pass by very quickly and although work is really boring it is fun in a way. The time we spend together means so much more now since although we do nap together even gettign bored makes you sleepy but take more time to cook and sit at the table eat and chat so that is good. We wanted to go last Friday to the pool but in the end we were to lazy and enjoyed doing nothing together. Upcoming week my schedule looks very different and that means therefore that we might get more day time together than night time when we are both tired anyway.

My time in Funky is almost up and than it is off to Cafe Flor but of course before the pit-stop in Monoloco o,))

only about 4.5 weeks to go remains copyright of the author Sunshine12, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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]]> yes, I am still alive tag:travellerspoint.com,2006-08-29:/blog/?domain=sunshine12&thisblog_entryid=52&entryid=21994 2006-08-29T20:45:49Z 2006-08-29T20:45:49Z but I work a lot so there really isn't all that much to tell since it is pretty much same old, same old ... Maybe I should give you all an idea of what my routine week looks like here. • Monday I work in Funky from 8-16h and than it is the night off. I either go home or nap for an hour or so. If we want to have dinner together at home than I will usually go to the ... but I work a lot so there really isn't all that much to tell since it is pretty much same old, same old ...

Maybe I should give you all an idea of what my routine week looks like here.
• Monday I work in Funky from 8-16h and than it is the night off. I either go home or nap for an hour or so. If we want to have dinner together at home than I will usually go to the supermarket and buy some food. He will get off work around 6pm and than we spend the evening together. Usually we go out for drinks at night and meet friends.
• Tuesday he goes and visits his son and parents during the day while I work. At night he works and I tend to get a shift at Flor.
• Wednesday pretty much the same as Tuesday
• Thursday I only work in Funky and he has his day off and when he returns from seeing his son we spend time together. At night we go out dancing and meet up with friends.
• Friday I tend to take off and we try to do stuff together until he has to start work at 6pm and I sometimes also get a shift after 6pm at Flor.
• Saturday is normally my day off and I visit the market and buy fresh vegetables and fruit etc. do laundry, do house cleaning etc. At night when he is off work we spend time together and go out and meet friends.
• Sunday we both work double shifts and are really tired by the time we are both in bed.
For those of you who are interested in my working hours Funky are like either 7-8 hours and at Flor it is 5-7 hours. Since I do double shifts on 3 days during the week normally I am pretty tired afterwards as it might be understandable but it means that I am able to not touch my savings at home so frequently.

The last weeks are just flying by even more than usually. Last week Thursday we had a party at our place. It was good fun. After that the whole group of about 10 people went to La Chimera to dance. Buena Vista Social Club was performing there that night and the fee was 20Q to get in for standards here that is expensive but the music was really great and we all had a lot of fun. Some of us had pretty bad hang overs the next day o,)))

The week before it was the birthday off a girl from the house and we got invited as well. We know the people from the house better ... it was also good fun but at our place it is more fun!

Yesterday we had friends over for drinks and it got rather late so today I feel slightly spaced out but that isn't too bad I guess. I mean there is always tomorrow and today will take care of itself. I life here a lot more than back home. I will nap between shifts since with the weather being what it is – high humidity and it just makes everyone tired!

HOME, GUYS YOU CAN JOT DOWN IN YOR AGENDAS I WILL BE BACK IN GERMANY 12. OCTOBER 2006 AND I'LL BE ON MY GERMAN MOBILE THAN AGAIN AND PARTLY ON MY DUTCH ONE!!!

The low season is here and work is very boring but than again it suits me fine in some ways. As for Funky Monkey it is fine because I have to research a lot of things and find out things. As for Flor I don't mind that I don't have to run so much otherwise I would be even more tired at night and just fall into bed.

Our wedding plans are proceeding well and it looks as if things will be sorted out quicker than expected if my side is done and dusted when I return end of October. To get all the information that I needed I had to correspond with the German embassies in Amsterdam, Guatemala City and Bogota and they are all very helpful and efficient! I have now also learnt a lot more about the international law when international documents are involved 0,))

yes, I am still alive remains copyright of the author Sunshine12, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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]]> first week as morning girl tag:travellerspoint.com,2006-08-16:/blog/?domain=sunshine12&thisblog_entryid=51&entryid=20530 2006-08-16T15:56:46Z 2006-08-16T15:56:46Z in Funky Monkey! I had my alarm going of at around 7.20am and it was tough going to get out of bed. Once I was in Funky with my very own set of keys and had it all started up. I had of course my first customers. It was an easy day but I was tired and had to run errands after work. I bumped once again into Torkel who I hadn't seen in ages and he has lost a ... in Funky Monkey! I had my alarm going of at around 7.20am and it was tough going to get out of bed. Once I was in Funky with my very own set of keys and had it all started up. I had of course my first customers. It was an easy day but I was tired and had to run errands after work. I bumped once again into Torkel who I hadn't seen in ages and he has lost a lot of weight but says must be because he was sick. Oh yeah, if you want to loose weight just get an amoeba or something and you'll drop pounds quickly o,))) I was so ready to go home after shopping and go to bed for a bit and than we would go out at night. Instead I got home and I needed more fresh water and popped by Rosa’s. Eric and his buddy (both from Belgium) and Elisabeth were cooking in the kitchen and we started chatting. They invited me spontaneously for dinner since they said that they had cooked more than they could eat anyway. It was a fun conversation since they live close to the German border so we were chatting in German and in English since their Spanish is non-existent. Elisabeth is from the States and it is either Spanish or English with her. One of the girls who lives in the house will have her birthday this Thursday and Elisabeth wants to give her a surprise party. We all checked our working schedules and agreed that we could do it Thursday. Elmer had asked me earlier if we could go for a swim since it is unbelievable hot here. I said sorry love because now that I work day shift I only get off at 4pm. I asked Cesar anyway if I could have Thursday off and work a Saturday or Sunday morning instead. He is like okay you work for me Sunday morning and you are off on Thursday. At the moment it is only Marcela who pulls 3 shifts, me who is pulling 5 shifts and than Cesar. He would have gotten stuck otherwise with a double shift for Sunday and was only more than happy to swap me for it. If we all hate something than it is called doing double shifts! Lea is no longer working here if it is because she quit or Cesar fired her I am not to clear on. I think she has got enough problems on her plate as it is and it started colliding too much with her work. I mean if you don't show up or get a replacement for your shift no wonder the boss is mad at you. I would be to and closing the business earlier than necessary etc. doesn't exactly get you brownie points either. Oh well, it isn't my problem! Lea knows though if she wants to talk to someone or so that she can call me which she hasn't done yet and I still have her wash in my place waiting for her to be picked up. Back to Monday> Elmer joined us after we had finished our dinner and by now I was so tired and cranky that all I wanted was to sleep. He headed off for a shower and I was lying lazy around. I couldn't be asked to do anything. He was like I am hungry lets go out. I wasn't really up to it but in the end we went out. It is currently Feria in Jocotenango and we heard the fireworks even if we didn't see them. It meant more people out than usual. We went to Rickie's and met some friends there. It was a fun evening except Fernando and Elmer were happy drunk and together they are impossible. We girls were just sitting there thinking please just finish your drinks we want to go to bed and sleep.

When the alarm went off on Tuesday I was like oh no this is way too early. I was so tired and no people in Funky didn't help waking up. I went home during my lunch break and napped for 3 minutes and felt so much better. Elmer had told me that it is a holiday in Guatemala City and therefore Antigua was really full and cars parked everywhere. I knew what that would mean for the work in Cafe Flor more people than usual ... I got home after 4pm and had to be at work at Flor for 6pm. I wanted to sleep but that never happened instead I watched TV and Elmer showed up and we chatted a bit before we were both off to work. At Flor I was in for a surprise since one of the fridges had really broken down and the new girl didn't know what to do when etc. I had to do all the jobs that usually the lunch hour shift does. The cooks than told me like 6.50pm oh by the way we will have 20 people here at 7pm they made a reservation! Oh yes and what a big group that was and we had the other tables to wait on to. I can't remember the last time we ha to run so much. At least this time it wasn't for nothing since the big group left us about 200Q in tips. In that regard it was a good night and we all got out early like 10.30pm and that was great. Judith and I have finally worked out a routine and she will be leaving next week no fun! Judith and me went for a drink in Monoloco and surprise, surprise it was even fuller than normally. We had one drink and watched people go by and than called it a night around 11pm. I went home and thought oh I'll just prepare the stuff for tomorrow morning and than later on I'll watch for 30minuetes a bit of TV to unwind. Wrong! I was gone in like two minutes and TV was still on when he got home and went hola. I was semi awake and gone again in a second.

This morning he had to get up before me because Monoloco had an event planned. The crew would go visit some poor kids and bring them breakfast and dress up as clowns etc. I wonder if the kids enjoyed it and he too. I was up earlier than usual therefore and watched a bit TV while getting ready. Today I am not very tired but I'll go home for a nap anyway since I got to work tonight in Flor again. However, I will have tomorrow off and that will be fun.

first week as morning girl remains copyright of the author Sunshine12, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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]]> how was that again tag:travellerspoint.com,2006-08-13:/blog/?domain=sunshine12&thisblog_entryid=50&entryid=20049 2006-08-16T14:47:36Z 2006-08-13T19:23:20Z time flies when you have fun? Well, it certainly is flying for me because I am busy and working a lot here. I got offered a job with all the good things that go with it but no contract since I don't have a work permit and all. I discussed it with Elmer if I should accept it at all or rather not to have more time together. I am getting better and not making decision all by myself o,))) ... time flies when you have fun? Well, it certainly is flying for me because I am busy and working a lot here.

I got offered a job with all the good things that go with it but no contract since I don't have a work permit and all. I discussed it with Elmer if I should accept it at all or rather not to have more time together. I am getting better and not making decision all by myself o,))) However we have worked out that it would be good for the finances and I will just not work 3 nights in Flor and than we still have time together. The thing is that our work hours cross over and that would mean that for certain days we would only see each other in the mornings briefly and when he comes home around 1.30am. Sometimes I might be awake and sometimes awake enough to hold a conversation and at others you won’t get more out of me than a mumbled hello and I go back to sleep. As of next week 14. August I will be working in Funky Monkey from 08.00-16.00h during the week and if anyone feels like having a chat with me during that time the landline is 00502-78324216. Some of you know that the connection is really good - a lot better than when trying to get a hold of me on my cell phone. Let’s see if I like that job in combo with working in Flor!

I called Delta in the mean time to get my flight changed for after my birthday. They told me no problem to get me out to JFK on the 4. October but onwards the earliest day something is available would be mid October. I asked them if they are overbooked if they can bump me up to First class and I got told, no that isn't possible since first class doesn't exist on that flight. Now I am on a waiting list for 4 different days. I wonder if they can manage to get me on a business class flight since they were like no problem to get me out in economy. Do I look as if I would accept that? Real funny! I have to wait about another 3 weeks until they will be able to tell me if I can fly on any of the requested dates or not. Sorry, Mandy you will have to wait and keep your fingers crossed that I can come by and visit. I hope that by than all the things are back to normal in air travel since right now things are so different and difficult due to the London terrorists.

The weather here is once again hot, hot and hot and even at night it hardly cools down. Right now we haven't had rain in ages. In a way it would be a relief if it would rain once again. We usually have like a sheet, a warmer sheet, a blanket and a day cover, right now we sleep with only the first two and it still happens that during the night we kick them off. The good thing is that last night not all the wash was dry so we spread it in the room and it smelled really good and this morning everything was dry.

I was supposed to work double yesterday and today but I swapped a shift away and it worked out better that way. Marcela, Chad, Elmer and I went out for dinner and wanted to go dancing afterwards but Sin Ventura was a sauna and way too many people to even be partly fun. We were out of there in a flash. Elmer and me called it an early night around midnight and went home. We went straight to bed since our alarms went off very early this morning. I started at 9am and he at 10am the only difference is that he has a break to go home and freshen up while I go from one job to another but I might be home earlier than he is with some luck. Tomorrow the first day that I have to be in at 8am.
Yesterday was a disaster here with the keys for Funky. I had called Cesar Friday and asked for keys to Funky. He started swearing since they were not where they were supposed to be. Instead he was like don’t worry about it I will open up for you in the morning. Elmer wasn’t given the key at night by Lea either. So I tried calling Cesar and lea but to no avail. I ended up with a 3 hour “break” since I couldn’t unlock the door and open up the business. I sat in the sun and had breakfast and lunch and read a book so in that regard it was a very relaxed day for me. Today to my surprise Cesar showed up right after I had opened up. He wasn’t mad at me for yesterday since I did my job and I have a life and if I can’t get a hold of him I have to close the business down. I had to do laundry and Lea than called. She told me that Abbie begged her to work for her if not for Cesar. I ended up going to Monoloco and drop of the key and she opened sometime in the late afternoon. The result was that Cesar offered me to work as a back-up being more responsible and as a result he offered to kick up my salary from 1.500Q to 2.000Q which would of course be a great help since the rent is 2.500Q!

This Monday I went to visit Ema in Jocotenango and it was nice to be back there. She is like my measure if my Spanish is improving or not since I am more able to speak to her from each time. She is complementing me on it and it is true we laugh even more now ... I think I was three like for over 2 hours for a chat. She has a full house right now with four students but some will be leaving soon. I love going to the hairdresser there so I got my points cut once again for 15Q. Here in Antigua I would have to pay like minimum 4x as much for a simple hair cut which is ridiculous to me.

I finally got rid of my cold after I had lost my voice for almost 2 days. I went to the good pharmacy. What I mean is that the man that works there is old and he knows his stuff while some of the others will only put a row of medicine in front of you and go you chose what you think you need. The best of course is if you know what you need than all you have to do is find the cheapest place to buy your product. I described my symptoms and he came back with a medicine that I recognized straight away. It was Prospan but of course under a different name here. I also bought some pills for my throat since I needed a voice. Elmer was making fun of me at night saying I had to shut up since I couldn't even whisper and be understood. He had to do all the talking o,))

This week Thursday (10-8) we went to Autosafari Chapin. We took a bus to Esquintla and didn't have to wait too long for the connecting bus to leave. It was getting hotter and hotter the closer we got to our destination. We were soaked in sweat in no time. I was reminded of Florida with its humidity. We did the Autosafari part first. It was fun sitting as the only passengers in that bus and being driven through the terrain. Afterwards Elmer was like I need food, I only wanted a drink. The food was so greasy that it made me not wanting to eat anything. After our lunch break we walked around the zoo part and had lots of fun there and also on the pond with different islands for the monkeys and iguanas. We were about done with everything around 4pm and a thunderstorm was building up. We were feeling the first drops and I was just thinking please bus show up soon otherwise even the umbrella wouldn't have helped since it is like someone pours a bucket over you. We saw more people from the park running to the street. We were like hey a bus must be coming shortly since they work there and must know the timetable. We got on the bus and the next thing was a major thunderstorm and rain and hail. We changed buses in Esquintla. I was so tired but couldn't sleep in the bus. At home we dashed for a shower, fresh clothes and I only wanted to lie on the bed for a second but was gone. I woke up over an hour later and Elmer was watching TV. Now my stomach was rumbling and I didn’t care where we had food as long as it would be asap. I was cold and it went black in front of my eyes since there were no calories to burn so to speak. We sat in the restaurant but since I was walking at a snails pace and all he was mad at me. Little him gets in a sulky mood and is like I don't want to talk right now. Usually it doesn't last very long and all. This time though I was in no mood myself to deal with it so was like fine see you around I am leaving. I got up and left. I needed some time to cool off and got myself some food. I called him and than we had a brief conversation which resolved nothing. I went to visit Marcela in Funky and afterwards I went to visit Judith in Flor since I wanted to swap a shift. I was so mad and the girls were like don't worry he'll cool off eventually. I was like if he thinks I am going home and all wrong let’s have a drink and later I am going dancing. Anne way just laughing since she has it also often with Randy but the difference is that he looks for her and she never really gets to do what she wants. I knew that Elmer wouldn’t be looking for me but he tried calling me a couple of times. Although he didn’t want to talk to me o,))) We both are no good with being mad at each other we just end up being miserable. In the and he was in La Sala also and really mad at me that I was out having fun. I was I told you all I needed was food and I had that so now I am having fun and you won't ruin my evening out. He sulked all night long but by the next morning he was I am really sorry about last night. The funny thing is that I really love his temper and since I have got one here to match his … and we are both stubborn ... makes every now and than for interesting days and evenings o,)))

So that is what has been happening since the last entry. The house and all the paper work has kept me running around as well lately since more things had to be printed out etc. mailed, faxed, scanned etc. such a pain in the … but has to be done.

how was that again remains copyright of the author Sunshine12, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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]]> playing once again catch up tag:travellerspoint.com,2006-08-02:/blog/?domain=sunshine12&thisblog_entryid=49&entryid=18793 2006-08-03T03:31:50Z 2006-08-03T03:31:50Z Elmer had to play soccer that Thursday and we got very late to Lago since the chicken bus takes forever. Was nice to hear your voice though Sweety even if the connection wasn't all that great in the end. We had some guy in the bus that was talking on and on very annoying but he only shut up after 30 minutes and looked for another audience. I got to meet more of his family once we had made it ... Elmer had to play soccer that Thursday and we got very late to Lago since the chicken bus takes forever. Was nice to hear your voice though Sweety even if the connection wasn't all that great in the end. We had some guy in the bus that was talking on and on very annoying but he only shut up after 30 minutes and looked for another audience. I got to meet more of his family once we had made it to the town. By car it would have been like 40 minutes with the chicken buses it took us 1.5 hours. His aunt, cousins and all the kids that were running around were very nice and friendly. They were making lots of jokes but I got most of it. His grandmother is lovely. He was looking forward to this visit forever since it meant for him fresh fish. I wasn't too impressed with the fish since it was whole and I had to work my way into the fish which those of you who know me well know how disgusting that is for me. It was therefore slow going for me and I was given two little one’s! Elmer watched me for a while and than said it looks as if I take forever and swaped our plates. I ended up with a bigger fish but I really didn’t like that taste so in the end it was take away for some parts of the family. We got as a gift tamales. I was told that is a very normal dish for birthdays, Christmas etc. It is like potato puree, tomato sauce and a chicken leg wrapped in palm leaves, tied up and cooked in hot water. I was given as a present a tortilla towel which we use to keep our pancakes hot o,))) I feel very much at home with his family. Elmer told me later that I also made a good impression and that his cousins were envious of my figure o,))) It was a nice day and we went back to Antigua with his parents and his little brother. I was beat and so was he and we called it an earl night at 11pm.

The temperature here is dropping extremely at night and I was cold for some nights and by now I think that what I have is a cold. I got home one night and went to bed in my thermal underwear and was still shivering. Oh well, that will pass as well but that means at the moment I sleep a lot and don't do much except work. Today e.g. the sun light hurt my eyes. I was in deep sleep still around 10.30h and didn’t hear Rosa coming in the house. Of course, she called out for me before hand but I was gone and once she saw that I was still sleeping she left again. Usually we bar the door from the inside as well but Elmer had left very early for his reunion.

Today Rosa's husband fixed our windows which is great but it was at a time when I was so ready for my nap ... and no chance for that. I was like oh great than I can at least get to bed early tonight. I walk into Funky and who sits there. Alex. Of course I promised to go with him tonight for a drink since he is leaving soon to Chile and you never know when someone has time and it is always like manana something else might come up etc.

Being Melissa's last week we girls started out with a lunch in the market and had some really good food. Elmer was just looking at us the other night when we made the date that we were both out of our minds to be eating there since we would be sick afterwards. I don't eat from the street vendors but market is different and where else can you have a meal for that price. Melissa and I went shopping afterwards and I bought a nice thick sweater in the market for 90Q and saw one for inferior quality for 210Q in a store. I also bought a blouse for work since at night working in a T-Shirt tends to get a bit cold. I will be looking though for a nice looking sweater trying to find a female long sleeve that doesn't say Army Girl or something like that which really isn't my style I am kind of out of luck. I guess I will have to go clothes hunting once again. I say some nice boots as well and after checking with Marcela what good brands here are I think that I will buy them although for the standard here they cost a fortune like a weeks' wage.

Spoke to Ema last week and will have to come by for a chat soon but no mail has arrived for either me or Chelsea. I am now here longer than 4 months and nothing which is kind of frustrating to think about.

Last week Saturday I worked a double first Funky and than Flor and this week same thing but at least I had a day off so that is okay. I get along fine with Cesar although the whole world tells me he can be such an ass. I think I understand him because part of it is a front he uses when dealing with certain people but he is different with people he likes and respects. I can see things in him that I respect and I think that is mutual we don't have to love each other since he is only my boss just get along. The one's that stick together here are Marcela, Lea and I. Cesar and I both had a good chat today and are trying to gauge each other. Funky still has to pay my wages but it looks as if all the new parts are more costly and we have to wait to get paid. It is doing okay but not fab! I am not worried about my job though since there are more possibilities here …

playing once again catch up remains copyright of the author Sunshine12, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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]]> weekend tag:travellerspoint.com,2006-08-02:/blog/?domain=sunshine12&thisblog_entryid=48&entryid=18158 2006-08-03T01:51:19Z 2006-08-03T01:51:19Z 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 ... 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.

weekend remains copyright of the author Sunshine12, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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]]> quick summary of this week tag:travellerspoint.com,2006-07-22:/blog/?domain=sunshine12&thisblog_entryid=47&entryid=17727 2006-07-22T17:53:11Z 2006-07-22T17:53:11Z 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 ... 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.

quick summary of this week remains copyright of the author Sunshine12, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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]]> starting work in Cafe Flor this week tag:travellerspoint.com,2006-07-22:/blog/?domain=sunshine12&thisblog_entryid=46&entryid=17108 2006-07-22T16:50:22Z 2006-07-22T16:50:22Z 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 ... 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...

starting work in Cafe Flor this week remains copyright of the author Sunshine12, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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]]> finally the final coming up tag:travellerspoint.com,2006-07-12:/blog/?domain=sunshine12&thisblog_entryid=45&entryid=16692 2006-07-13T03:22:12Z 2006-07-13T03:22:12Z 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 ... 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.

finally the final coming up remains copyright of the author Sunshine12, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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]]> getting closer to the final of the Mundial tag:travellerspoint.com,2006-07-07:/blog/?domain=sunshine12&thisblog_entryid=44&entryid=16195 2006-07-07T18:11:07Z 2006-07-07T18:11:07Z 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 ... 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,)))

getting closer to the final of the Mundial remains copyright of the author Sunshine12, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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]]> last week in Mundial fever tag:travellerspoint.com,2006-07-02:/blog/?domain=sunshine12&thisblog_entryid=43&entryid=15899 2006-07-03T00:17:18Z 2006-07-03T00:17:18Z All days here are being ruled more and more by the Mundial which means people are to be found in front of TVs when the games are on no matter if you are in a bar, cafe or just want to buy something in a little store ... you have to go hola to get someone's attention to be served! The only things that are outstanding this week is the Holland game since Funky was packed afterwards with a lot ... All days here are being ruled more and more by the Mundial which means people are to be found in front of TVs when the games are on no matter if you are in a bar, cafe or just want to buy something in a little store ... you have to go hola to get someone's attention to be served!
The only things that are outstanding this week is the Holland game since Funky was packed afterwards with a lot of disappointed Dutch people while the rest had a party in Monoloco. I was about to go home when it started pouring and I bumped into Josue and we chatted until it subsided enough to be making a dash for it. No matter which game is on though I haven’t seen anyone get into fights about it or starting to be nasty about it.
The last few days the weather has improved and sun is to be had. One day I managed to sit in the park after buying a book to read and than I went home to change into a bikini and enjoy the sun on our roof terrace. At night I had a slight headache maybe too much sun for a day??? It was fun since Elmer brought dinner home and there we were sitting on the roof terrace surrounded by volcano’s and green hills, watching birds of prey circling above us, watching the clouds pass quickly … very idyllic!
I was watching the game Germany vs. Argentina in Cafe 2000 (yes, managed to get up early) and we had luck to still get seats since we were running late. Perfect spot though with personal big TV in front of us! The fans for Argentina were more and were making lots of noise but the German crowd made up for that once we got through by throwing a party in there. I couldn't wait to get out since it was hot, sticky and my eyes were itching from all the smoke and dry air inside.
Saturday worked a double shift in Funky and met some very interesting people so time flew by. Alex (anthropologist, from Russian and Harvard student) invite me for a beer after work. I ended up having juice and meeting people that I knew in La Sala. Luca (owner of the motor bike-scooter shop) asked me to do him a favor and in exchange I get an hour free for renting a bike. I love this place since it is really more who you know and who knows who to get stuff accomplished here. So once he left Alex and I had a very interesting conversation. He invited me to visit him sometime in the next three weeks in Coban, Honduras for a day. I can bring Elmer along and we would get a private tour in Spanish or English by him for explanations in the museums and he would show us the tunnels etc. that are off limits for the public but since he is supervising the dig there ... So I will have to look into going there with Elmer a Thursday and either spend a night there or not depending on the shuttle service.
Elmer and I got around to celebrating our three months like 2am in the morning and ended up talking until 4am because we had both lost track of time. Once we are home we usually throw our phones on the bed after we set the alarm (have no nightstand but a spare bed in the room which serves as place for everything). I wear my watch but am not anymore in the habit of using it much and if I forget to put it on than it isn't a nightmare like it I would be in Europe or US.
Since I had finished buying all the things that are need for the gym like gym pants, shoes, some more socks and T-Shirts I had no excuse anymore to not go. I joined the gym this week and felt my muscles afterwards. I not only used the machines but Marcela also talked me into joining the aerobics class. The instructor is really nice and funny. Bloody hell some of the moves made us all laugh and we all agreed how bloody sexy he is. Marcela and I wondered what it would be like seeing him on a dancefloor. I went the next day alone since I needed cardio work out knowing otherwise my muscles would be all stiff and I would be really sore. I mean sure here in Antigua I walk all the time but I am not using the same muscles.
As for work my boss is in the States on business and doesn't know when she will come back. So in a way Lea takes care of some things and I have started taking care of other aspects of the business. Pretty funny that no matter what kind of a job I do I always end up with organizing and planning!
Today being Sunday I had a lunch date with Alex. We shared a sandwich and a chocolate cake with ice-cream. Those of you who know how I look like when I enjoy my food can imagine what the pictures looked like when he took them. We sure had fun and promised to stay in touch. Now I am in Funky and working and it so hot that I would wish for a personal ventilator since there is no brize here. I hope that our room smells a bit better later on since I left the window open but the curtains drawn otherwise all the lovely little bugs come in at night. Before work I popped din real quick to see Elmer since I saw him only when he said bye this morning. I turned around and woke up like noon. I was so dead tired today. Last night with Alex I got home like 1.40am and was just done with freshening up when he came home with food. He hadn't eaten since late afternoon like 5pm when we shared some nachos in Funky. I was like why the hell didn't you eating something. He was like there were too many people and no time ... He eats way to fast and I always tell him you are home now and can chill and eat slowly please which earns me a grin and a yes Mum. Unless something happens I plan on going home after work watch a bit TV to chill and than go to sleep.
Elmer has got morning shift and I will go to the gym but haven't decided yet when, have to fill up our fridge a bit, see the lab another time for check-up, get the laundry done ... Monday night we will hopefully be together and have a chance to talk more again. Sometimes we do see each other but hardly get to have a deeper conversation just the daily stuff like how was your day, what have you been doing, are you feeling tired, does your back hurt ... He gives lovely massages except yesterday my legs were killing me and it hurt/ tickled and made me laugh/ go autch!
The apartment will hopefully be sold end of July so everyone keep your fingers crossed that it really will happen and than I can have a party here! As for party I am thinking about changing my ticket back and celebrate my birthday here with my friends and see what they will come up with … Chad, Marcela’s husband has his on the 2nd so we already said that we all have to party a bit., Elmer’s sister is the 4th!
Mami, erinnerst Du Dich an Anuar, der konnte ja gar nichts im Haushalt. Elmer is getting better with not throwing everything on the floor no mattered clean or dirty (still need to buy a basket for dirty clothes), folding up his clothes, making the bed (although he needs more practice with it). We are good with preparing meals together or one starting off and the other one jumping in without having to say get your act together and help. Our standards are very different for me the place we have now is a lot less than what I am used to but I can live with it while for his standard it is luxury. I know that if I would stay here for a couple of months than I would have to do with even less because I wouldn't be able to afford anything else.

last week in Mundial fever remains copyright of the author Sunshine12, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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]]> playing catch up ... tag:travellerspoint.com,2006-07-01:/blog/?domain=sunshine12&thisblog_entryid=42&entryid=15367 2006-07-02T02:25:38Z 2006-07-02T02:25:38Z It is Sunday and it is pouring. Time to quickly write what has been happening in the last few days. Monday, Elmer more or less jumped out of bed because I almost screwed it up for him by re-setting the alarm to the wrong time. He had to literally run to work in 5 minutes flat. They get fined for every minute they are late 10Q so that can add up quickly ... I felt so bad about it because it ... It is Sunday and it is pouring. Time to quickly write what has been happening in the last few days.

Monday, Elmer more or less jumped out of bed because I almost screwed it up for him by re-setting the alarm to the wrong time. He had to literally run to work in 5 minutes flat. They get fined for every minute they are late 10Q so that can add up quickly ... I felt so bad about it because it was work and of course he was swearing in lovely Spanish! I started out with house cleaning and than going to the laundry place. Elmer called and asked me to bring him some food since he was starving, having had no breakfast. I felt so bad for him and hurried up to get him something. I did lots of shopping in the market for fruit and finally bought a used blender. I just couldn’t believe the price they were asking in the shop like 3x more for a new one. No way! For the difference I could have bought 2 more jeans. By now I am good in calculating what I could have bought for it and I start thinking in Q and not anymore in USD or EUR. I also got our pictures from the vacation printed off. Some of them are very nice and others are a bit like aha ... I was planning on making a collage but have changed my mind since I got soaked on the way back to the house. I was visiting his sister and when I was about to leave it started pouring and since there was no chance of it stopping I had to go for it. The streets here are so used and down trodden that the middle part is very deep and the water catches in there quickly and depending how good the drains work you can either be facing a river that is running or standing water that is very deep and there is no way around it. You have to literally walk through it and get your shoes soaking wet. I was walking through knee deep water which was very dirty and disgusting smelling. Barefoot though is no option since you might step into God's know what! I was thinking I was being smart taking the shortest way but no luck since when I as about to turn the corner into my street the walkway was under water and the fire trucks were pulling cars free that had been parked and where the water was up to the middle of the doors. I got home and dumped my things. I got the rain jacket for Elmer and brought it to him. He thought I hadn't gotten soaked but my back was completely wet and I got told to go home take a shower and change clothes. I was so glad that the guy had fixed the shower that day so we finally have warm water (hot in my book is something different). Hanna, thank you so much for leaving me your sweat pants. They are great and so nice and warm in the house! I was finally all bundled up in dry clothes and was about to fix myself a warm tea to warm up from the inside as well when the next wet person showed up. Our room has got a certain smell to it now due to drying clothes ... very yummy - NOT! We tend to go out Monday night's but we both didn't feel like getting all soaked again since it was still pouring so we stayed in. Actually it was good fun since we had long chats and watched TV.

Tuesday, we both slept in and felt refreshed. He was going to see his parents and his son after brunch and I had my date with Ema. Oh for those of you who haven't heard the news yet?!? There is a prospectus buyer for our place in Vleuten but since no papers are signed yet it is too early to cheer so just all keep you fingers crossed that it will happen and that I can close the last chapter in the Netherlands! I should know more by start of next week ... I met Ema for her birthday coffee. She was really happy with her gifts. I got her a scarf, chocolates and a card which I signed off with daughter and she was like yes that is what you are to me. I just love her! I tried a chocolate cake and that piece was huge and so rich that I decided to take it home with me I managed not even half of it. I had to buy more clothes since with the rain too many clothes are wet. I bought another jeans, sneakers and a sweater. I am starting to get used to the white bread but only with butter and honey or even better with frijoles.

Thursday when I left the house with Elmer I had planned to go the market and buy fresh things and he had to go visit his parents and son. I bumped into Genevieve right when I stepped out of the house. She was also on the way to the market so we went shopping together. We made some really good deals when buying fruit. I thought her Spanish was better than mine and she thought mine was so that was very funny. We ended up with so much stuff that we went to my place and left it all tear and divided the fruit up and afterwards we went back out shopping. First a quick stop at McDonald's though since I finally wanted to meet Elmer's son in person. Since I was with her it was normal to bump into each other since his son doesn't need to know right now that we are dating. He looks so much like him and is so adorable and although shy with us I bet he can be a handful. They went shipping for shoes for him and we girls also did some more shopping. I had in the end finally some more pans and Tupperware as well. Elmer was impressed with my shopping but at least we can fix ourselves some decent food. At night we were supposed to go out dancing but I just wasn't in the mood and felt kind of out of it. I had fixed dinner though and it was good. He was like okay I am going out and I was like I might go out later ... so we split up and I did go out very briefly. La Sala was too crowded and I just couldn't be asked to deal with it all. Although I wasn't alone and had good company I just couldn't be asked. Just when I was about to go Elmer showed up and was a bit upset that I didn't want to dance with him or anyone else for that matter. He stayed but said that it was full and hardly any girls to dance with. Oh well!

Friday I said that I need a lab since I had a pretty good idea what was wrong with me - bladder infection! So I let them do their work and I could go and collect the results after 5pm. Elmer took me to all the right places ... We had gotten up very early since we had to go to Guate for my visa. I have never been so grateful to him for coming with me. I would have been lost in Guate. It is a chicken bus but it goes directly to Guate. Elmer had asked his Dad the night before what street to get off best. He was all prepared and than the bus driver decided that he can’t be asked to go to the end and says today it ends here. HERE was somewhere in zone 3 and no taxi no nothing around. He asked some guy and we waked a bit and than waited for a bus. We had to change buses and walk around until we found the INGUAT and than we got told that they had moved office as well. Filling out a form and paying 15USD for a visa was okay. Afterwards we went to a shopping center and that was huge it felt as if being back in the States only the people didn't look that way. We had a huge pizza there since we were both starving by than. On the way back to Antigua we were both beat and almost fell asleep in the bus. I was ready to go home and straight to bed before work. I had a bit of sleep and went by the lab and got my results than had to wait for the doc to have time for me. Got my medicine and went to work.

Weekend> I think I was working, sleeping, watching soccer games, shopping, watching TV etc. Nothing out of the ordinary going on.

playing catch up ... remains copyright of the author Sunshine12, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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]]> last weekend until Wednesday tag:travellerspoint.com,2006-06-21:/blog/?domain=sunshine12&thisblog_entryid=41&entryid=14990 2006-06-22T01:17:33Z 2006-06-22T01:17:33Z Saturday I was working in the morning and didn't have all that much to eat so I send Elmer a text knowing that I would get something since he doesn't like it when I don't eat enough. Right on the mark! He brought me lunch and since it was quiet we had it together. He went off to work out and I continued work as normal. Due to the Mundial the morning shift is usually very quiet and boring which ... Saturday I was working in the morning and didn't have all that much to eat so I send Elmer a text knowing that I would get something since he doesn't like it when I don't eat enough. Right on the mark! He brought me lunch and since it was quiet we had it together. He went off to work out and I continued work as normal. Due to the Mundial the morning shift is usually very quiet and boring which means I can reply to emails. Once I got off work I went home and freshened up and got ready to go out. I had a date with Hedda in the park for one of our last dinners. Camilla was there as well and we went to Travelers menu. This time they also got the orders wrong and the last time I thought it was because our group was bigger than 10! Their Spanish is worse than mine but hey they have a business so that is kind of surprising. The food was okay and afterwards Camilla had a date and left. Hedda and I went to La Sala but it was still pretty empty so we went to Monoloco for a drink. I talked Marcela into having a drink with us upstairs. She came and we all went to La Sala. Now it was full and they had live music. Not really my style at the start but we girls sure had fun. The guys from the dinner place where there as well and we all chatted and danced a bit. Jose looks to be my new companion when Elmer is working which suits me just fine. We all had a blast to the end and by the time I went to Monoloco Elmer was a bit worried about me since I hadn't answered my phone or replied to his text. I had a bit too much to drink and a hang over was programmed. Once he was done we went to my place. I had to knock forever on the door and make a racket since Karin’s keys had been stolen so now the place is locked up like Fort Knox. We went all to bed than and Morgan is getting sick so we heard him coughing and twisting and turning – fabulous!

Sunday, I had to let Elmer out of the front door and lock it all up again. I could sleep a bit longer since I had my date with Hedda in the park at 10am for breakfast. She brought a new roommate with her, Vinnie and we had breakfast in La Fuente which was fun. Afterwards we went to the market and I bought new sandals and rings. Gee, I still play with my fingers and don't wear any rings - so that is now taken care of! We had a date with Luis for lunch and where supposed to wait for him the park but no show for an hour and no answer to phone calls or texts. We went to Funky and afterwards to a cafe for some cake. I returned to Funky and waited for Elmer since we had to return together to my place for a shower. He had to go to work and I was meeting the others for dinner. It was kind of difficult to focus since I was so tired. They all left early so I stayed behind and chatted with Jordan for a while. I was more than glad that they closed up early and we were home before Morgan and Mike.

Monday, he had again to get up very early and I woke up with stomach cramps. They didn't leave me alone until way past mid day. I had to move all our stuff from one place to the new apartment alone. I was bathed in sweat after each walk which was only like 5-6 blocks but when you aren't feeling good it is very far. I had to rest after each one! The place was a mess when I arrived and looked only slightly better when Elmer got home by around 7pm. We both were like tomorrow we need to clean some more because this isn't nice. He was really worried about me and I got spoiled. The only surprise we were in for was that the warm water wasn't to be had so that needs to get fixed. Since I wasn't up for proper dinner I was like I'll try some noodle soup and it stayed down. He prepared his own dinner since he didn't want me to exhaust myself. I got a shoulder rub since my shoulders were aching from carrying all the stuff I had to make 4 trips back and forth with my big backpack and a huge bag as well. We watched TV and I was gone pretty early.

Tuesday, he had a staff meeting which took place very early and I set my alarm for 9am to watch the game Alemania/ Ecuador from my bed. After that I got up and started house cleaning. Rosa, my landlady, explained to me how to use the cleaning equipment so different than at home. Elmer phoned in to tell me that he was done at work and would run some errands. He asked me later on if I wanted anything and how I was. So when he came back I was in for a surprise he had bought everything that we needed to stock up the fridge. He saw that I was cleaning and chipped in right away and even washed the table cloth. For you guys that sounds very normal and what is so important about that, well, here the guys are still macho and it is very unusual that they help with house hold chores. In the afternoon we were napping a bit and I wrote some post cards - finally! My phone went off and it was Lea asking if I could cover for her today since she now ended up with the stomach being weird. I said no problem. I had some very plain pasta today and was off to work. Elmer was off to the gym and showed up before work to say hello. Today is a good day maybe because I had a good nights sleep and am generally relaxed and happy. I am making lots of tips today which I will spend in Monoloco on a soup I think today since I still don't trust my stomach although the pasta stayed down. I got to chat some more today with the regulars here and got invited for a dance later on which I happily declined. I called Ema up today though I wanted to do that for a while but every time I remembered it was way too late. She was happy to hear from me since I am like her other daughter. She has got a new student in her place. We chatted for a while and since her birthday is on Saturday I have to buy her a present and maybe she wants to come and visit me in my place her. She is really happy that I am doing okay and have a fun time here. I also got a compliment for my improvement in my Spanish. I guess talking day in day out helps even if it doesn't seem like it some day’s o,))) After I had closed up here I went to Monoloco and had a soup since my stomach wanted something to eat. I ordered and saw someone waving at me, it was Jose. I joined him and his table and after they had finished their beer and I my dinner we went off dancing in Sin Ventura. I really hadn’t intended to go since I wasn’t planning on getting soaked in sweat. Oh well, Jose and I had fun and he will stop by tomorrow in Funky Monkey for a drink together. I had given a friend my number and was in for a surprise that he called me at 1.30am to tell me good night and than bug the hell out of me today around 9.30am when I was still partly in sleepy land.

We woke up and heard the builders on the other side of the apartments since they are building another one. We talked about what we each had to take care of today. I was going to make him fix breakfast but he honestly didn’t know how to make pan cakes. I had a willing student and we managed it with very limited utensils (like 2 not very sharp knifes, a butcher knife, one fork, wooden spoons that are moldy, spoons, plates that came in plastic, no cutting board etc.). We had a discussion therefore what we should buy and where and what to do with the stuff if I leave??? He wants to take an unfurnished apartment and than at least he can use whatever we buy. Wuschel, kommt es Dir irgend wie bekannt vor? I want some more things in the kitchen so that I can fix some proper food and also store it, right now a pan will just end up in the fridge since we can’t store food in Tupperware. I also want to buy a blender so that I can mush the beans and make smoothies … very important. Further I would like a dish rack, a proper pan that doesn’t flake … would prefer my food without the ingredients of the material from my pan! In the bathroom there is no mirror for him to shave so we improvised. We took a tiny mirror from upstairs and I got to hold it – nice exercise for my arms! Today I had after breakfast something like 3.5hours before I had to be at work and change clothes etc. We went together to the supermarket and bought a few things than off to the laundry place and wash clothes with the freshly purchased soap. In the mean time while the wash was running we had copies made for the house keys. He went off to see his son and I returned to the laundry place to take my wash from the washing machine to the dryer. I left and went to get myself some food and drop of the food that we had bought. I returned to the laundry place and had some sushi – quite different but okay! Once the wash was done, folded it up and raced back to my place and just made it made it before it started raining. Quick unloading and change of clothes and race to Funky for work. I love it that I live so central now because I otherwise I could never manage it all. Tonight when I am done I can walk home by myself for the first time... fix myself a noodle soup e.g. and watch TV and either wait up or go to sleep …since he has his own set of keys. I just really love it! I love it that our life is starting to fall into a pattern and is very relaxed and easy and we are both happy which is the most important thing. We both love the stability that we have. We both don’t drink much and don’t go to after-parties. For him they are dangerous since too many people give him free drinks and than he does get drunk against his better intentions and there circulate too many drugs as well. I know some people here who are really messed up and we both stay clear of them.

last weekend until Wednesday remains copyright of the author Sunshine12, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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]]> weekend and quick update of week tag:travellerspoint.com,2006-06-20:/blog/?domain=sunshine12&thisblog_entryid=40&entryid=14419 2006-06-21T01:54:01Z 2006-06-21T01:54:01Z I must say that I really can't remember exactly what I was up to. I was working of course Saturday and Sunday nights and during the day I think it was normal life nothing spectacular. Oh yes, there was one incident when Morgan handed his shift over to me he also dropped a little bombshell on me about us living together (one of my room mates) in two minutes flat and than ran off to his other job and gave ... I must say that I really can't remember exactly what I was up to. I was working of course Saturday and Sunday nights and during the day I think it was normal life nothing spectacular. Oh yes, there was one incident when Morgan handed his shift over to me he also dropped a little bombshell on me about us living together (one of my room mates) in two minutes flat and than ran off to his other job and gave me no chance to respond. Elmer and me discussed it and decided we both can do without all that crap and we started looking for a new place to live. The strange thing is here that all the prices for rents are quoted in USD not in Q which makes it hard to translate to Q depending on which rate is being used. We viewed a couple of objects and there was one we both liked more on the costly side but than again it is safe for me to walk home from work at night which is important as well. It is very quiet there and the landlady and I hit it off right away. We can socialize more as well since we can have his family come over, friends, Ema for a cup of tea etc. It has lots of plus points and right now I am not worried about money. I am working here and although what I earn right now is not the world it is enough to buy food and being rainy season I am not too keen on traveling and spending money that way anyway. In this country getting paid is 1. and 15. but for me it is more like asking if I could please get paid. So the first time I had 200Q in my hand I was like cool my first self made money here. I was really proud and spend it right away for food o,))) It was leaving drinks one night after another since all my friends are leaving first one was Hanna than Heidi and upcoming week Hedda and Camilla. Since they have all been partying a lot they were pretty tired and called it early nights. I was around and waited up for Elmer to go home with him.
Oh yes, the other night was rather entertaining when some guy bought me a drink and later on when he gave me his card he turned out to be a doctor. He was pretty strange though!
The only other thing here is the rain that gets one down. Usually it is proper afternoon rain but lately it rains like during lunch hours and than stops and than pours at night but not in the afternoons. So I always carry my little umbrella with me and a raincoat sometimes. The shoes are more tricky carrying spares or not??? Better to wear flip flops yes or no (and worst case fall on your butt since the sidewalks tend to get very slippery)? Oh, the other day it was sunny and it burnt so I put my sandals out in the sun to dry properly since they have been soaked for ages. They were finally dry and I walked around with Elmer when I almost fell on my face because the strap broke. He had a laughing fit for a while at my expense. For me nothing to get upset about since they lasted a while and cost like 15Q! The quiz question is only should they be replaced or should I rather buy plastic a different pair of flip flops.
Sunday right after work I raced to the laundry service to get a big wash load done and had packed my big backpack to carry it all. It was so much like not only my clothes, his and the bed spreads and linen as well. Another girl was also doing laundry there and we started chatting. I had to use two washing machines and since it all fitted into the dryer I was in for a surprise since it was all only partly dry. I guess the SEARS dryer can't handle too many clothes although there was plenty of space left. Nicky was nice enough to give me a ride to parque central. I walked to Monoloco to meet Elmer in Funky. We went back to my place and decorated my room with laundry which was very funny since I don't have a closet to hang clothes or even clothes hangers for that matter or so ... It also meant that there was no chance to sleep in my bed so we went back to his place at night after we had cooked ourselves a wonderful dinner!

Monday, he had to get up very early since they open for the Mundial at 8am but have to be there an hour earlier. I was allowed to sleep a bit longer but the two little dogs at his place were making a racket and it was hard to get some sleep. I got up and the whole family had left for school or work. I went to the school and was all by myself. I think some of the kids were sick since it was only 10 of them. They were playing with their marbles and being occupied little angels. When I got the books out to get them to do their exercises it was a no go. So I decided to try a different tack. I started folding little baskets and that got their attention and Jonathan wanted one but with color. The others came running and wanted some as well. They were water colorizing as well and had good fun. Camilla showed up and brought gifts with her. Her timing was not good though since all the other classes were running around and wanted a piece of the action. She had bought toys and they started fighting about who should have what. The older kids started taking things away from the little ones. My charges just screamed for Wilson and he would take on the older boys to get the toys back. However when someone would take something away from the girls than all the little guys would try to get the toys back for them. It was rather entertaining just to observe and I regretted not having my camera with me. Camilla went with Cash to the market and bought him some new shoes since his are like at least 3 sizes to big and he couldn’t really play soccer the other day with the guys. She had also bought some socks so the one's who weren’t' wearing any got some. They very proudly took their shoes of and put on the new socks. Their shoes are partly in a very sad condition which isn't apparent when one just looks at them. Their feet are black with dirt but they would wipe them first before putting the socks on and would proudly pull their pants up and show them to anyone who was walking by or the other kids. The toys were appreciated but clothes even more. They were smiling very much when we left them. Camilla had a date with Hedda and I walked with her to parque central. I had planned to go home and fix myself some lunch. It turned out a bit different because in the park suddenly someone was in front of me going hola Claudia. It was Nena, Elmer's niece and his sister. We chatted for a bit and I asked how to prepare the beans best and she said just come with me and I'll show you. So we had lunch together and I got taught the different ways how to prepare beans. I played with the kids in the afternoon and learnt so many new words that my head was spinning real soon. I called it quits after 3 hours and asked who wanted ice-cream. We all got some and returned after buying crème and bread (I get taught where to buy what and what stuff costs etc.). I took my backpack and picked up Elmer from work. He was surprised when he heard that I spent all afternoon spontaneously with his family. Monday night we also prepared our dinner at my place and it was really nice.

Elmer and I have developed a rhythm by now and it feels like being married and all. The whole week can be summarized as passing very quickly with good-bye dinners and drinks with Heidi, Hedda, Hanna, Camilla, Carmen etc. I knew therefore that this week would mean little sleep and lots of partying. That is pretty much how it turned out. I didn’t see the kids this week since I am currently having a dispute with Praktikwelten and might take legal action against them. I was working Wednesday night which broke my normal rhythm a bit. Friday Elmer and I went to visit his family and I took lots of pictures and want to copy them over so that they can be emailed to his brother. Right now I am in an internet cafe and trying to do just that but with no luck. My memory stick got all screwy too and now it tells me that it needs to be formatted and that I lost all my data on it which is just no good like losing my CV and attachments to go with it etc. The other stuff is on the laptop at home which means not accessible at the moment but at least not completely lost. Other than that I had the prints done here and the pictures turned out very nicely. I have also blown one up to see the result and I must say it is very nice ... I will be glad when today is over and I don’t have to deal with Morgan anymore. He is just such a pain and I just want my peace and quiet. Elmer says that even after I leave he will find his own place since he is clashing more and more with his sister. I guess the characters are just too different and it doesn’t click very well.

I am coming close to half time here and since everyone is packing up and leaving it is more and more on my mind as well. I really just want the apartment to be sold so that I am free of everything that entails and can make my own decisions about what to do next with my life.

weekend and quick update of week remains copyright of the author Sunshine12, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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]]> another week flying by tag:travellerspoint.com,2006-06-11:/blog/?domain=sunshine12&thisblog_entryid=39&entryid=14042 2006-06-11T18:48:26Z 2006-06-11T18:48:26Z I think that I spent the Sunday night in Monoloco being freezing cold because my clothes were slightly damp and it was just cold. I had a wonderful soup and was reading a book waiting for him to finish up. I spent the night at his as there was no point in going to see the kids. I was too tired and had to arrange my move properly. Monday we couldn't really sleep in since he had to work at ... I think that I spent the Sunday night in Monoloco being freezing cold because my clothes were slightly damp and it was just cold. I had a wonderful soup and was reading a book waiting for him to finish up. I spent the night at his as there was no point in going to see the kids. I was too tired and had to arrange my move properly.

Monday we couldn't really sleep in since he had to work at 10am. So we had a quick breakfast and tried out the bread that I was given from Ema - being Danish with lots of grains - it isn't very liked here o,))) It was fun trying it out with his family who are like me lets try everything once ... Elmer didn't really like it too much and happily left it to me. He had to rush off to work since he was late and I finished my breakfast with Marisol. Suddenly her aunt showed up to say hello so I got introduced to the next family member. After breakfast I stopped by Funky Monkey hoping that Morgan would be there but no such luck. I called him and asked if I could come by and collect my bag. He said sure. I went by and met Benny who was staying in the room that I was taking over. He gave me the house key so that part is sorted. I could move my stuff into the room. Xela the dog likes me and always wants to come in to visit and lick my hands. I left and went back to Jocotenango on my way I meet Marisol who had picked up Maria Fernanda from school. We chatted most of the way and than I took the bus home to Ema. I had a nice lunch and than packed my last few belongings which tend to get more and more here. I settled my bill with her for the laundry but she couldn't change it all so we said that I would stop by next day and settle up and get the last few things. The rain stopped when I was ready to go so I took the bus and walked the 390 minutes to my new place. I settled kind of in and than I had to get the essentials for which I had compiled the list with the help from Ema. Not only what I need but also what brand to buy and what is good and what isn't. I also wanted to buy fresh things on the market so I quickly stopped by Elmer's place. I asked Marisol if she could tell me which part of the market would have the best things ... Her husband Vincenzo asked her why don't you join her and show her where to go. So in the end we went together and Maria Fernanda joined us as well. She loves the market. I got to know where to buy stuff, when is market days to get fresh things, what are the prices, when to haggle ... I bought a very big bag to carry all the stuff (Sara bought one also and had to pay 15Q while I only had to pay 5Q). In the end we had bought everything and were hunting for some good bananas inside. That place was also selling "dulces tipicos". I asked them what is good and in the end I bought the family something and I got to try a whole variety and found out that some stuff is edible and others is just too sweet for my taste. At her place we sorted the groceries out since she had also bought some things that she had forgotten earlier. I carried all the stuff home and than had to rush to Monoloco to meet Elmer when he got off work. I had already bought some things in the supermarket but not everything. He had said that he would help me carry the things home. When we were ready to leave the supermarket the street was a river and the only way to get home would be by tuc-tuc. In the end we got lucky since a friend of his took us along. We arrived home in my place and got soaked just getting out and in. Once I had arranged everything in the cupboard space and in the fridge we started preparing dinner. It was good fun to do it together. His sister was dying laughing earlier about the fact hat he would cook since I got to hear that he wouldn't be able to do more than an egg or pasta. As a matter of fact that isn't quite true. He is very good and putting all the stuff and overseeing what is in the pan. We fixed ourselves very tasty pasta with sauce and as dessert mango and to drink a smoothie. We were both pretty beat and watched a bit of TV but didn't go out. Well, in the end he was zapping through the channels which drove me insane so I went off to bed. He came later and we both slept kind of bad the first night. For me the strange new sounds, different smells etc. and for him it was not his bed. Oh I forget to mention that we were in for a surprise which neither Mike nor Morgan had mentioned. We were both ready to freshen up with a shower but no water at around 10pm. The shower was one thing but not being able to brush teeth... no way it just had to be done with agua pura.

Tuesday morning though also no water for brushing teeth or washing one's face. Great, we had to get up really early since the whole Monoloco crew was supposed to show up at 7am at the soccer field because they had to cheer for the other team. We arrived and had good fun there and he had to go to a staff meeting afterwards and I went to the school. It was a normal working day with the kids for me. The only unusual thing was that one of the classes was in the yard and therefore they were little angels while it was time for tasks afterwards they turned back into little devils. Camilla and I were both tired but we took them to the playground. Oh boy what were we in for ... they kind of behaved while being in the playground but when we had to go back to the school they really didn't move this time except for the girls. It took us a good 20 minutes just too literally carry them off the playground. Once we were done with that and got them back to school safe and sound we walked together home until our paths parted. She told me that she will really miss Terry but she has already her life planned in Scotland without him and without her ex. I had to buy on the way home a phone card to call Ema and tell her that I wouldn’t make it for lunch but if I could drop by for dinner. Of course, no problem! I bought some more things that I had forgotten the day before for cooking. I was ready than and I called Elmer and told him that I was starving. He was like okay start of fixing lunch and I'll be there in 30. Yeah, right! He had the nerve to call me 1.5 hours later and by than I was so mad that his food had ended up in the bin. He heard that I sounded mad and decided to come by and smooth things over. He was laughing at my temper and made up very well I must say o,))) We had our siesta and than we both got ready to go. I went to Funky for a pit stop to check my mail and than onwards to Ema. He went to work. I arrived at Ema's and I always get treated like a long lost daughter now since I move out. We had lots to talk about and had a very entertaining dinner with Mario. I got to try out more cakes. Ema was a love and gave me some old newspapers so that I could stuff our shoes to get them to dry more quickly. I had to take a tuc-tuc back to Antigua and started haggling for a good price when he said wait I'll ask my colleague. They talked and the other one took me to Antigua. I was in for a surprise since the driver turned out to be Isaac - Chelsea's friend. He took me as far as he could and I didn’t' have to walk very far at all. In Monoloco I found the usual crowd for Monoloco night and it was kind of fun seeing everyone getting drunk etc. although personally not my cup of tea. I bought my drinks one at a time from Victor and he wouldn’t take my money. I guess by now I am in since I cheer for the soccer games as well o,))) I had gotten Marcela to agree to come up for one drink and than we would see what to do. I was waiting for her and had arranged a drink for her when Morgan showed up with her slightly drunk. He wanted to dance so we all went to Sin Ventura where of course several guys wanted to dance with me. In the end I got introduced to her friends and ended up with a guy who was a terrific dancer and later I found out that he was a dancing instructor. So that was really good fun until he started hitting on me and saying that I have a boy-friend didn't really impress him. I decided high time to up and leave and pretended that I had to go find someone. I escaped to Monoloco since Marcela had already left ages ago and Morgan was just too drunk. Once Elmer got of his shift we went home and gee I was in a happy mood. Jordan and I had a shot of something and that really kicked in nicely so I was singing all the way home “Singing in the rain" - very fitting as well!

Wednesday it was his turn to play soccer. I am getting better at fixing his coffee since I never taste - it is all just good measure. We had yoghurt with fresh fruit. The game was hilarious this time. The place was soaking wet. The guys they had to play against where tall and huge in comparison to them. I must say that it was like watching giants playing smurfs. The smurfs won though big style! Mauritio had to call time out and at first I didn't get it why that was. The reason: his shoe had literally fallen apart. The soles had decided to separate into 3 parts and he proudly declared that they had lasted for 2 years. The guys started making jokes about how much money you spent on buying shoes and how long they might last you ... The other thing that was also funny was that Mauricio lost his balance earlier and fell of the chair and made a spectacular fall from the stand which earned him lots of laughs. I had a good laugh when some guy told me that Gato was a good player and that I should cheer for him since I didn't know him. Kenny and the others just smirked and went no of course she doesn't know him. We had such good laughs that day! We went back to the apartment and had a bite there or at least that was the original plan instead we took a shower and went to bed since we were both so tired. Afterwards he went home to get some things and run some errands and I went interneting and nothing really exciting happened during the day. I was chilling at home for a while and watched TV. I had promised the girls that I would join them for the last round of trivia as Barbie Dolls. It was pouring when I left and I had my sandals soaked in the water so that really sucked and in the other spare shoes I was carrying my feet wouldn't get warm which really sucked. I was wearing a skirt because I was getting kind of tired of wet pants. It might not have been the best place to try it since we ended up with seats where the wind was blowing in. We sucked big time for that round and ended up last place. I was so tired that night it was unbelievable and I was sure that if I would have gone home that I would have fallen asleep and not heard him knocking or even my cell going off. I stayed and chatted with Kate for a while until they were done. We walked home and went straight to bed.

Thursday is the day that I wish that I could erode from my calendar that is how bad it was! It started with Sweety calling me as a surprise - nice enough for me but not for Elmer! It put him a very grumpy mood but he wouldn’t talk to me why or what had happened. Hanna came by to give me same of her gym clothes since she doesn't need them anymore when she goes traveling. So we also didn't manage to resolve the little difference that was there and the mood was kind of weird. I had breakfast with Hanna in my place and we watched some TV and later on went downtown. She wanted to have lunch in the Bagel Barn and I had never eaten there before so I was like okay sure. It was nice enough and than my phone went off. It was Elmer and he sounded more like himself again. His parents had asked why I didn't come along and asked how I was etc. maybe that it is why he decided to call me. Who knows? It sounded as if things might get back on track. I went to Funky with Hanna to check my mail and than I went to Cafe 2000 to watch a movie but instead they didn't show any movies. So I decided time to do some grocery shopping and than I went home and was pretty bored and unhappy. I watched TV and than Mike was suddenly back from his trip; we took Xela for a walk and chatted a bit. He was relying tired and just wanted a shower some food and his bed. I must say that all I wanted was a shower to. So we took turns in screaming out you can use the other one now without stealing the water from the other one. I was about ready to go out when I got a text from Hanna telling me that e would meet in the park. Elmer and I had talked a lot in the afternoon since his plans were constantly changing due to phone calls eh received. It was all such a big misunderstanding that we both sounded very frustrated and he was in the end forgets it I am going out with my friends. I at it when he sys that since they sally make him drink way more than is good for him. The diner we had was cap since I wasn't so not paying any attention and had no hunger at all. The whole group moved on to Monoloco and I was really no good company so I left and went to Funky instead to check my mail Lea was there and said sorry for being rather curt earlier today. I was like don’t worry about it. She is like I don’t want you to think that I am a bitch so I'll tell you when you have got a minute. What she told me was horrific. She was dating Jeff for a while. I had kind of gathered that. Jeff is a real nice guy and would stop rather regularly at Funky and I hadn't seen him in a couple of days but big deal around here when people move round. She told that she had even crying 5 days straight after she had found Jeff in his apartment with a bullet in his head. I way so stunned and just couldn't take it in since he didn't seem like that kind of guy who would commit suicide. I was like I can’t stay here I have to leave and walk around a bit which I did and than I went to La Sala. I was sitting at the bar and was rather upset and was just debating if I should have a drink or not when Jose showed up. He kind of cheered me up and asked me to join him and his friends which sounded like a good idea. I was right about Elmer showing up slightly drunk. We danced for a while but my heart wasn't really in it. So we left rather early and sat in the park for a while. He told me that he was feeling miserable and I said me too. In the end we sorted it all out and went home together.

Friday 09-06-2006, start of the MUNDIAL!!! We got up on time to get a seat in Cafe 2000. The shower was freezing cold again but we were wide awake after that. We ordered a nice breakfast and watched the game. During the game it started raining again and it got a bit chilly so we needed warm drinks while other people were having beers but that at 11am or noon just isn’t my style. The game was good fun since he was for Costa Rica more because they are Latino than because he thinks that they are great. We had good fun watching the opening and than the game. Afterwards we were debating what to do first. I needed to fill up the fridge a little bit so we went to the supermarket. Walked around town a bit and than we realized that we had forgotten some very important items like a pillow, pillow case and we got lucky and found a rain jacket for him. He told me that he can't afford it right now but I was like right you just get and sick and than I will get sick to - no thanks! I'll buy it for you. I really don't care about spending money on the essentials and we don’t spend the money on ridiculous things. We had some more stops to make in town and by the end of it we were both beat and just wanted to sleep. We went back home and Mike and Morgan were out. Couldn’t overhear them coming back though! I had set the alarm for 5pm since he had to be at work around 6pm and I was going to fix myself some dinner and call the girls to find out what they were up to. Instead I got a phone call at around 4.20pm Abbie asking if I could come in and work. I was like I was just sleeping but give me 30 minutes and I'll be there. So I ended up working while he was still sleeping. Funny in a way because I left my phone and key with him, told Mike that he was in and left. Elmer came by on his way to work in his new raincoat since it was pouring again outside. He is such a sweety and happily handed me the things back. We are getting good at swapping things around since he didn't have room in his locker I got the coat to hang up and later when I don't want my backpack than I can hand it to him. I am so glad that things are back on track we are both just too stubborn sometimes, I am starting to have a temper here as well but we both are good in talking things out and making it right again and we both end up apologizing. My languages are getting a bit mixed here. I was talking Dutch the other night with some people than English with someone else and than I turned around to Jose and addressed him in Dutch, he was like what. I was like sorry and said everything in Spanish. Today when I had to explain something in Dutch the words that came out first were in Spanish. I guess that means that I am getting better at this although it really doesn’t seem that way. Camilla showed up here at Funky and can't find her friend so if she stays here until I close up than we might hang tonight until the others call me and tell me were they will be later. Right now they are all in Guatemala with Luis and Diego.

another week flying by remains copyright of the author Sunshine12, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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]]> Last week in Jocotenango if all goes well tag:travellerspoint.com,2006-06-04:/blog/?domain=sunshine12&thisblog_entryid=38&entryid=13309 2006-06-05T02:17:54Z 2006-06-05T02:17:54Z Elmer is wearing the bracelet rather proudly although of course his loyalty is with Brazil. Monday I was alone with the kids and after the four hours I was ready to have a screaming fit. They just don’t listen to anything you say and do what they please, whenever they please. They decided they wanted playdoo to play with and they all crowded in front of the closet where the material is kept and started fighting who would get it ... Elmer is wearing the bracelet rather proudly although of course his loyalty is with Brazil. Monday I was alone with the kids and after the four hours I was ready to have a screaming fit. They just don’t listen to anything you say and do what they please, whenever they please. They decided they wanted playdoo to play with and they all crowded in front of the closet where the material is kept and started fighting who would get it first etc. I had it by than I told them to sit down or nobody would get anything to play with. That actually worked because I got a bit louder and I guess they could tell that I was serious. Small victory but hey kept them in line for a little while! Sometimes I feel really bad about what kind of life they have. I don’t only mean the clothes but their skin has a look to them which I guess comes from malnutrition and no body lotion etc. Their faces are fine and they are cute mostly but got runny noses which just get wiped on their sleeves. They fight and hit each other a lot so in the end someone is crying. All the things we take more or less for granted and they are missing/ lacking gets to me sometimes. After my lunch I needed my nap since I was beat. I went home for freshening up since Elmer and I had a date at night. Being Monday usually no hairdresser shop is open but Ema took me to one and I got my hair cut. I just love this place where you can just walk in and get served. The lady did it slightly differently but than again it isn't that difficult to just cut the split ends in a straight line. At night of course he wasn't on time for our date but neither was I. He was working out in the gym and came straight from there. In the park Hanna and Hedda were waiting with me. Elmer and I went to Queso y Vino because I craved a good wine for a change. It was pretty funny since there I bumped into Carmen, Fabian and Bianca, Elio etc. all the German speakers since someone was leaving and they had the good-bye dinner there. We were celebrating our 2 months one day early because he was working during the day and otherwise usually nights. It was a fun night together, really crazy talks, stopped for a final drink in Reilly’s and they had a bar quiz going on and if you got the right answer you would win free beer. It was good for many laughs but I couldn't for the live of me think of the answer since they were music questions or about English soccer (PLEASE!!!). After that we were like let’s get some sleep and sleep in...

We sure slept in nicely. When the alarm went off I pushed the wrong buttons on my phone and turned the alarm completely off which was pretty stupid to do. I was planning on returning home to get my play-with-the-kiddies clothes and than go to work. Instead I woke up when his alarm went off very early because he had to be at Monoloco already at 9am for a staff meeting. I took the bus home and Ema was like where have you been ... so we ended up chatting and spending lots of time together so that in the end it just wasn't worth going anymore to see the kids that day. I was about to take my nap but than decided against it. I had to arrange a couple of other things. In the afternoon I was supposed to meet Carmen but she didn't show up or call or answer her phone so I went to Funky Monkey for a chat. I bumped into her later since she knows where I usually hang out. She looked bad, red eyes, sniffy nose ... I was like what has happened. She told me that she was upset about the phone call she had with her boy-friend. I guess it gets difficult even if it is only 3 months that people are separated. I returned to Ema's and freshened up and had dinner. I went with Carmen by tuc-tuc and that meant finally only 5Q fare per person. At night I went to Monoloco and met all the usual suspects there. I got to know her friend Jose and that was a fun conversation. I am sure my Spanish is still a disaster but at least I get to practice it. Going home as good fun since we were in the end a group of about 7 people who all live in Jocotenango. I found us a driver who I knew who would give us a good price. He is a friend of Elmer’s and of course asked where he is. I was home pretty early and called Elmer to let him know that I got home safe and sound.

Wednesday - not much to tell except went to work as usual. Oh yes Camilla and me were in for a surprise because the director told us that there was no food for the kids except rice and bread. So we took some money with us and went to the market and bought the most basic things for them. Still the whole thing is kind of weird. At home had lunch, slept for a while and in the afternoon was in Funky Monkey and called it an early night at home, being in bed by 8.30pm.

Thursday I went to work as well. The usual thing except for some reason they were angels in the school but once we got to the playground they turned into devils and we had 15 kids to take care of. I was beat afterwards. I had my alarm set because I had a date with Marcela to go shopping for clothes and I can proudly say that I found new clothes two new pairs of jeans, 4 new tops, shoes etc. So now I can really blend in here at least optically since my Spanish still gives me away. I had sent Elmer's brother an email with a picture from us as promised and since than we are emailing and I get to practice my written Spanish which is good for me. I found a good online dictionary so my vocabulary is also getting bigger since I tend to learn more words every day without noticing it. Although it was Elmer's day off he wasn't here in Antigua since Monoloco had an excursion planned for the staff. They were all gone from 6am-6pm to a fun park. So we had agreed that I would come by his place and than we would go out at night. Sure enough the tuc-tuc driver took for me a ride because he didn't know where he lived although I gave him the address. Loser! His brother in law was getting a hair cut when I arrived than it was a late dinner for them and the kids were tired. We were all chatting and I am getting better at it. I guess the biggest difference is that because I chat with Elmer non-stop, chat with the kids and his sister means just more and different topics than with Ema. It is better for my Spanish to hang out there more and chat with them. Maria Fernanda e.g. shows me proudly her homework and other things she shares happily. She loves to hug me ... her brother is a bit more reserved being a boy of course but than again he also likes to laugh and joke. I feel very good there and Ema is just laughing at me when I tell her what we have been up to. He told me to close my eyes once they had had dinner and I got a gift. A little cute stuffed toy flower! I just love him and he is such a sweetheart. He was like I went away for a day so I thought I should get you something. He is a real sweety! We went to La Sala and found a place to dance which was good fun. In the break I was ready for a beer for a change. After the break from the live band the floor cleared quickly and we had lots of space. Carmen and José were there as well and danced. Elmer and I tried out new moves and more turns it was a fun and sweaty night out. We went back to his and stopped on the way to get more water since we were still thirsty. Another thing here is at 2 or 3am in the morning some stores are open and will sell you stuff like drinks, cosmetic artikles etc.

Friday morning {02-06} we slept in and around noon time we showed up in The Black Cat for our breakfast. Connor was just laughing and asking the usual for our drinks ... I had no real plans for that day except that I had a date with Camilla to go shopping and another one for 4pm. Elmer had to work at 6pm so there was plenty of time. I thought he was going to visit his parents and son so I would stop by the internet and write some more. No, he came up with a nice surprise like why don't we visit my parents ... great, I had not bought a gift or anything ... since it is far away he was like either we could rent a motor bike or take a tuc-tuc. We stopped by Frank {he is German and has been here for ages and is a bit weird but he likes me a lot from all the Germans that are hanging around he says I am the only normal one} who gave me a flyer for his motor bike shop the other day and told me to stop by. He was there and we asked how much it would cost to rent a bike for an hour ... in the end he made me a special price. So off we went and I felt really stupid since I was wearing a jeans skirt and it hiked up nicely. His parents live in a very nice place with lots of space and air. I hadn't realized until than that he also has a little brother who is only 11 years old. Introductions were made and I was shown around. Than Elmer brought his brother to school and visited his son while I was left to chat with his parents. I have no idea how good my Spanish was but the conversation was flowing and it was interesting to get to know them. It was so different from my meeting of the parents in Europe. None of this stiff lets sit down and have a tea, no we were outside and they were in the shade while I was sitting in the sun and playing with the dog. Elmer came back and we had lunch except that we both weren't that hungry. He had some salad and I tried it since I try everything here once. I must say that by now I love the food here and would really miss it. Since I mentioned that I love mangos I was given one without a knife. So I was like okay what is the correct manner to go about to eat it. It was freshly washed and they take a bite and suck the juice out and than you start peeling off the skin and eating the flesh. At least I wasn't looking afterwards as if I was in a war with a mango. It was time for us than to get back to Antigua. We made a stop at his since he needed his gym clothes. The kids saw the helmets on the table and got all excited about it. We had a little commitee that waved us good-bye. We brought the bike back and than he went off to the gym and I went off to my appointment. Since Camilla doesn't have a phone I couldn't tell her that I wasn't going to make it for our meeting. I had decided to get a tatoo. It is really cool and it is a sun on the inside of my left ankle. Might be a surprise for some of you o,))) Anyway after that I went by the internet place and Elmer came by before work. I went home than and had a very akward shower since no water contact where the tatoo is. I had my dinner an headed out again. I was planning on going out with Marcella and just wanted to say quickly hi to Elmer in Monoloco. However Hanna, Hedda, Luis etc. were there so I joined them for a while. Marcela came by since she was early I was really surprised. Abbie decided since it as really dead to close early. We went together to Sin Ventura for some dancing. I had a dance partner and she told me later that he was an instructor. No wonder that I felt like whoa this is very different. It was good fun with him until it changed and he started hitting on me. He wasn't even impressed when I told that I have a boy-friend I guess he had a bit too much to drink. I left at around 1am and went back to Monoloco. Elmer didn't have dinner so he asked me if I could buy it since the policy there is that they aren't allowed to buy food. So we had a very late snack at his and by the time we went to sleep it was like 3am.

Saturday, we slept in until about noon. We started getting up and had a slice of bread. It took a while until we were ready to leave the house. I was chatting again with the whole family. They are just so nice. Elmer told me the other day that his sister was cracking a joke if I was his new girl-friend or new wife. I didn’t quite get it so I asked Ema and she told me that is just the way it is here especially since we spend so much time together. Okay, fine with me I don't care which title I get as long as I am happy. We wanted to see a movie but the best seats were already taken and the movie was stupid on top. So I stopped by Funky Monkey to ask if Morgan could cover for me an extra hour. Having swapped so often with him he owes me but he couldn't since he had to be at his other job. He told me though of a good place were we could have lunch. They actually had fish on the menu and guess what we had. It was a whole set menu and I got to try a new dessert some kind of fruit that gets boiled with sugar and cinnamon. Preparing it sounded like preparing cranberries but it tasted a bit like plums. I just love tying new dishes. So far there are only some veggies that I am not too keen on they remind me of pumpkins. After that for some reason I wanted an ice cream so we walked back to the park. He wanted a cold beer since it is humid and hot here. On the way to work I meet Hanna in one of these stores and we chatted a bit. Depending on where they will be tonight I might join them later. Elmer kept me company until he had to start work. I got to know some more artists since he helped me prepare a play list with Salsa, Merengue etc. Work has been bloody boring this afternoon and only picks up around 9pm when suddenly the place is full and everyone has weird requests of some reason or other. I haven’t made up my mind yet what I will do later on all I know that I will want my dinner in Monoloco and it will be quesadillas since I just love them with guacamole. That is what I had and was thinking about what to do next when some guy started chatting with me and suddenly Hanna was right next to me with her two friends. We checked out Sin Ventura. It was crowded, hot and sticky and the guys were drunk. I happily declined dancing with them. By now I know too many guys to be able to walk into any place and not at least know the face if not the name. We left and went to check out La Sala and there we would have had to pay 10Q to get in for 30 minutes that seemed stupid. So we left and since all the places were closing they decided to go home and I went back to Monoloco. I was kind of tired and expected him to finish up and to go and get some sleep. Instead Billy and his friends decided to have a party and part of the staff stayed on. They got so pissed that Chris whose hair was shoulder length was at the end of the evening 2mm. I wonder if he woke up and ha a fit when he looked in the mirror. Gee, we sure had really too much to drink. I hadn’t realized just how much Elmer had to drink. In the end he was really drunk and it took me forever to get him home. He managed to make such a racket that his sister woke up and let us in and his brother in law got him into his room and I took care of the rest.

Sunday, he really didn’t want to get up for work so I decided that the wet, cold wash cloth would do the trick it sure did after a while. No one felt sorry for him but they all felt sorry for me having to take care of him. In the end he managed to get to work just in time otherwise they get fined. I went home after a short chat with Marcela. Nobody was home when I arrived so I figured time for a shower and than a nap. Mario and Ema came back when I took my nap since they tried to open my door I woke up. They told me later that they saw the wet foot prints in the bathroom and wondered who was home. I said hello and chatted with Ema a bit since Mario was off napping. She asked me if I wanted lunch and I said sure. Today it consisted of rice and potatoes. I had to pack my first bag really quickly and of course it started pouring when I had to go and I was running late so a tuc-tuc it was. Mike opened the door and told me that the guy hasn’t cleared out of the room yet so I parked my bag in Morgan’s room. Tomorrow I will empty the bag and get the house key. It should be good fun because Mike will be gone until Friday to El Salvador for his visa and Morgan and me are okay with each other anyway. They both know Elmer and there isn’t a problem on that side either. So I got a quick tour today through the kitchen and the rest Morgan will tell me I am sure. I left with Morgan and we both went to work but to different places. I stopped in Monoloco real quick and I guess Elmer wasn’t the only one suffering from a major headache so were Jordan, Kenny and the rest. I went to work and Marcela was happy to leave since she said it was very boring. I can only say that I got busy straight away and had lots of different things going on. So I had no time to be bored and when it was a bit quieter I finally got to write more. Elmer stopped by on his break and I told him to please take the Danish bread {which they don’t like here at all, having to many grains, Elmer is like me though lets try everything once} home and we could all have it for breakfast with some jam. On his way back he brought me a soup so that I wouldn’t starve like yesterday. He is such a sweetheart! Sure feels sometimes like being married since we spend so much time together but the biggest difference is that we both still have our own lives but talk all the time about we have been doing in the absence of the other one and it is so much more my idea of what a marriage is supposed to be. It will be fun to find out how it will be if we cook together as well … Now I am just waiting for my shift to end and than I think I’ll have a small bite in Monoloco and wait for him to get of his shift. We still want to talk some more since we hadn’t proper time yet although we are both tired. I haven’t decided yet what I will do about work tomorrow since I have to arrange a couple of things and move and do some shopping in the market as well to get some fresh fruit etc. Jason was already asking me if I will watch and cheer theme soccer game again on Wednesday and I really don’t know yet. Maybe I should swap to working some days in the afternoon … Only 2 more hours of work and than I can call it a night here!

Last week in Jocotenango if all goes well remains copyright of the author Sunshine12, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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