sabbatical

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.