One of the greatest gifts I have given myself was to celebrate my birthday here in Antigua, Guatemala. It may seem strange, but I really have loved my time here. And although I’m far away from my family and friends, this is exactly where I want to be to have my fiesta!
My day started off with finally opening a birthday card my Grandparents gave to me before I left. They told me that I should open it on my actual birthday, which I did. It was really emotional for me to read it because I know how much they care and it was a real blessing to open that card first thing in the morning. So thank you Grandma and Grandpa!
Breakfast was the usual assortment of bleary eyed gringos and bright eyed Gladis. This morning Gladis gave me a birthday hug and the rest of the students wished me a happy birthday (en espanol). Now generally speaking I don’t like big displays of affection, and I was definitely in for a big display at the school. Initially I thought I would get off scott free, no one made a fuss and my teacher gave me a big hug and wished me a merry day. Ten minutes into my lesson as I was explaining my trip to Volcan Pacaya to my teacher I noticed the entire school had assembled. In true embarrassing form, they sang to me Happy Birthday in English and a song about wanting cake with chocolate (in Spanish). It was really sweet. Afterwards EVERYONE, and I mean everyone, comes and gives you a hug and wishes you a happy birthday.
Those who know me well should know that I am a hugger. I think it is one of the most single greatest things in the world. And being so far away from home, it was really wonderful to have these wonderful locals and foreigners wishing me a wonderful day.
The rest of my day was spent studying 30 verbs on newly acquired flash cards. I was sitting with Gladis though as she watched her soaps. It was really entertaining to watch the dramas unfold on screen and have very little idea what was going on. But in true student form I would ask Gladis questions about what was going on. After all this is a time for learning. At one point though I freaked myself out when Gladis changed channels and just happened to land at a time when the man onscreen was laughing really menacingly. So I tried to say it in Spanish, which would be “risa amenazadora”. However, neither Gladis or I could get it on the first try and for whatever reason it was absolutely hilarious. Especially that Gladis couldn’t say it.
In addition to a birthday celebration we were also saying goodbye to two of the students, Clint and Roderick. So it was a big night. Which meant we went for dinner and dancing. Dinner was at this sort of buffet style restaurant with typical Guatemalan fare. I don’t know what they put in their guacamole here, but I swear it tastes like heaven. I’m guessing it is a combination of fresh ingredients and a lot of lime juice! Then we went to La Sala, a salsa club. Even though my old lady tendencies kicked in, I had a ton of fun. Especially when the locals started salsa dancing. I swear it was some of the most impressive dancing I’ve seen.
By the time we made it back to the house, instead of going to bed Erik, Barbara, Kristine, Emma started chatting. Barbara was sharing with us her incredible story of her cynicism while witnessing the ceremony of cacao in San Marcos, among other hilarious tales. But it was definitely bed time, but not before we had an opportunity to laugh at Clint sleeping with his open door and lights on.
No comments:
Post a Comment