Xela Spanish Class (day 2)

Another day waking up to that distinct smell, cracking our backs from the plywood that lay beneath us and brushing our teeth next to the Hunchback guy who always seems to be wandering near the sink. I’m not sure if he even understands Spanish as when I say the most simple phrase “Buenos Dias” all I get is a big grin and grunt. The same response when I don’t say anything at all. I know he’s harmless, although at night when I go to the bathroom (which is a separate room outside) sometimes he sits in the dark hallway and you hear the grunt and faintly see his smile…it’s a bit frightening. I try not to think about all the horror movies I’ve seen with such characters and run back to my room.

Having this time off in one place is nice, but also makes me feel a bit anxious to get on the road. Since we left, almost everyday we departed on a new adventure in which we didn’t know what to expect, here we know. It is good as it slows down time and gives us time to reflect and absorb. Taking lessons is tedious for me, but I know will be very helpful for the next few months. Although at times, I feel I have bigger feats to accomplish than learning how to ask someone what their name is or what is their favorite hobby! Every day on the road you run across struggles and challenges which you overcome and feel a sense of satisfaction for making another day further south. But, I know the importance of taking this time aside.

The routine of no routine is setting in more and more each day. There is really no routine in the sense of a schedule, but the difference in lifestyle from what is at home has taken some time to adjust to. The shower is cold tonight? Before I would have cringed and hoped to be able to find a solution to this problem, now I hold my breath and take the quickest of showers. At home I can anticipate the activities and events of each day, here I cannot, and that takes some time to get accustom to. I know the longer we’re on the road, the more comfortable with the uncertainty we will be.

Mike’s teacher was telling him today that all of Guatemala is run by 23 families. The families are the same that conquered Central America over 500 years ago; it still stays the same. The rest of Guatemala is made up primarily of the indigenous populations which aren’t much more than indentured servants. It is amazing that things haven’t changed from so long ago, and it is sad to see this. The family we are staying with consists of a Doctor and a Lawyer who both work, yet they are poor. They drive a geo metro, host students in their house and even though are better off then most, live a life far from lavish. It seems even those who work hard and strive above do not have much.

The teacher also mentioned that the schools only exist in the big cities, and those who live in the country do not go to school. This is most of the indigenous people; their children do not attend any form of schooling. In Mexico we would pass several schools whether they were in the city or countryside (thus all the Topes). I’m sure that has a lot to do with why things have not changed for the people of Guatemala over the years.

After today’s lessons Mike and I set off to our favorite Café (where they roast their own delicious coffee) to enjoy a hot beverage and their free wireless internet. That, along with our meals cooked by Christina (soup and pasta for lunch, pancakes and fruit for dinner) and some errands was our entire day. Now it is time for my Tarea (homework); Mike already got a head start on me!