La Semana Santa Increible part 2

Just a few more photos! Pat gets credit for taking most of these.

Carpets in progress on Calle del Arco. (A sawdust alfombra is closest, and one of pine needles behind.)

Garden of Eden alfombra complete with Adam and Eve Barbies in the bottom left corner!

That’s. All. Sawdust. WOW.

Still in progress with stencils and sawdust, 6:45am, Good Friday.

The Jesus float on Good Friday from a block and a half away. It’s tough to get through the crowd sometimes… This float will walk over all of the alfombras seen above at some point throughout the day. It left the church at 4am, and won’t return until 2am Saturday. Pat and I saw it again around 9pm, but the pictures didn’t turn out at night. One word to describe it at night? I’d say haunting.

La Semana Santa Increible part 1

After writing what’s below I need to add this comment: My explanations here are based on my estimations and perceptions of what just happened in Antigua. In no way is my account complete, entirely accurate, or encompassing of the incredible acts performed during the weeks of Lent and Semana Santa. The photos do no justice, either, but a visual helps a bit.

I would be amiss to not include the splendor of Antigua in it’s peak of cultural celebration. All during Cuaresma (Quick language lesson…cuarenta=40, Cuaresma=Lent, a period of 40 days), churches put up velaciones—I’ve mentioned these Holy Vigils before, it’s a huge representation of a Bible story—and perform weekly processions carrying elaborate floats of Jesus and the Virgin Mary, followed by bands playing funeral marches through the streets.

During Semana Santa, Antigueῆos make alfombras (carpets) out of colored sawdust, pine needles, flowers, fruits and vegetables and other creative materials. They can be up to 50 feet long and 10 feet wide (by my estimations) and are created over the cobblestone streets using giant stencils over which they spoon the sawdust from scaffolds a foot above the ground. Most alfombras take anywhere from 6-12 hours to produce with typically a group of 5 or more people working at once. Intricacy varies from carpet to carpet as you wander the streets gawking at the creations, and no two are alike from year to year.

Alfombra in progress, laying on scaffolding, carefully adding rosebuds to the diamond shape in the middle of the design.

Sawdust alfombra made in front of Pollo Chapincito, a little fried chicken restaurant on my street. Yes, that is a whole chicken and gravy cup sitting on a plate, as an offering.

Something to note: Alfombras are created as offerings. There are no cash prizes for the most intricate or time consuming, there is no sign on the corner saying, "Jill created this alfombra, she deserves a cookie." Alfombras are an incredible act of anonymous devotion. As the carriers of the processions walk over the sawdust, the intricate designs are muddled, and immediately after the procession passes, a clean-up crew follows with brooms and shovels.

Alfombra made of pine needles and vegetables, complete with a mini arch at the other end! Pat and I came across this one around 6:30am on Good Friday—the streets were packed, as most people leave their houses at 4am to see the procession leave the church that day. We were such lazy bums.

Processions are dramatic, beautiful, emotional events. Every church in the area creates floats to be carried by up to 90 people, each toting near 100 pounds on one shoulder, depicting Jesus carrying his cross, or Mary weeping in prayer. The brotherhoods associated with each church raise money for and create the float, and organize the encargados (carriers). On the day of the procession, a procession may leave the church at 11am and walk the city streets until 2am. The encargados trade places beneath the float every block, and I have heard estimates of 6,000 men being part of one procession.


It’s tough to get the full view, but this Palm Sunday float is over 100 feet long, about 10 feet wide , and is being carried by 90 men.

The typical order of performance goes like this: a drum and flute player in cucurucho walk first, announcing the coming of the procession. Then comes another cucurucho swinging incense, and more men lining either side of the street, making way for the float. Often then we see representations of the saints or apostles, sometimes carried on poles in pieces of art, sometimes carried as statues by 4 cucuruchos. More incense, sometimes men wearing the uniform of a Roman soldier, sometimes men representing various characters like Pontius Pilate or judges. Important: none of these characters walk over the alfombras. As the float comes through, some of the cucuruchos carrying the float walk over the sawdust, but mostly the carpet passes under Jesus and the Virgin Mary and then is swept away. First, the Jesus float passes, followed by a 20 or 30 piece marching band, then more incense and women lining both sides of the street, dressed in traditional black veils. Women carry the Virgin float, up to 50 women in each block-long turn, as this float is not as long nor heavy as Jesus’. Following Mary, another band of the same size, playing yet a different funeral durge.

Maundy Thursday procession entering the Cathedral in Central Park, after walking the streets for 12 hours. The blue light is the huge float, Pat and I were standing in a crowd of about 500, so pardon the lack of zoom on my little camera.

Then come the brooms, shovels and trash truck to clean everything up, and following that, vendors with cotton candy, cucurucho dolls and other random paraphernalia that tends to ruin the beautiful devotion that has just passed.

Happiness part 2

The short version: Pat came! We had FUN!


Waiting for the Domingo de Ramos (Palm Sunday) procession to pass through Parque San Sebastian (over Pat’s left shoulder are cucuruchos—men wearing the purple and white uniform, waiting to carry processional floats)

The long version: Patrick and I spent the week staring at each other, for the most part, not wholly believing that we were spending time together in a place like this. We, too, spent hours of every day walking the streets to see processions, alfombras and huge crowds, stopping now and then for a perfectly fresh Guatemalan cup of coffee, or a delightfully South American glass of red wine. We climbed a volcano, went to the beach, spent time with the Romero family (my hosts), applied and reapplied Aloe Vera and Caladryl. I even had a chance to explore Guatemalan cures for severe stomach pain when my lover didn’t feel well.


Our last few minutes at the Hotel Pez de Oro (Goldfish Hotel) at Monterrico beach were spent outside the bungalows near the pool. (The volcanic black sand beach left us a little toasted from the day before)

A couple of my favorite moments include the Pacaya experience and an evening spent at El Sabor del Tiempo…

Pacaya is one of several active volcanoes surrounding Antigua, and the climb is not for the faint of mind, body or soul. Pat and I tied our tennis shoes tight, packed a little backpack of snacks and thought we’d be good to go, as our guide provided no liability waivers to sign or “in case of death or injury” clauses to read. About halfway into the climb we were panting, exhausted and slipping around loose pumice stone, only to arrive at the flowing blaze orange lava at the peak, where some tourists were roasting marshmallows (over lava), some were lighting cigarettes (using lava) and others (like me) snapped their picture and got outta there. Did I mention there were at least 40 mph winds at the top of this volcano and I feared falling off several times? Oh and that the sun set, leaving us to find our way down the “hill” in complete pitch darkness? Terrifying? Yes. Worth every minute? Absolutely.


It was a little windy at the peak, but nice and toasty warm when sitting 1 foot from flowing lava


Between leaving the lava flow and beginning the trek down…

El Sabor del Tiempo is one of the charming, brick-ceilinged restaurants on the famous Calle del Arco. Patrick and I, after chasing processions and navigating intense crowds for several hours on Jueves Santo (Maundy Thursday), decided that it was time for a break. We happened upon this restaurant, found a candlelit table and ordered the most delicious wine and pizza you could imagine. Hours passed and while we sat talking, laughing, staring at each other and being us. It was so cozy and comforting to be there together, we could have stayed overnight if they had pillows on the menu.

We stayed about an hour after they closed their doors and as we walked the streets home, we passed groups of people starting the incredible alfombras in preparation for the Viernes Santo (Good Friday) processions. We stayed out walking until near 2am, and the streets looked as if it were mid afternoon, with people everywhere and a parade of Roman soldiers on horseback roaming around. A quick nap and we were up again at 6am to see the completed alfombras and the incredible processions of Jesus’ burial. Our marathon evening/morning ended with more great coffee and delicious eggs benedict, followed by a 10am nap.


Lovers in front of the arch after delicious pizza y vino.

And now, Back to Reality…
I’d be lying if I said my eyes were dry at the airport Monday morning. Saying goodbye to my parents caused the same allergic eye watering reaction, but Pat was there for comfort. Saying goodbye to Pat was near impossible. I sought my comfort this time at the Cinnabon inside Miraflores mall in G.City.

Going back to school Tuesday was bittersweet. I missed my students and was thrilled to see their refreshed and glowing faces, but it felt a bit like running 5 miles when you have been in bed for days. Now battling stomach pain, fever and possibly strep throat, I am longing to travel back in time to those vacation days…

Antigua is now empty of the street vendors and crowds, the house is empty of my former high school aged neighbors and the 10 extra family members who stayed for Holy Week. Apart from the 5am firecrackers lit off on birthdays (aka every day), this city is quieter than I have ever heard it before. What a difference a day makes!

To end on a brighter note, Happy April! I have heard it’s actually turning Spring in MN, congratulations to those of you wearing t-shirts in the beautiful 50 degree weather!
Love to all!

Happiness part 1

I have split this story up into parts in order to display more pictures, as there is a limit of 5 per post. This story is about my parents, the next is about Patrick and in the next few days I will have a beautifully written description of Antigua's Semana Santa, never fear.

The short version: My parents came! We had FUN!



My travel pals and I on Calle del Arco (Arch Street) during one of our many strolls.

The long version: From March 20th to April 5th, I have been in a fantasy world completely different from the daily life I lead here in Antigua. I ventured to Guatemala City to pick up my parents and nearly passed out with anticipation in the huge crowd awaiting arrivals. It felt so good to hug them!! We stayed together for the following 8 days at Porta Hotel Antigua (picture tropical paradise with amazing food and you’re almost there). We slept in beds with clouds for pillows, we ordered room service coffee each morning and leisurely met the day, we laid by the pool and had made to order omelets while practicing our Spanish with Alvaro, the omelet chef. We walked the streets for hours each day, viewing processions and alfombras, we climbed a mountain in a Danish army truck and rode horses through a huge coffee plantation. We had delicious dinners in front of live music and enjoyed churros for dessert often. Dad became an authority on Guatemalan building materials after a few visits to El Mástil (like Home Depot), and read a huge amount of the history and culture sections of my Lonely Planet Guatemala book, in order to give daily breakfast reports! Mama’s Spanish was put to huge use every day as she navigated the Artisan’s Market, made friends on every street, and got to know Doῆa Chiqui and the family! Everyone we encountered said they were so impressed that my parents spoke Spanish and were so interested in Guatemala.



Dad and I explored some cave-like ruins while Mom stayed above ground for the photo shoot.



Mom and I shared this view of the central park are from Palacio de las Capitanes (more ruins)


Mom, Dad, A Danish Army Truck and I. (Also, a pretty nice view of the entire Antigua valley)

Now Antigueῆo daily life isn’t bad by any means. I love walking the city solo, I love my school, my work and my home! I must, however, make it known how much love my parents for their adventurous spirits, their willingness to try new things and learn, and their appreciation for complete relaxation. I am so grateful for all that they did to make this vacay happen. It was a wonderful and much appreciated break from the daily routine and brought me a realization that my parents aren’t just parents, but make excellent world travel pals, as well!

Exactly one week after their arrival, the ‘rents and I made the trip to G.City’s La Aurora Airport to pick up another loved one: Patrick John! I nearly didn’t recognize him coming through the Arrivals door, and he almost didn’t see me in the huge crowd, but somehow we found one another amongst the chaos and shared one of those romantic movie moments where the crowd goes silent and the two main characters hug and kiss and stare into one another’s eyes for a moment of slow motion.

That evening, my parents, Pat and I had dinner at an entirely over the top fancy restaurant called Palacio de something… (someone’s old palace turned restaurant—we should have known). The four of us sat down and giggled like small children as 6 waiters and the maitre’d (pardon my French) flocked to our table to unfold our napkins, pour our water out of individual bottles and bring more bread as soon as we took our last chew. This was all before our dinners arrived, covered in shiny silver domes, accompanied by 4 waiters who dramatically revealed the delicacies below in one synchronized movement. Jeez. Delicious? Yes. Over the top ridiculous? Absolutely.


Possibly the happiest night I’ve spent in Antigua: 3 loved ones in Parque Central.

It was tough to say good bye to Mama y Papa on Palm Sunday morning, but I knew they would be in the capable hands of the first class flight crew all the way home!

To conclude in Happiness part 2…

So I wrote this last Sunday...

I'm just getting around to posting this bit of writing from last week...it was an interesting one, full of random fainting spells followed by rest. I'm happy to report that all is well, and I am currently enjoying a Sunday afternoon with my PARENTS here in Guate!! I'll have more to say in a couple of days on that note, but for now, let me take you back a week...

Have I forgotten to write?

It has been a whirlwind two weeks, and the next one is sure to pass even more quickly. Between Colegio Boston and Tabacos y Vinos, my time has been mainly spoken for, but the past two weekends I have also had some serious fun and been able to explore a few different sides of Antigua!

La Vida Mia Antigueῆa

Last weekend I had the great blessing of a delicious meal with my student teaching supervisor who came to observe on Friday the 5th. Yes, this meant that I missed the velaciόn, but we had a lovely time and I was in bed early, which was much needed. Saturday night last weekend I was invited to a real live party! A friend of Christian and Sarah’s graduated from her master’s program and held a fancy shin-dig complete with dinner, live mariachi band and karaoke…not bad, yes? It was a blast to get dressed up, sing and dance with friends and being out past my usual bedtime was kind of a rush, too.

Also on my mind this week are my upcoming visits from Mama y Papa and Patrico! Last Saturday I received the surprising news that both of these pipe dreams will become reality! I was literally beaming with excitement for days after tickets were booked. Since then, I’ve been doing a bit of extra strolling and picking up fliers for volcano expeditions, boat tours of Lake Atitlan and other attractions Guatemaltecos. I even had a moment to pass by Hotel Porta Antigua, where I’ll have the pleasure of spending time with my padres!! It looks like an excellent choice. I am more than thrilled at the opportunity to see my loved ones, and I’ve even requested a leave from school and work for those two weeks! Can’twait.gov
This reminds me: if anyone wants to visit, I feel that I now know enough of the goings on here and I would be happy to set up tours...fyi.

This week I met some new friends who cam e to Antigua for a wedding at Hotel Santo Domingo (monastery turned gorgeous resort) and I added to my resume, “Cultural Tour Guide, Antigua, Guatemala.” With Friday night off from the wine shop, I was able to do some shopping and even relax! I then experienced some of Antigua’s night life, which I was told would include live salsa music and dancing, but instead consisted of a techno house party with fog machines and a short, stout and somewhat older Guatemalan breakdancer. Disappointment does not exist here.

On a tragic note, I have to report another first: TUMMY ACHE. Of course I have heard all of the horror stories about getting sick in other countries because of whatever amoebas exist in the water, food, dust or air, but of course never heed many warnings in my cocky, “I’m a traveler, I can take it” state of mind. Today I woke up at 5:00am with some of the worst stomach pain I can remember. One bottle of 7up, a chicken soup cup and some club crackers later, I’m feeling a bit better but it’s clear that my intestines and I are still not on speaking terms. Here’s hoping this is a 24 hour ordeal and nothing more.


En El Colegio Boston

I am humbled daily by my role as a STUDENT teacher, as I make hundreds of little mistakes and learn from them, some with immediate reaction or results and some I learn later were not great ideas. The frustration I feel within a foreign system are plentiful, which has built a thrill in me to come back and teach in Minnesota’s beautifully crafted education system (I know that sounds dramatic, but I find myself often longing for any of the Minneapolis schools in which I have subbed).
We do have a good amount of freedom in our curriculum and planning, which has been wonderful and overwhelming for me. Taking the idea of Ancient Rome from the students’ grammar book (a complete- packaged ESL curriculum called Lighthouse), we decided to use the topic for social studies as well, and that’s when I had a pretty big idea called the Roman Forum Simulation. The week’s preparations included several lessons from the Lighthouse book, internet investigations, creative writing, artwork and costume creation. Friday’s presentations centered around eight Roman professions: Scribe, Senator, Artist, Slave, Gladiator, Soldier, Philosopher and Citizen. Sarah and I were the Emperors, of course. Students chose their roles and prepared small speaking scripts and some elaborate costuming and posters to represent their understanding of the work they would have done in Ancient Rome. For one hour in each class on Forum day, we followed the laws created by the senators, discussed our likes and dislikes of the public bath and life in Rome, and watched as gladiators fought to the death in the middle of our classroom. There was also a question and answer period where slaves and soldiers alike could grill the Emperor about why laws existed and what would happen if the gladiators suddenly killed the leader of Rome…thankfully, some kind scribes stood up for me! The day exceeded my expectations, and while there is always room for improvement, I felt like a proud mother hen while watching my little Romans perform.

Other than that, I am working on developing new project ideas for social studies and science, as well as finding interactive ways to bolster my students’ use of adverbs. I took a little poll of what students would like to learn, and they came up with several movie titles they’d like to incorporate. It looks like we might do something with World War II (Kevyn wants to watch Saving Private Ryan), possibly Greek history (Rodrigo loves the movie 300), and I’m thinking our next unit will conclude with a Festival of Nations type event (Adriana actually wants to learn about other countries)! More on this in the coming weeks…

I still struggle to give clear and concise directions in English, and it still astounds me when I explain one point and have sixteen hands raised asking the same question afterward. Did I mention this was humbling work? I realized the other day that I could be working about 900% harder than I am right now, and it still might not be enough to get every student where they need to be, and it is one of the most frustrating and motivating facts of daily life. There are some great role models at the school, and I only wish I could spend more time observing hundreds of teachers in their classrooms before starting my own. There is so much to learn!

I’m out of words for today. I’ll likely be able to Skype evenings this week around 7:30pm, when I close the wine shop (and the wireless actually works there!) so if anyone is bored around 8:30 your time (Guate doesn’t Spring Ahead like MN), hit me up!

Time for more galletas de club (Saltines) and maybe laundry…the thrills don’t stop!
Love to all!

A continuación de la semana pasada…

Just a few firsts to add to the list:

First Earthquakes! One on Tuesday morning at 5am, which really felt more like a dream and only half awoke me from my deep slumber, and another more minor shake Tuesday at 9am during class, after which all of the students in the building went running and screaming with their hands on their heads. Some may say chaos, but Colegio Boston calls it procedure.

First day as a wine and cigar saleswoman! So yes, as it turns out, I did actually acquire employment abroad! Also on Tuesday, I began working at Tabacos y Vinos on Calle del Arco (the street with the big arch in the middle). It’s the “finest wine shop in Antigua” and if you have doubts, just check the prices. I was hired by Ricardo, el dueῆo, and I report to work each afternoon after my day at school and a quick lunch at home. I have received looks that tell me I’m crazy for getting another job (on top of Emiliano’s private lessons and, oh yeah, student teaching) but I absolutely love working at this place! I get to meet people from all around the world, taste fine wines and rearrange pretty bottles! I’ve found it relaxing this week, to have a little adult time, and the fact that I actually am learning about wine and making commission at the same time is something I truly don’t mind!

In case you´re wondering how to find me on a Sunday afternoon, just find this arch and the shop is basically underneath it! (My uncle Steve managed to find it on Sunday this week!!)



First Guatemalan cotton candy! Friday eve we made the pilgrimage to yet another velaciόn, this time at Santa Ines, which is a bit of a hike from the center of the city. Same drill: religious marvel surrounded by fried foods, but somehow it doesn’t get old! On the way out of the massive crowd, I passed by a man spinning fresh cotton candy onto a wooden stick. My moment had come. Sticky, yet satisfying.


Hmm…what else this week…

Things are beginning to feel routine, and every day passes very quickly. I have decided that my life for these three months will likely be consumed by school, work and schoolwork, with cultural asides here and there. After I mold some young minds and make some extra spending money, I will let loose and test out the travel lists that I am building from various tourists who wander into Tabacos y Vinos. I heard from two Canadian friends that the scuba diving in Utila, Honduras (little island in the Caribbean) is to die for, and there’s a world class night spot that is basically a huge tree fort. My thoughts: sign me up.

My classroom continues to look more like I want it to, management-wise, and each day students continue to surprise me with their random questions and linguistic exploration.

Monday the 5th graders presented their Acto Civico for the entire school, during which they performed a dragon dance and enlightened their fellow students as to some of the customs surrounding the Chinese New Year. There was even a spontaneous outbreak of applause during the performance! Total success.



Tuesday was Día Deportivo (field day) at Colegio Boston, and I had the good fortune of playing defense for the 5th grade girls fútbol team! Unfortunately I forgot my lack of skill on the cancha de fútbol and I took two fairly significant spills that tore up the better part of my elbows and left small bruises on my legs. Please see the photo below for evidence.


Just a couple of highlights, more later!

For now it has been very busy and I will have more to say this weekend…I will also hopefully have time to skype some of you and charlar por telefono (my newest purchase!)
Love to all!

There’s A First Time For Everything

La Vida

In travel and in life there are constant opportunities to turn over new leaves or experience something for the very first time, if we are willing to take a step into the unknown...

On Wednesday, I was introduced to a new game. Anyone ever played Pica Pica? On Mardi Gras, kids (and whoever else has the guts) play a game where you run around smashing eggs on each other’s heads. The eggs are painted and emptied of their egg-ness, then filled with pica pica (confetti), and a piece of tissue paper is glued on to cover the hole in the top of the egg. There don’t seem to be any rules as far as I can tell, only that you run around and continue smashing eggs on cabezas (heads) until all of the eggs are broken. Emiliano invited me to play after our lesson on Wednesday and then gave me a whole bag of my very own pica pica eggs! іQue suerte!

On Thursday, Sarah and I had the good fortune of missing our school bus in the morning (by about 30 seconds) and were then forced to find other transportation…in the form of a Tuk Tuk! These are 3 wheeled, 3 seat taxis that cruise all of Antigua and the surrounding areas. I have seen entire families riding in them, which is easy to do because some do not have doors, but it would appear to the untrained eye that only 2 adults can ride comfortably. I can’t say that I was upset about riding to school this way, I see Tuk Tuks every 4 minutes here and have been dying to try it. The verdict? Just like a mini rollercoaster ride—you feel every cobblestone bump, every spinning tire on the sand road and even that feeling that you can’t quite make it up the hill and you roll backward just a bit so you are scared but then you make it and realize how much fun it was! Lemons can always equal lemonade.


A Tuk Tuk!!

Friday afternoon I had my first Guatemalan job interview? This remains a question in my mind because details are still to be worked out, but I do believe I acquired employment! A few days earlier, I was walking on Calle Arco (the street with a beautiful arch in the middle) and I saw a sign that said “Looking for a job? Bilingual Foreigners Welcome,” so I stepped inside. The tiny wine shop smelled of cigars and espresso, and the owner was just closing for the night but he took down my name and email and I heard from him a day later. We scheduled an interview for Friday and 30 minutes later I heard the words, “well, you seem nice, See you Tuesday.” I think I officially work at Vinos y Tabacos (if that’s what the store is called)! More details Tuesday…

On Friday and Saturday, I experienced my favorite tradition so far… every weekend during Cuaresma (who remembers what that means?! Hint: the cuarenta days before Easter), local churches put on a Velaciόn. This is a huge wall-sized display of a Bible story, and an alfombra (carpet) that covers a 30 foot space in front of the display. The Bible story last night was of Jesus washing his disciples’ feet, and the one Friday night was from the book of Numbers. The display is fascinating, but the alfombra is an incredible demonstration of the dedication and faith of the church. Alfombras are created as offerings during lent, and are made with different colored sand or sugar, as well as vegetables, fruits and flowers (so, my apologies, but I won’t be purchasing any of these carpets to bring home). Using stencils, people work day and night to pour the various colors of sand into intricate patterns, while working on a scaffold system about a foot off the floor. They then add fruit and vegetable designs atop the sand, and line the sides with huge flower displays of hibiscus, bird of paradise, and every other exotic flower imaginable (which grow here in every average front yard). People come from miles away to pray, take photos and EAT, which is yet another aspect of velaciones: street food galore (basically picture a mini MN State Fair). On either side of the huge line to get into the church are vendors lining the street, selling things like balloons, light up wands, grilled meats, sandwiches, pupusas, tortillas, churros, fried plantains, and even Cotton Candy (you can imagine my reaction when I saw them spinning the pink stuff)!


Velacion from the book of Numbers in the Catedral, and the 40 foot alfombra...wow?


Velacion in Santa Catalina, in the outskirts of Antigua, worth the 15 minute drive and choque de moto on the way home!


I tried taking this photo from the back of the line to show how long we had to wait...can you tell it's a hot spot? Good, that's the point.

We attended last night’s velaciόn with the usual group of friends (by the way, when I use “we” it refers to Sarah, Christian and I, as they are my cultural liaisons, and their group of 8 closest friends who are SO much fun and have invited me to upcoming concerts and events!). One of these friends helped me in accomplishing another “First” for the week. Frederico drives a moto (aka motocicleta aka motorcycle/bike) and as it is the most popular form of transit here in Antigua, I have had the ganas (desire) to try it since my arrival. So, Christian arranged for Freddy to give me a ride home! My first moto ride was somewhat addicting …maybe I’ll trade in that bike I bought for my very own… and Freddy was an excellent tour guide- we cruised passed the best places to salsa dance, and the huge choque (car accident) that happened earlier in the evening (a 2 car choque = pandemonium in Antigua).

Then, about 30 seconds from my house, another first! A car turned too quickly in front and didn’t see us, clipping Freddy’s moto’s front headlight and we had a choque of our own! No one was hurt, only the yellow covering of the headlight fell into the street and the other car was scratched (don’t worry Mom!), but it was quite the experience! Freddy was entirely mortified and asked me at least 36 times if I was sure I was okay, and I thanked him for showing me the ropes. Really not a huge incident, but the sound of car hitting metal is one that sticks in your mind…maybe I’ll wait awhile on my moto purchase.

As my dear Patrick would say, “Never a dull moment!”


En El Colegio (AVISO: Muy Philosofa…WARNING: Much Philosophizing Below…)

After these three weeks of observation and shared teaching my desire for autonomy has multiplied dramatically. Acting as a support in the classroom is a nice way to ease into things but I have so many ideas in my head that I can hardly wait to begin my own classroom! Thus, I have requested to begin lead teaching full time starting Monday (aka tomorrow Holy Cow). So, in addition to the beauty of velaciones, the thrills of motos and choques, I have also been drowning in a sea of lesson plans. Overwhelming? Yes. Thrilling a la vez (at the same time)? YES!

My lofty goal is to have this classroom running like clockwork by the time I am finished. I have ideas for classroom management systems like the magic homework chair, morning work assignments that students begin immediately upon arrival to the classroom, and I’m sure I have more but my mind is swimming at the moment…
I want to institute a policy of respect for self, others and environment that creates a powerful atmosphere in which all students can learn, and I want these students to make huge strides in pride and responsibility in their academic and personal lives. My objective overall is to leave students with a strong grasp of the concepts of respect and responsibility so that if they do not remember my name they will at least remember that I respect them and their learning and want them to be successful. I want to leave students feeling empowered to become leaders! (Stepping down from my pulpit now…)
Moving back to last week, there were plenty of thrills. Tuesday was the Mardi Gras parade, as I mentioned last week, Wednesday the Catholic kids left school at 9:00am for Miércoles de Ceniza (Ash Wednesday) mass and the remainder of students left at noon, while teachers attended a capacitaciόn (similar to a professional development meeting) on assertive discipline in the classroom. Certainly interesting to re-learn this en Espaῆol!

I feel entirely grateful to have had the training and background education that I have (thank you, Hamline University). I am learning that much of the teaching philosophy here is based on little to no theory background; that anyone is a teacher who stands in front of a class and that students need to be disciplined and have strict consequences to succeed. To be perfectly frank, I do not appreciate nor do I abide by this philosophy and I believe one must find the balance between theory and practice to achieve expertise and truly be an educator who respects and empowers students not by iron fisted rule and fear, but by tapping interests and abilities and allowing student discovery. While I believe in experiential education and have benefitted greatly from its tenets, I am not entirely in agreement with experience as the only method of teacher education. Does that even make sense? My head is exploding this week.


Some of my students; a reminder of why I want to teach!! Kids, in any country, are the BEST.




Well that was intense. I’ve had a great week of living, teaching and thinking and as I begin to feel more comfortable and empowered in my surroundings, my mind tends to wander! Thanks for listening, I hope all is well at home!
Que les vaya bien, jill