It has been a month since I arrived in Guatemala and I am still adjusting; to the food, weather (which changes every few hours), transportation and trying to make friends. I get frustrated when I struggle to express myself, which usually happens when I am in an important meeting or in front of a large group (just slightly intimidating). I try to remind myself that I am like a child, learning simply by absorbing the info around me and that eventually the tongue will follow (if this isn't true, please don't tell me because it helps me sleep at night).
I haven't been able to blog lately because we have been struggling with the internet connection, it was out all friday afternoon and almost all of Monday. This morning we got a new modem, everyone is so excited you would think it was Christmas.
A few of the Y staff and program volunteers took me to the center of town on Saturday. We toured the Central Park, market and ate lunch at a cute little restaurant with lots of tourists. On Sunday I went out on my own, I took the Transmetro (the first official transport system in Central America for more info click here http://www.citymayors.com/transport/guatemala-transmetro.html) and then walked about a mile to a huge mall (Mira Flores). This mall is enormous, I guess I would compare it to Bellevue Square (after the remodel). The Transmetro is about a year old and is a great system, the only issue is that so far there is only one line that runs along one of the main roads. This means that most of the people have to take alternative buses, which as most of you probably already know means catching the not-so-reliable, overpacked, former U.S. school buses.
I'm not a big fan of walking around and taking photos of everything in sight, but I want you all to learn about Guatemala so here is a link to lots of photos of Central Park, the new mall, Antigua Guatemala and various other photos of Guatemala (just click Siguiente to go to the next photo): http://www.visitguatemala.com/nuevo/ver_galeria_img.asp?gl=13&id=91
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Recognizing our global responsibility, the YMCA of Greater Seattle will be active in the international community, primarily with partner YMCAs, to promote long-term, sustainable development. Our goal is for the mutual growth, learning, and benefit of all involved in these projects, and that this work will be carried out in ways which enhance our mission to the Greater Seattle community.
2 comments:
I'll be there (Guatemala) tomorrow. Maybe I'll just go over to the Y and scream your name! haha!
Shalimar
Sounds like you're making a difference, Becky--and it's making a difference for you too. Hey, I want to see a picture of you and shalimar next month!
Vicki
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