Jump back; what's that sound?

Panama Panama Panama!

School's out for the month of December! Before heading to cold cold Ottawa, Amy and I headed to Panama. We were at the beach for 4 days and in the city for 3!

The weather did not cooperate and we only had about 2 days worth of sunshine and a whole lot of rain. BUt we made the best of it and sat on the beach when we could and slept when we couldn't! Perfect life for me!

When we left the beach we headed for Panama city. It was wonderful to be in a City with weather similar to Guatemala but not be surrounded by the violence and safety issues of Guate. We marvelled at being able to walk down the street at night to find a restaurant!

We went to a Market on our first day in the city and I finished up most of my Christmas shopping. We later went to the mall to see what it was all about. Panama City is known as a big shopping capital. We just weren't really in the mood to shop and went home.

After a night out with Amy's cousin Chris we went into the Old part of the City. This part of the city looks very much like Europe and is quite beautiful. They are working on reconstructing it and trying to make it more appealing, as it is quite run down at the moment. We had a lovely lunch there and then went to the famous Panama Canal. We got there just as a boat was about to pass through the locks and went out to the observation dock to watch. It is quite impressive to see and puts the locks in Ottawa to shame. The amount of water moved in 10 minutes is incredible and the whole thing is performed like a dance- so perfectly and in time.

We watched the whole thing, even took a video then headed back to our hotel for a nap.

AS we packed we both looked forward to the next time we would be packing... for Ottawa! As I write this I am finishing up my packing for my trip home tomorrow. It is about a 14 hour journey...but worth every second!

Hopefully it will be very uneventful and I will see you all very soon!

Camille xo

Utila...island life..is THE life...

We arrived in Roatan at about 10 am and found Vern...a guy who catamaran's people from Roatan island to Utila island. We were on board shortly before 1 and on our way shortly there after. Having woken up at 445 am, i fell asleep on the front of the boat in the sun! Woke up... went to the benches in the back and fell asleep again. Bliss! When I woke up people were hanging out and then out of nowhere a pod of dolphins swarmed us! 4 or 5 of them gave us quite the show! It was breath taking.

After that we just hung out, sun bathes. Makenzie said I looked like a troll so she took a picture for your viewing pleasure...haha

We made it to Utila around 530 and had a wonderful dinner. We were in bed by about 9, exhausted from our day on the water. (tough life, i know!).

The next day we met up with the girls from San Pedro... Makenzie's friend Julie is working there with my friend Annika...they brough a 3rd girl Meghan and then Trishna, a friend from Ottawa is living on Utila for the time being. So together we were 8 girls ready to have a good time!

Friday we hung out on this dock, chatted with divers from around the world, listen to music and jumped off the side whenever the heat was too much to take! When the sun started to set we had ourselves a photoshoot..I think this is one of my favs from the whole weekend. left to right: Trishna, Annika, Me, Jessica)

It was GREAT to see Annika again. WE went to Davern together for years and then were at Queen's together last year! Small world, ey? Best part of the island...clothes are totally optional. Walking around in bathing suits...GOLDEN!

The following day Ashley, Jessica and I went scuba diving. They had this thing called discovery dive! It was awesome. We saw lots of little fishies! It was like being in Finding Nemo. I might as well have hunted down Dorry and made a day of it. But it was great! a real experience! I totally get how people become obsessed with it! It's super cool!

One night we went to this place called the Jade Seahorse...it is basically a tree house for adults. It was amazing! The whole thing has random twists and turns and sculptures. The walls are made with glass bottles and glass stones sticking out. very cool. THis is me in my make believe bird cage! haha

The Inter crew who went. Me, my roommate Ashley, jessica (grade 4) and Mak.

American Thanksigiving is AWESOME! The 4 day weekend thing is genious!

One week left at school..well 4 days now and then off to Panama and then HOME! I am really looking forward to being home, seeing some snow, driving a car, not being out the door at 645 every day... wonderful!

Can't wait to see everyone!!!

oxoxox

crazy hair day, family day and Thanksgiving dinner!

The school is having a gift drive for an orphanage just outside of the city. To encourage the kids to bring gift we have theme days on friday and it costs you a gift to participate...I just did the dress down part until Laura handed me the most beautiful blonde wig...what is a girl to do, other than put it on and rock it? I got some pretty interesting looks from parents walking around the school and from all of the people there setting up for the following day's Family Day extravaganza! My kids liked it... the staff kept singing Tina Turner songs when I walked by... what a day!

Saturday was the family day! Here are a couple of my girls...looking thrilled to be standing in the sun when the rides are calling their names! THis was before the talented show, which they ROCKED! Grade 2 sang a song called: Education Rocks... it was pretty intense! The rest of the day was spent eating, walking around and mingling. Im pretty sure I hit up every one of my student's families for some face time... I watched Emma (second from the right) dominate on the mechanical bull! (oh are you surprised there was a mechanical bull? Don't be...it's just the beginning!

Sunday was our Thanksgiving extravaganza. For those who are confused, we decided to have a Thanksgiving meal in between the American and Canadian holiday! So I planned a dinner for 30...no big deal. I cooked my very first turkey..at an altitude with no meet thermometer and killed no one! SUCCESS! We put 4 tables together and brought the chairs in from a bunch of the apartments and had a sit down dinner. We went plastic for utensils and plates because noone has more than 4. Even with that, the clean up was ridiculous!

Every one brought food, which was nice so most people's favourites from home were included! Tortiere was obviously not represented... I tackle one meat dish at a time...and turkey was pretty satisfying! I had a mini left over tupperware for lunch today..yum yum yum!
Here I am posing with my turkey. Katie was directing me...leg up, smile, hand on the bird and the oven etc. A real Martha Stewart add! My apron was a BIG success (thanks Emmanuel). It kept me clean and way fashionable!

On that note, I am off. Grey's Anatomy is about to start...

bye for now oxox

High heel nation...

So I haven't written in a while but I thought I would share some of my observations about this beautiful country I now call home.
The weeks have been blending together with busy weekends followed by busy weeks.
Last weekend I got my hair done...its short! SHOCKER! I know! But I am giving it a try. The response has been mixed...my kids said: Miss...You look funny today! (That kid may be repeating grade 2...who knows haha). The staff thinks it looks good, mom and dad seem to like it...well the shadowy view of it they get on Skype and me...well I am getting used to it. It is easy to take car of...and super easy at the gym...so those are 2 good features!

Ok, now for the lessons I have learnt here...
1) High heels are ALWAYS appropriate...whether it is to pick your kid up from school, watch a soccer game, go out dancing or go grocery shopping...you should do it in heels…and anything under 3 inches is considered and insult... my birks get odd looks..but hey, I am already a giant here and comfy comfy comfy!

2) Sweat pants are a BIG no no... Frowned upon actually. I just get away with wearing Lulu’s when I go to the mall... I get looks...but maybe they are looking at the birks...hmm. If I was true Chapin (what Guatemalans call themselves) I should be in tight jeans, a clubbing top and high heels that would make me fall over...

3) Being quiet is unheard of. My students do not understand the concept of quiet. Why I would want them to stop talking is beyond them...listening? what? why? They are entitled to speak...aren’t they? Speaking of entitlement...

4) Go BIG or go home... Tomorrow is family day at the school. Sounds lovely enough...well you should see the things coming through the school's gates!!! Go-karts, inflatable bouncy things, a raffle...with the biggest prize (one of twenty) being a trip for 4 to Miami with accommodation for a week...no big deal...right? What ever happened to movie tickets? But I shouldn't complain because I plan on winning!!!
I have just returned from recess duty and got a look at the field for tomorrow. You try keeping 400 kids off of the GIANT inflatable tent that is going up right now. And convince 8 year olds that playing soccer under what will be food tents is a bad idea! Thank goodness for my trusty whistle!

5) Kids make life great! From the little boy who thinks I can't see him if he hides behind a pole and who hides behind me when I go to get them from recess...to the kid who randomly exclaimed on his way out yesterday: Miss...You’re the best teacher ever! You make us learn so much stuff!!...kids make me smile at least once a day...they also make me want to pull my hair out...but hey...whatcha going to do?

6) Guatemalan weather is psycho! It can be freezing cold in the morning (I wear pants, scarf and trench coat to school and rarely take it off before lunch time) and then sweltering in the afternoon...I am too warm in my blouse. Layering is key!
Today it is very nice and sunny actually...so that is nice!

I think that is it for now...I must get some copies sent to the copy center before my kids return from Spanish and maybe mark some tests.

Hope everyone is doing well!!
Camille ox

back again to where it all began...

Well it has been a couple f weekends since I have been on here.

The weekend after my post we returned to the lake. We went to a few other towns along the way and a bunch of markets! It was really neat. The water was really high and one of the towns had a water park...and when i say water park i really just mean a park that was flooded. But the kids were playing in the water, it was pretty cool to see!

This past weekend was a holiday weekend in Central America. I went to El Salvador to visit Esther and her family! It was a wonderful weekend! I arrived on Friday night... about an hour late. We had trouble at the border. Well I didn't but others did. Though while we were stranded there I realized that the bus had wireless so I chatted with Alicia Cuzner for a bit...from the bus! woo hoo!

Esther was waiting for me when I got there and we headed home. Fernando had fallen asleep before I arrived but Esthercita was awaiting my arrival. We had a quick snack and then went to bed...exhausted!

The next day we went to the beach for the morning. We tried to go to this new tourism centre, but you couldn't actually swim at it. So instead we went to the restaurant place I went to the past 2 times I have been in El Salvador...tried and true and lovely!

We played in the water and had some food then drove back to the city.

We rested for an hour or so...I fell asleep... and then Estercita wanted to see a movie, so we went to see Nanny MacPhee returns...in Spanish and I understood it all and got most of the jokes!

The plan was to go for pupusas after that. What are pupusas you ask..only my favourite Central American food-- they are like tortillas but are stuffed with things like cheese and beans! Yum yum yum! BUt the neighbourhood church- near Esthers house, was having their monthly mexican food night, so Esthercita, who looks forward to this night all month, wanted to go. It was delicious! Carlos, Cita and I went...Fernando fell asleep on the bus on the way home from the movie so Esther took him home.

On Sunday we went to church...it was great to go back to IBE... Miguel was at his preaching best and made sure to embarrass me by making me stand up..luckily not speak.

The service was about the Bible..and I lost some parts but mostly got it.

I think one of the reasons I love going to church..apart from the obvious God related part is the familiarity of it... knowing what is coming...knowing what to do...even if you don't know the language. And to return to a church where people's faces are familiar! How lovely...how blessed! All of the love in one room! Feels like home!

From there we went to lunch and then wondered around the mall for a little bit. Cita likes to go listen to music at the music store. haha. she's only 7!

We didn't do much in the late afternoon and around 7 went for pupusas! Oh they are so yummy! there is no way to explain! Fernando ate his so fast he was sick to his stomach..but recovered and kept eating..yes..that good! He is so precious! We had lots of laughs...maybe some of them were him laughing at the fact that I couldn't understand what he was saying of that I repeated the same things a lot...because they are the words I know! haha. BUt it was really good and I got to speak lots of spanish with the kids!!!..who speak no english. But when I got up on Monday they did both say' good morning!...or something to that affect:)

Monday I went to work with Esther and went to morning devotional at the church. there was a special service at the remembrance wall for Lolly's company..pro-busquera which tries to find children who were disappeared during the war and reconnect them with their parents. On the 1st it was their 16th anniversary! (Lolly's son is doing much better, for those who know her).

The service was beautiful and Miguel once again preached his heart out. It was very moving and a lot of older women, holding the pictures of the kids they lost some 20 years ago, were there...it was very sad. But Miguel filled them with hope and love... my favourite quote of the event was: you can cut down all of the flowers but spring will always come again. And...ok, I lied, there are two, another one was: those who die for life, can not be proclaimed deceased! Or something translated to that...that is my translation.

From there I went back to the church and lay down on a pew... the heat..oh the heat... I was passed out!!!

From there I went to lunch with Esther and then to the bus and home!

It was a wonderful weekend! I was spent,though, and it was hard to get up for school today!

BUt actually I had a great day with my kids today and we did lots. We really have a routine and are getting along very well. My behaviour kids are still an issue but we are working on it.

This week is report cards- they go out tomorrow and I have parent teacher meetings all week, before and after school. So think of me and send me calming thoughts!

I will add pictures once I load them all later!

oxox

a weekend at the lake

where we went: Lake Atitlán (Lago de Atitlán) is a large endorheic lake (one that does not flow to the sea) in the Guatemalan Highlands. While Atitlan is recognized to be the deepest lake in Central America, its bottom has not been completely sounded. Estimates of its maximum depth range up to 340 meters. The lake is shaped by deep escarpments which surround it and by three volcanos on its southern flank. The lake is volcanic in origin, filling an enormous caldera formed in an eruption 84,000 years ago.

What a weekend!

We left Guatemala city bright and early on Saturday morning, got directions on how to get there and everything. We stopped for a chocolate bar and went on our way. I fell asleep (surprise surprise) and when I woke up we were pulling into a gas station because the the person we asked about directions told us we were 3 hours away and going the wrong way. So typical of us! OY! Luckily we were only about an hour out of the way and we made it to the lake in time for a late lunch. We then found a guy with a boat to bring us to our hostel across in a little city Santa Cruz!

The hostel was amazing! it was kind of like camp styles! cabins and little trails with a restaurant and bar in a main area that also had a lounging area that overlooked the lake and the beautiful view! We hung out in hammocks and I took a nap (once again, are we that surprised?) then around 6 we went to the main area for happy hour followed by dinner. The food was AMAZING! It was a buffet with either grilled chicken or an amazing, kick ass (really , there is no other way to describe it) veggie burger. It was delicious, they would not tell us their secret recipe, but something about beetroot and lentils and yumminess! and then about 8 salads! All delicious! After that there was some hanging out, played some cards. Apparently its tradition that on Saturday nights people dress up after dinner...and when I say dress up, I mean cross dress! So all the men were in dresses from the dress up room. It was quite a site on the dance floor!--which is really just the dining hall!

Sunday morning I went for a quick swim! It was a tad chilly but soo beautiful! After my swim I had breakfast and then Makenzie and I wen exploring a little bit.

Found a tree and swung from it. All in a days work! Did some more reading and hanging out watching the beauty. At 1030 our little boat guy came back for us and we went back to Panahajel, where the car was. We walked the streets of Pana for a couple of hours, buying random things at the markets there. I showed much more restraint than my friends but still got some cute things- some jade earrings, a painting and some Christmas gifts...shhh, sorry can't say what they are!

We were going to go Zip Lining in the nature reserve but it started to rain so we decided that it would be an adventure for next time, since we know we will be back...probably pretty soon!!!

On the side of the road out of the city we stopped to look at this awesome waterfall!

Beautiful! This was a weekend filled with beauty. We stopped for a very late lunch around 4 and as we waited for our food we just all realized what a beautiful world we live in and how truly blessed we are to be living such an adventure!!!! Wonderfully blessed!

I have some school work to get to, so I will end this here.

love xox

5 +24+2= a weekend in Monterrico

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! In order to make the holiday weekend a holiday...we went to the beach! I know that we were supposed to go to Lake Atitlan, but that has been postponed one week due to the fact that it is cold there and we wanted heat this weekend.

So we left Saturday morning at around 9 am. We were in about downtown when someone asked Makenzie (the driver, she's from Kingston, ON) if she knew how to get there. The silence than ensued was quickly followed by 5 girls laughing hysterically. WE all kind of know where we are going...but not at all. SO we start driving in the right direction and recognize the area..but do we recognize it from trips to the beach or from trips to Antigua.... definitely from trips to Antigua. So an hour later we are in Antigua. This is not too bad since we know for a fact that there is a way from Antigua to Monterrico since the shuttle goes that way... anyway, we bought a map..and got lost about 10 more times but made it!

We spent the rest of the day on the beach. Hannah and I went into the water..the waves were insane! I had sand EVERYWHERE! My bathing suit was just full or sand and my hair is STILL full of sand! From there we walked back to our hotel and swam in the beautiful pool! Hannah and Aubrey went on a walk on the beach to see the turtles lay eggs. Unfortunately they didn't see any. We went back to this hotel bar called: Johnny's PLace. The man who owns it is originally from Quebec City...and he proudly waves the Quebec flag with the Guatemala one!

We hung out there and then I headed back to our hotel and went to sleep.

Today we just lounged all morning around the pool- after eating a great Tipico... a typical breakfast or eggs, plantains and beans.

Around 2 we left and were ready for an adventure...but luckily we sailed into Guatemala city around 4. Much better time! Who knew you could take one highway the whole way? haha Not us!!!!

All in all a great Thanksgiving weekend. Tomorrow is not a holiday in Guate, but my kids are signing a Raffi song at the assembly in honour of Canadian Thanksgiving - Thanks A Lot! Its super cute and they are super excited about it! I will definitely be taking some pictures of that!

I hope you have al had a wonderful weekend!

As it is time for thanks this weekend, I will add that I am thankful for all of the well wishes, thoughts and prayers I receive while on my adventure as well as for the rock solid support group at home and here that make it all possible! Je vous aime!

oxoxoxo

chaos, children's day and church,

So first of all, sorry for the quiet last few weeks. THings have been falling into place here and simply becoming routine.

My chatty little kids and I are coming to a truths... they give me quiet DEAR time and quiet work period, I let them talk at lunch and snack- though once someone yells it is all over. Or like yesterday, once someone throws food, it is all over. Honestly they are wining this battle, but partly because I care a little less. I have come to terms that quiet is not part of their lives. I will make do with teaching them respect. That should help.

On Friday it was Children's day. Which seems crazy to me here because every day is children's day. These kids have never heard the word NO! ANyway, there was a show for them and they got popcorn and Tampico (Sunny D type crap). The cafetorium was a MESS! There was popcorn, juice containers and juice everywhere! One kid spilled his juice so I went to get him paper towels and he asked me what they were for!!!!! WAH!!! Watching him try to clean was entertaining..he didn't know how. oh boy!

On Sunday I went to church with my roommate. It was an evangelical church... and they made me stand up and tell everyone my name and then about 40 peoeple came by to hug and kiss me...really? Sunday morning. The service was all about being fisher of men and how we have to think like the sinners in order to catch them... not exactly my theological cup of tea... but the pastor was entertaining and I was impressed with my spanish. After church we went to lunch with some 'Jovenes' young ppl... that was nice and all in Spanish. It was exhausting, but good. I got to speak lots.

We took a picture of the church so that I could post it, but it is on Lindsey's camera, so instead I found one online...its a drawing of it, but gives you an idea.

This weekend we are heading to Lake Atitlan...considered the most beautiful lake on earth, so I look forward to that!

WIll post more after that!

hope all is well in Canada!

oxox

ps: the rain has taken a hiatus...hasn't rained in 3 days! It is chilly in the mornings and beautiful in the afternoon.

beach, sun, pool, margaritas and more sun

Ah finally some beautiful weather! Exactly what I needed!

So we discovered this all inclusive resort that we could go to over night. Only an hour and a half out of the city. We left bright and early on Saturday morning and spent the day lounging in the sun and cooling off in the po

ol! Sipping the odd margarita and reading books! LUXURY!!!!

On Saturday night there was a Karaoke competition which we totally lost-- but to our defence, we didn't know it was a competition and were NOT taking it very seriously!

SUnday we were back by the pool by 9 am after a WONDERFUL breakfast! Elisa, Graeme and I braved the ocean and fake surfed a little. A few waves made us scream due to their HuGENESS! But we survived. Hopefully we will get to try real surfing some time soon. Now it is back to school...and we were wishing we had a holiday tomorrow! But no such luck! the rain has started to fall again and the kids are just plain crazy! But it is all ok, because I spent 2 days soaking in vitamin D!

That's it for now!

oxoxox

costumes, markets, hotels and closed roads

So today is a national holiday here in Guatemala and this mid week break has been nice!

13 of us went to Antigua last night and had a great time. We stayed in a really nice little hotel with beautiful grounds and a great breakfast this morning!

We went out to dinner and then to bar. I left in the second wave of sleepers around midnight, which is great because the last group was out until past 3 they tell me! Today we had breakfast and some people lounged by the pool. I went back to bed. We were supposed to go see parades and such but there weren't any, and it started to pour rain so we just hung out then had lunch. At lunch we heard that the road home was closed due to a shooting at a mall-- it was 100% drug related. So we left right away and took the back road home to insure we did indeed get home. Though another day off wouldn't be the worst thing! haha.

On Tuesday, at school, we got to dress up in Traditional Guatemalan CLothing (the picture). So I went to the market last weekend and 4 of the teachers (me, Laura, Katie and Keiko-left to right) bought these outfits.

It was pretty cute! A bunch of my kids came dressed up too- photo included. It was prety cute. The parents put on a market in our cafetorium for the elementary school. So the kids got to buy things and eat typical food etc. It was great fun but made for a CRAZY day at school. A write off basically. The kids were nuts. Hopefully they are better tomorrow.

It is the time of year of parent meetings. We are just over a month in so I have something like 5 parent meetings this this and next week about student's progress...yeah fun..YUCK!

That is about it I think.

As you can see from the pictures we have had some sunny days! It is quite beautiful here when it is warm! Hopefully this weekend is nice, since it is take 2 of beach get away. I think 9 of us are headed that way on Saturday morning! Should be fun! On that note, I think I will go to the gym now.

oxox

thinking of buying a canoe...

hello everyone.

In case you have been following any Guatemala news, I thought I would let you know that I am alive and well...though a tad bit soggy!

Today was pandaemonium at the school...buses were cancelled due to road closures and mud slides. I had to explain to my little boys that soccer practice was cancelled because they had to leave on the first buses... they were NOT happy campers. I was a little worried there would be a revolt. Instead they chose to completely ignore me and acted very surprised when I walked them all to the buses and not to ECA. Poor souls.

The school has an emergency phone tree that was put into affect...but I am not too sure how well it works. Hopefully everyone got home safe and sound.

With buses still cancelled tomorrow, I will be missing lots of kids, what can I teach?

Anyway, just letting you know we are all safe and sound, but I may need a boat to get to and from school from here on out.

oxo

rain, rain, tropical storms, rain

Well it has been a busy week!

French Club started on Wednesday and had about 13 kids. It went very well and they all seem pretty eager. We learnt some classroom vocabulary and the alphabet and numbers. I thought they would think it was kind of lame, but they were really into it and now there are big kids that say hi to me in the halls!!!

The rest of the week flew by and it is already Friday night. WE were supposed to go to the beach this weekend, but there is a 50% chance of tropical stormage, so we called that off! Which is lame, but also the safer choice. Instead, we are having a game night at Laura's! THis should be fun!! Unfortunately I don't have Catch Phrase here...urgh! SO much fun! But we have a good variety, including the Monopoly game Laura and Colin bought in China..haha.

Tonight, since our beach extravaganza was cancelled, Makenzie, Jessica and I went to a spa for massages. Before you gawk at the lush lifestyle I seem to be leading, the whole think put me back 20$. So basically cheaper than going out to dinner, which was the other option for tonight.

I am now hanging out in my apartment, waiting to Skype my Trent friends who are away at our now annual Labour Day weekend cottage party! I wish I was there, but, well...life. RIght?

Hope all is well with everyone, and that you aren't dying of the heat... but if you are, I have no sympathy because the rain is driving me insane! But I am told to hold on for one more month!

So some funny question I was asked about Canada this week: when you buy things, is the price written in USD? like do you have dollars?...no, we write our prices on rocks and exchange livestock for it...bah!

Do you vote in Canada? Like are you a democratic country? No..the Prime Minister is chosen at random based on who builds the best igloo!

I tell you... some people! haha.

anyway. hope everyone has a wonderful long weekend!!! oxo

What a week!

I realized I have not posted in a while so I thought I would get to that.

I haven't been up to anything overly exciting since the beach. This was a long week at school. We had our Meet the Teacher Night on Wednesday, meaning a very long 12 hour day at the school. Only 6 parents from my class showed, so that was disappointing. But in the other 15's defence, there was a very bad rain storm that evening and the roads were pretty flooded.

It poured everyday at dismisal this week, so I am very thankful to my The North Face rain coat! It is keeping my upper half dry. My skirts have had to be run out and my sandals stuffed with paper. But you know, it's all good! Rain boots are a think I am hoping to purchase soon. But they are not popular in this country...which is truly beyond me...SO MUCH RAIN!

hmmm, OH! So I was pretty bummed about not having any french here, so I asked to run a French Club as part of the ECA (Extracurricular Activities). We decided to offer it to middle school and high school students. So I got an email friday saying that 30 kids signed up! Oh my goodness!!!!! I don't know what I am going to do! SO many! I am looking at things online and seeing, but I don't know what exactly I have signed up for. Hopefully they know a little bit of french. But I doubt it! haha. It's hard because they are so old and not 6.

Other than that, not much else to report so I will sign off.

ox

Floods, wind, dogs, euchre and swings

What a weekend!

Tom, Blake, Maria and I left the city at 8 am to head to the beach. We decided against the Pacaya climb due to the weather we have had this week-- extremely rainy.

We drove out of the city with no trouble. It went from city to tropical out of nowhere. The warm humid air, the palm trees, etc.

When we approached the coastal city we were to stay in, we were shocked to find the fields all flooded! The puddles on the dirt road were massive and we debated whether we would make it through them. The first one, which ended up being the worst one by far, was a close call. But the SUV made it through!

the houses along the side of the road where all flooded as well. When we finally got to our hostel we were disappointed to find it so overcast and windy. Luckily the place is BEAUTIFUL! And we hung around, had a late breakfast and the boys went down to assess the surfing situation. They vetoed going out that morning. We chatted with the other guests: 2 girls from Switzerland, 2 girls who are half french half guatemalan and the owners who are 2 men from Switzerland. (random, right?)

I went for a walk on the beach and picked up some shells later on.

Around 4, the Thomas, Christophe (who owns the place) and one of the Swiss girls tried surfing..but the waves were just soo bad--- so they came in.

Later the whole village was on the beach because a sea turtle had washed up on shore. They are not sure how it died... but it probably got caught in fishermen's nets. They said that people sometimes capture them, cut them open to remove their eggs and then leave them to die. This was not the case with this particular turtle...but how cruel is that?

The cook's kids came in the evening and we played: Bancopoly...guatemala monopoly... it was fun, the kids thought we were really funny to play with them.

We then had dinner: shrimp salad, spaghetti and a brownie with homemade peach ice-cream!!!

Maria, blake, tom and I played euchre and then headed to bed at the respectable hour of 1030!

This morning, the weather was not much more promising for surfing but they gave it a shot. I soaked up some sun and hang out around the 'cabana'.

All in all a wonderful weekend. More sun would have been better, but hey, a beach get away is a beach get away!

here are some pictures!

rain, rain and more rain...

So this second week has been going well. The whole idea of rainy season is making sense to me. There has been no indoor recess this week...though those are still out of doors, just in the covered overhang of our hallways. But the kids are so close to the class it is hard to get anything done or think. But that is life...at least they are not IN my class. Some teachers let their kids play in the class, but I have no toys and no carpet so I don't. I was kind enough to supply colouring supplies. Quite the art work I have in my room now!

Tomorrow evening we are going out for Sushi and to the movies. A reward for making it a whole week! I have heard great things about the movies in this country...so I will keep you all posted. We are seeing Inception... it is supposed to be good!

Saturday is Pacaya and then the beach I think. Some of the girls went last weekend and their pictures of sunshine have made me green with envy...so I think I will go up with some people after our hike. THey plan on surfing...we shall see if I am so brave... it could be comic relief for the masses!

that is all for now. I should make dinner. I just came back from a work out in our gym on the roof! If is funny to run around the roof above the city listening to my music intercepted by the dogs incessant barking!

more later. ox

rugby, rain, parks and WII

My first week with the students went very well!

It was exhausting though!

I have yet to have all 21 students, but am sure that they will show up on Monday. On girl was still on vacation in Spain... tough life..ey?

On Friday night we had a get together at our apartment on the roof of our building. It was fun until it rained! then we moved into the gym...which happens to also be on the roof!

Today a bunch of us went to watch Colin's rugby team play. They destroyed the other team! I took Kiera to the park and swung on swings and slid down the slide..int he pouring rain! She has a a rugby outfit that matched her dads! Except in 20 months old size!!!

I then went to the other girls' building and played WII! Then we went to Laura's and played WII with her while she nursed Maya...very talented that woman!

Tomorrow I don't have anything planned, just hanging out and doing some planning.

We are talking about climbing Pacaya next weekend. It should be a good time! I am looking forward to it!

Hope everyone is doing well!

xo

first day: check!

Day one went very well!
the kids were great and enthusiastic. One kid used the expression easy-peasy! LOVE IT! They love all things Canadian... including me! haha. They saw my key holder (thanks Cathy and alicia!) and were very curious about my strange land. They knew it was huge...one kid thought it was Russia on my world map... one girl was born in Toronto, a little boy has visited Canada and another girl took French classes this summer.

Today while they are in spanish class I am going to the middle school to introduce myself and my "french club!". It should be exciting!

Friday I have my first official parent meeting after school. I am happy the mom is being proactive about her son's behavioUr. (I must master american spelling...not on my blog though!!!)

anyway, i need to make some copies and get ready for the day so I will sign off. thanks for all the encoouragement and well wishes!!!

xo

the moment we have all been waiting for...

Well at least the moment I have been waiting for for as long as I can remember! The first day of school of my very own class!!

Before I left today i took some pictures of the classroom for your viewing enjoyment!

Until today at 330 I had 21 students, but my newest list only has 20... apparently that happens often and really someone just hasn't paid yet, so they will join once they get their money in...and that may be in the morning...So I am not getting rid of any desks quite yet... they were hard enough to come by!

We have an assembly first thing in the morning. I them them for language arts. After that they have double spanish...so I send them off at 930 and ont get them back until 1125. (though I have recess duty in there). After spanish I have them for double math, followed by lunch. And then science. They finish the day in gym. So it is a good way to ease myself in...they have 3 specialists! haha!

Other than that things are good. I am going to make myself a good dinner, pick out my outfit for tomorrow, watch some TV and then go to bed nice and early. We are leaving for the school at 620... oh boy!

Wish me luck!!

3...2...1...wednesday!

This is the view from the roof of our apartment building. I thought I would share it.

Today was a busy day at school with some meetings, planning time and final touches on our classroom!

The kids come in on Wednesday, I can't believe it! I am very excited.

Today I did some yoga and have been finding worksheets and lesson plans for my kiddos to do this week.

The real big question now is: what to wear to the first day of school!!!????

Suggestions please!

cab rides, Antigua, old friends and quilts

I can not believe week two is over! It feels like we have been here for a long time!

Today I went to Antigua to meet up with a childhood friend of mine from Ottawa who is studying Spanish in Antigua. Another teacher from the school came with me so we split the cab ride. We called Jorge, our trusty cab driver and he drove us there and back...an hour each way for 48$... or 400Q. So that was nice and much safer than taking the bus, which would have only cost us 24 Q for both of us, but we may have died, so...better safe than sorry!

In Antigua we went to the market and I bought a beautiful guilt to hang in my new room! I am looking forward to hanging it. (see attached picture)!

With my new internet possession I will be Skypeing mom tonight...so anyone on Skype should feel free to add me and then maybe I can have some face to face time.

That is all for now I believe. Tomorrow we have our first weekly staff meeting at 7:30... I feel like such a grown up with meetings and such! ahah.

much love.

planning, shopping and setting up!

So the rest of this week has been busy busy busy!

Most days we had planning time and a few meetings.

My team- the grade 2 teachers- have mapped out all of the curriculum requirements for the 4 terms. And are now planning week by week.

Friday afternoon, we went to a little bar near the school with our principal and director...about 15 of us went for a drink. First round was on Colin-- you buy beer by the bucket here, it comes with 6. It's pretty funny. Carl bought appetizers for the table. What wonderful bosses I have! I had Ceviche... a dish I remembered from Peru, and it was soooo yummy!

On Friday we were moved-- when we left for school, all of our stuff was packed in our living room and when I came home Friday night all of my stuff was in my new living room! It was great!

Once this place doesn't look like a bomb went off in it, I will post pictures.

Today I got some things for the house and a printer!!! I am very excited and have printed a bunch of things for my kiddos!

Tomorrow I am going to Antigua to see a friend from home- so that will be lots of fun! Maybe go to the market for a little bit! Fun times!

I think thats about it for now. The kids start in on Wednesday, I am very excited to meet them all! Monday and Tuesday we are planning and setting up! Exciting!!

Hope all is well! ox

pictures

I thought I would post some pictures of the first while.

Some are of Antigua, others of the school and some of our night out.

meetings, meetings and more meetings!

And the school year begins!
Monday was the first day with all of the staff! They had a welcome breakfast for us...how I love Guatemalan fruit! We had a traditional breakfast of eggs, beans and plantain. And of course coffee!

After that there were some speeches, Carl read a story called:What do teachers make. You have probably read it or heard of it, if not google it, it is worth the read. He got all chocked up reading it. What a dear man.

From there we split up into sections and the 60 elementary staff hung out in the cafeteria for our meeting with Colin and Sylvita (the VP).

After lunch we played a teacher BINGO...we had all given an interesting fact about ourselves last week. Mine was: I became a Canadian citizen while living in Peru. haha. Anyway, they read the fact and then the name, and..well you know how bingo works.

After school i took a nap and then watched TV and then went to bed! Monday night TV resembles our Thursday night TV, so I watched Greys A, Private Practice and 30 Rock.

About the move. It looks like we will be moving. explanation: we live in a complexe in zona 17, most of the other staff live in zona 15 with the school in zona 16. Apartment 3a where the others are, houses 2 teachers who want to live on their own. They are moving out of that 3 bedroom and moving into different 1 bedroom apartments in another buiolding, leaving a 3 bedroom vacant. We asked to take it because it is bigger than our place. At the place we are now, I am the only one with a desk- as it fits in my bedroom while the other 2 rooms are too small for desks. THough the same will be true of the rooms in the other apartment, there is an extra 'alcove' that can serve as an office in it. That is the rational behind moving.

It should all happen this week..or manana!..

I am off to get some coffee before more meetings begin!

cabs, dinner, pubs and dancing!

Hello hello!

Well we had quite a night out last night. Laura was to arrive at the building at 630... got here around 715- the cab was on guatemala time! BUt she brought punch and we had picked up some guatemalan sweets and I had gotten her a gift in antigua, so that was good.

We called cabs to get us, one showed... about 20 minutes late, the other 2 never did. Finally the first one came back and we put all 6 of us in it. The cabby didn't understand why this was such a big deal! haha.

Dinner was delicious! I had seafood pasta and we shared about 4or 5 pitchers of Sangria. Our bill , for 10 of us, was 1205Q...155$... I love this country!

From there we went to a bar called the raddle and hum- it's australia and was PACKED! We finally got a little corner upstairs and were quite the attraction, men came up to us to get there pictures taken with the 10 foreigners!

After that, we went to a place Tabu... it was cute, we were in VIP somehow and had like a personal waiter and what seemed like body guards standing watch over us. We danced our hearts and feet out (by this ppoint my high heals were under the table!). From there we came back to the apartment building, I slept over at Elisa's house (she's from Victoria, BC- her husband Graeme is still in Vic. finishing his masters and is coming in August.).

The girls have just gotten internet in the apartments so we are using it.

i have been asked to post pictures of my apartment, but right now a switch is in the works, so I will hold off until I know where I will actually be living.

Hope all is well!

We are going grocery shopping today. And then all the girls are coming to our place for a swim and a movie.

meetings, keys, desks and naps!

Another busy busy day on Thursday!
I was at the school for what seemes for ever- 7 to 330. But we did get lots done. In the moring we had a meeting with the curriculum director and she explained how we were to make curriculum maps to guide our teaching. They are really big into group planning, so on Thursday afternoon my kids are in specialists all pm and so are the other 3 grade 2 classes. The 4 teachers plan for the following week! Every week we need to hand in our week plans, but what is interesting is that we hand in one plan per grade level. It seems like a good idea and will surely add alot of creativity to our classsrooms.

Later, I received the keys to my classroom!!! The momment I have been waiting for!
The room isnt huge, but it has a blackboard and a white board. I have nmade the white board the front of my class. I also have a display case for books which I am using to create a half wall for my " carpet space". I have 4 groups of 4 and 1 group of 5 for my kids desk and mine is in a corner facing outwards. We have a bathroom in classroom and a closet for supplies and the kids' raingear.

Maria, who is Joeline and Carl's secretary lives near our apartment and she offered to take us to the grocery store and to show us where we could safely run errands in our neighbourhood. So Lindsey, Ashley and I went with her after school. It was nice to see some stuff...we went to a really yummy bakery: San Martin, where I bought a croissant that I just ate now (friday morning)-not quite France, but fresh bread is delicious regardless!

We got home and I took my first guatemalan nap! The girls were impressed when I got up to at 830- really only to call mom , who i was supposed to have called at 8. They said I wouldbe up all night...oh they have so much to learn about me! I assured them that after watching some TV and reading I would be ready for a full nights rest! And I was!

This morning, 6 am came much too early!

TOnight we are having a girls night with Laura for her birthday. It should be alot of fun. We are going to the other apartment after school to get ready etc. Laura is coming by at 630 and we have dinner reservations at 730. She wouldn't tell us what was planned after that, because she sent the information via Colin (her husband, our principal) and girl's nights are not to be triffled with or intercepted by boys!! haha.

The plans for the weekend are a little up in the air, but I think we will finish some shopping and maybe take in a movie- for 80Q (10$) you get to go in the VIP section...which has reclining chairs...waiters I hear...who knows! I will keep you posted!

Sunday we want to return to Antigua, I would like to see the volcano up close...well closer, no plans to climb it yet, it's a 7 hour hike!!! And perhaps just read in the square with their delicious coffee!

Oh, one last story before I sign off. We went to a little tienda (store) with Maria yesteday where I bought grean beans, brocoli, cucumber and zuchini. My grand total was...14Q...that is less than 2 dollars!!!!! Oh my! I was floored...I was sure there was a mistake somewhere. But nope. Produce is very inexpensive here. Anything that comes packaged is much more expensive. But oh how they LOVE North American brands here, it makes me laugh!

Have a wonderful long weekend everyone! We do not have a long weekend... alas.
much love!

a new home!

2 very busy days have passed!

On Tuesday I had time at the school and met with my principal and the other elementary school teachers (new hires). I got my weekly schedule and class list. I have 21 kiddos. 11 girls and 10 boys! Should be exciting.

From the school we went to the Price Mart...which is basically like Costco. We got stuff for our apartment. And then...the big exciting news: WE GOT OUR HOME!!!

Its lovely. Once we all got there we drew cards to see who got the big room. They pulled 3s and I pulled a 7. So my room has the ensuite- it’s beautiful. All the rooms have a wall of closets with organizers etc. There are 2 other bathrooms- so really everyone is pretty lucky!

On Wednesday we went to Antigua. It’s about 45 minutes out of Guatemala City. It’s beautiful. I spent the day with Laura- a grade 1 teacher, and the principals wife. She came for the day. We went to the market and out to lunch. I bought a few nice things- jewelry mostly. We had lunch at a little place which is also a used bookstore. It was a cute little place. We wondered the town for a little bit and then got gelato.

From there we met up with everyone in the square and took the bus home.

When we got back to the apartment I walked around the ‘grounds’ found the pool and the gym. Since then I have been watching TV, making dinner and talking to Mom. LIndsey and I hung out around the apartment...found the garbage bins in the garage, set up some more stuff, started a list of things we need. Ashley went to Zone 10- ZOna Viva with other teachers.

Wednesday was rain free and sunny! But we have been told not to hold our breath for such weather. This rainy season has been incredibly wet they say- with the sheets of rain that fell on Tuesday night I can believe it. Driving in anything other than an SUV resembled boating more than anything!

Our apartment has cable but no internet as of yet, so I am typing this (wed) in my living room and will post it at the school on Thursday.

Hope all is well!

Thursday: I am at the school bright and early today, rereading this message I hope that the shaddy verb tenses and jumping back and forth aren't too confusing!!