So Much Like Home

Zipping accross the lake today was so much like returning home, except totally different. And riding throught the mountains was like a day trip on Catalina, but with a wild driver, many dogs, green plants, no ocean, a different language, oh, and no work. Unless, of course, you consider learning a new language and navigating a new country ¨work.¨ In anticipation of the 4 hour journey to Lake Atitlan and the town of San Pedro la Laguna, which actually took 6 hours, I deprived myself of water. ¿Baños aquí? Oh, no no, gringa. One would be a fool to count on bathrooms at any point along the way on a journey like that. In reality, the drive was not so bad, except for the self-imposed dehydration. The area outside of Antigua was shocking-- smoggy, dirty, chaotic-- after the tranquility of town. More on that later. The countryside was striking, with deep ravines plunging in between tall volcanos. Don´t worry, most of them are dormant. It drives me mad not knowing what each plant is. I´m certain I saw avacados growing out there somewhere, but it´s possible that I was daydreaming.

Arriving in San Pedro was a breathtaking experience. The lake is large and surrounded by lush mountains and volcanos. The town itself is set on a hillside, and in my efforts to escape the multitude of people trying to sell me something upon disembarking, I wandered off in the general direction of my school. On the map, it looked something like a quick left, then a right along a path, and then some confusing winding way to the lakeside school. That worked. I found my way but not without a little stress from meandering along the charming pathes through what felt like people´s back yards. Once at the school, my heart rate resettled as I set up afternoon classes (yes! I can stay up late and rise late with no regrets for four weeks!) My host sister greeted me and walked me home. So cute. I only have Meagan to thank for the fabulous host family. The welcome here was very warm and comforting.

Everywhere I step, I´m surrounded by other foreigners speaking English and helping me out, not to mention friendly locals. So even though my inner world is dramatic as always, the outer world feels rather well-traveled. That´s just fine for now. The road less traveled by is for peole who speak Spanish... and that´s me in a few more weeks.