¡Guatemala!

Made it to Guatemala City, or Guate as it is known here. Looks pretty much like any large city in a developing country. Lots of traffic, crazy driving, a little dirty. Hooked up with my group, which includes students working in social work and anthropology students. It's true that I am by far the oldest participant but it's all good. Just have to try to get back into the swing of being a college student. You know, like being afraid of foreign food, squealing because they put lime on the salad, fearing the locals. Stuff like that.

First challenge was realizing we had to share rooms for the night in Guate. Fortunately, I had made friends with two young women, Elyse and Linesy. We got a triple room so at least I wasn't left with no one wanting to be my roomie. No matter how old you get, you never get over that dread of being picked last. I truly feared being the Jerri Blank on this trip. So far, I've managed to avoid that fate.

One thing I've noticed is if you boldly say "Hola!" people assume you can speak Spanish, which I cannot, at least not very well. Hopefully my Spanish tutoring, which starts on Monday, will remove some of the terror of not having any idea what someone is saying.

The group - there's about 40 of us - went out for pizza last night. It was delicious. I met some people who will be staying in my town - San Marcos La Laguna. We've agreed to all go together to daily yoga at 7:15 a.m. once we get there. Awesome!

I'll get some pictures posted once we leave Guate and head up into the mountains.

More later.
KF