Monday

View from Dora's House



My room at Dora's House

  Today I volunteer at Casa Jackson from 1:30 to 5:00 so in the city walking and shopping.  I had planned to move to the hostal today but changed my mind because I decided my plan had been to come, volunteer and stay with a family, at the hostal I would have ended up speaking english to young american tourists. I have found it a little difficult to be with a family and speak no Spanish.  Last night they invited me to a family gathering to say prayers before Christmas, at least I knew how to make the sign of the cross - better than nothing.  There were 11 people crammed into a tiny living room, Dora and her husband, their 4 children and 5 grand children.  Afterwards we had a hot blended banana drink and sandwiches - I bought some expensive pastries and then we sat around the table and they talked - it was a very strange experience so sit their quietly as I could not understand one word.   I was very aware of the richness of their life due to the extended family, I believe they are there nearly every evening, it made me miss having had that while Graham was  growing up.  Dora's children are all very well educated - an auditor, teacher, mechanical engineer and a lawyer - they commute to Guatemala City every day and have to leave at 5:00 am to arrive on time as the traffic is so bad it can take up to two  hours despite being only 45 minutes away.  Clearly Dora and Victor's focus has been on educating their children and not beautifying their home, our standards are so different.  At first I thought they were very poor but I think they are probably considered middle class.  I will try to take a family picture later and add it to this post.

Antigua is only about 8 blocks long and wide so it is very easy to get around, though the streets are all cobbled so I have to be very careful not to trip - quit wearing sandals.


Agua Valcano to the north of Antigua