Home town celebration

I flew back to the states for a quick tour of Los Angeles. No, I’m just joking, I went back for a wedding; I was actually in the wedding as a bridesmaid. One of my dearest friends Charlene tied the knot on March 11 to her amazing fiancé Paul. They are one of my favorite couples because they know how to have lots of fun in their relationship. Of course their wedding was filled with the same mixture of love and laughter. The only thing I wish I could have changed about the trip was the length. I hoped to stay longer than 6 days, but that wasn’t possible with Peace Corps. I have to say that I love the states; I think that being in Guatemala has given me a deeper appreciation for L.A. For example, L.A. traffic, you who live there know exactly what I’m talking about. You all hate it don’t you, I did too, until I came to Guatemala. Now if I’m in L.A. and I’m driving in traffic, I smile because I’m driving, not some drunken tired looking Guatemalan man. More importantly I can listen to my own music, not some loud raunchy Spanish song. Now I find driving in L.A. lovely and quite therapeutic.
Ok I have to say one more thing that I love about the states; trash cans. Yes I know that’s odd, but it’s true. I love the fact that you can walk into any restaurant, gas station, or store and find a trash can. In Guatemala it’s like searching for gold, they just don’t exist. I hate it because I refuse to throw trash on the ground and add to the problem and let me tell you, it’s a huge problem. There is trash everywhere, on the streets and in the busses. I mean these people have no qualms about it. It actually pains me, physically when I see people throw bottles, chicken bones and the like outside of a moving bus. I actually want to weep. So when I went to the states and didn’t have to hang on to trash for hours, I was happy. I was simply happy.

Here I am with the happy couple, Charlene and Paul 

The Wild, Wild East!

Yes, I’m saying the wild wild east, not west as some of you are accustomed to hearing. The east part of Guatemala is filled with men with cowboy hats who bear pistols at their sides. It’s like the old west and I had to go and check it out for myself. I went with a couple of volunteers to Jalapa where there was a cock fight. We were invited by some other volunteers who live in that area and who were great friends with one of the guys who raise the gallos and fight them. I know how inhumane, how could I sit back and watch such a derogation of animals? Well I’m sorry; if you know me you know that I love animals. Just to set the record straight, I was told about the gallo fights after I agreed to go.
Well the east has a huge community of those who love the western garb and aren’t afraid to represent their love. I’ve included some pictures so you can see Marvin wearing his rooster shirt, it’s quite colorful. I must say I was surprised to find women and children at this event. It was a family affair, so I think that made me feel a bit more comfortable being there. I and the other volunteers stuck out like sore thumbs, but we had a great time doing so.

This is Marvin he raises gallos and fights them. I don't know if you can see the gallo in his hand, it may be camouflaged with the others on his silk shirt. 

In the ring

The volunteers who went from left to right, Joe, Valerie, Bree, Tarush, Candace, the gallo,Jason, Me, Edgar, Sean, Michelle and the gallo owner

Monkeys and Butterflies

Last Saturday I went with my neighbor and her two daughters to the Natural Reserve near Panajachel. Panajachel is about 15 minutes from my house and I didn't realize how close I live to this really cool place. I had the opportunity to feed spider monkeys and it was awesome. If you know me, you know how much I love monkeys, so feeding these guys was a treat. I loved it! I also love butterflies and I was able to walk through the protected area made especially for butterflies and moths, it was spectacular. I’ve included pictures, so enjoy!

Spider monkey climbing through the trees

 

A day with my favorite animal

Here I am feeding the monkeys!