I arrived here in the beautiful country of Guatemala on Tuesday the 28th of October. Landing in the airport was a new experience for me. When I collected my luggage and left the airport, there were about fifty people waiting outside the gates of the airport. At first the site was quite intimidating. I had no phone number, no address, and I was standing outside the airport looking at the crowd of Guatemalans. Immediately I regretted not studying Spanish more. James, my brother, had arranged to meet me at the airport, however, he was nowhere in sight. So I waited.... Finally, after about an hour or so he appeared and rescued me from the crowd.
On the way back to James´ house I understood why he was late. The roads were overcrowded, in poor condition, and extremely confusing. It seems that if you find your way into Guatemala City you will never find your way back out. So we drove in circles for about an hour and finally found the way out. James meant to take the road closest to the coast, however, we missed the turn and therefore would have to hope that the mountain roads have been cleared from the recent landslide.
The drive back took about three hours or so. Finally we arrived at my new home for the next two weeks. Everyone was sleeping when I got here and soon enough I was too.
The next morning I meet the rest of the family. My two nephews, Cobin and Lucas, have grown considerably since I saw them last. Cobin is two years old now and Lucas just recently turned one. Cobin remembers me from our video chats on skype. He frequently says, ¨Hey Wackie!¨ His smile and energy are enough to melt anyone´s heart. Lucas is different than his brother. It is so strange to see how their little personalities develop and such young ages. Lucas is shy and somewhat reserved. He is unsure of me and therefore does not want much to do with me. Hopefully, over the next two weeks that will change. I also meet Lauren, James´wife. We were such good friends in high school and it is really good to see her again.
James decides to take me to Angel´s home toward the base of the mountain. We rode bikes there over the rough roads and through the crazy traffic. After about ten to fifteen minutes we arrive at our destination. This place is so beautiful. The people might not be rich but they have a simpler life than I do in the States. They farm by hand and many don´t have cars. I met Angel, he is an older man and very educated. He speaks three different languages fluently, English being one of them. His wife told me that there is much poverty here in Olintepeque, Guatemala. I consider them lucky though. They live among some of the most beautiful mountains that I have ever seen. They farm and tend to their land and look to provide their family with the necessities of life. The roads to their homes are not paved, all the better for me. The family is very nice and after visiting for a while, we return home.
