Here I Go Again On My Own

Welcome back!!!!I write to you from the comforts of our new home in Durango, Colorado where we are all settled in, exploring the local hikes and making new friends. It already feels like we belong here as it is very similar to Queenstown, New Zealand where we were able to live for 7 months this past year. Lots of friendly locals, nearby mountains to explore, and strong community pride. I can't wait to really get settled in but to be brutally honest, I definitely caught the travel bug at some point and am itching for one additional trip (I swear this is the last one for awhile!!). This time, to live with a host family in Antigua, Guatemala for 6 weeks while taking daily Spanish lessons! Whew...I'm going to be exhausted!

Very briefly, I've always wanted to be able to speak Spanish. You know, really be able to understand it and actually answer someone back without saying 'yo no se' or 'no hablo espanol.' And I was close...on the cusp of being able to speak it when I traveled through Spain in high school and Ecuador in 2007. But then I would come back to the US and forget all about my new vocab, verbs and conjugations. So there I sat several years later discussing this frustration with Chip, Michael, and Taylor (our Queenstown friends who happen to be from Fort Collins, CO). Taylor agreed. But it was Michael and Chip who said, "Why not do it now?! There's nothing stopping you."  And I fired back, "Are you kidding me? I'm almost 30. Who leaves their husband and takes off to a third world country for 6 weeks to learn Spanish?"  After more words of encouragement from our husbands (we'll blame them if something happens) it was at that point that Taylor and I decided to plan our ASA as we like call it (yes, Awesome Spanish Adventure to be exact).

A month had passed and after doing some initial research we had decided on Antigua, Guatemala. Taylor and Michael had spent some time there in June of 2011 and fell in love with the area immediately (not to mention there are a plethora of Spanish language schools there). We made it official by purchasing our plane tickets while traveling together in Turkey. At that very moment I was so excited to continue traveling (with Tay) and with the possibility of being able to speak (some) Spanish when coming back to the US. Not only that but Antigua looks and sounds like a dream! There's a vibrant Mayan culture, historic monuments, charming cobblestone streets lined with colorful churches and cafes, and views of three different volcanoes that surround the city.

But I also knew there were some downsides and risks. Yes, I know, and I've heard it from many of my friends and family..."Be careful!"  "It's dangerous there!"  This, along with the dreaded list of don't-dos have been haunting me for a month now...don't walk alone at night, don't wear jewelry, dress modestly, don't get drunk in public, hide any valuables inconspicuously on your body, don't fight back if mugged, don't drink the water, don't eat from creepy food vendors, and the list goes on. What I'm gathering from this list is that I'll be walking back and forth to my classes each day (with a guard) and spending the rest of the evening hanging out in the safety of my host family's home. Just kidding! But I do hope this list has prepared me to be a smart and safe traveler. This experience is definitely going to be an interesting one. Though I'm nervous, and scared to leave my husband, new house and the comforts of the USA, I am excited to gain the appreciation for another beautiful country, culture and make new friends.

So off I go...My flight leaves July 20th at noon from Durango. I've arranged for a driver to take me from Guatemala City to Antigua once I arrive at 7pm. Then it's to my new (host) family that I'll be living with for 6 weeks. With summer being the school's busy season I will be living with other students in the house (but am promised my own room). I start 6 hour/day Spanish classes on Monday and hopefully it will be a short 2 weeks until I am reunited with my girl Taylor who will be flying in from Denver!!!

First up on my list of places to see? This weekend I'll be joining two Australians who we met in Turkey on a visit to El Lago de Atitlan which is renowned as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world!! I can't wait to feast my eyes on it! Stay tuned for more!

Hasta la proxima! And wish me luck (can you tell I'm nervous as all get-out?!?)
Lindsay