2018: Celas Maya Spanish School, Second Session 

May 7, 2018.  Xela.

Back in town.  First samba lesson with Jose at Celas Maya in a room with a big mirror.  Spent an hour one-on-one learning four basic steps.  I think this is going to work out.  Personal one hour lessons for $10?  Good old Guatemala.

May 8, 2018.  Xela

• Warriors win semifinals against Pelicans.  Trump withdraws from Iran deal.  Bought an umbrella, and first rain later in the day - timing!

• Just checked CDT info on Postholer: Yellowstone 2000 miles, Canada 3000 miles: 1000 miles to go.  Best start date: July 1.  Gold Lake: July 21.  Gary Gapp could pick me up three weeks after I start, and deliver me to the airport.

• José Mujica: 40th President of Uruguay (2010-2015).   “World’s humblest head of state.”

• Jorge Ubico (“Central America’s Napoleon): Dictator and friend of United Fruit Company, 1931-1942.

• October 20 1944: Beginning of ten year Guatemala revolution

• November 22 1944: primers election democratica 

• 1944-1954: Los dies años de primavera

• 1944-1950: Juan José Arévalo (first democratically elected President.

• 1950-1954: Jacobo Árbenz

• Thelma Aldana.  Jefe de Ministerio Publico.  Caused President to resign.  In 2016 awarded International Courage of Women.

• CICIG: Comisión Internacional Contra la Impunidad en Guatemala.

Kíche:

• gracias: maktiox

• Mama: nan 

• Papa: tat 

• Buenas Dias: sacarik

Familia Coti:

Alfredo

Erick - Nico

  Alberto

  Daniel - Maya

    Daniella

    Rojelio Andre

  Pablo - Sandy

    Fatima

    Sophia

  Martin

May 10, 2018.  Xela 

• Dia de las Madres.  Visited the cementerio with my teacher Carlos.  Flowers for Nico.  Big lunch with entire family.  

• Final two hours of salsa lessons with Melanie, a University student- my regular teacher José was off to Cuba.  Haven’t quite got the basic steps - thinking of trying more lessons at a local place.

• Then off to el stadio with student Joe, Carlos, and Erick.  But first the requisite stop at a local bar for beer and chicken tacos.  Xela beat Antigua 2-0.  Yelling and screaming and fireworks - and my photo beside one of the gorgeous cheerleaders (Carlos says all the good looking ones are from South America).

Flower sellers in front of the cemetery

My Guatemalan family.  That's Erick making beautiful formal men's shoes.

I and my two favorite Celas Maya staff members 

Another crazy football match.  But I'm not complaining...

May 11, 2018.  Xela 

Played hooky with Carlos and took the bus to San Francisco el Alto, with its enormous market, the largest in Central America.  Great animal section.  Best though was all the pirated clothing.  Bought two pair of “levis” for Erick at $9 a pair, and a polo shirt for me for the same price.  

May 12, 2018.  Xela

Hike to Mirador Volcan Santiaquito with 4 other students and instructor Luis.  Not quite as impressive a view as it was from the top of Volcan Santa Maria, but a much easier walk.

May 13, 2018.  Xela

Trip to Sunil, to visit the Cofradía de San Simón, a figure whose followers give gifts of alcohol and cigarettes in hopes he will answer their prayers.  Not accepted by the Catholic Church. Moved each year  to one of five homes.  Worshipped in two other locales in Guatemala (including Santiago Atitlán).

May 16, 2018.   Xela

Rained so hard that the football match was rescheduled for tomorrow.  Streets were flooded; in one part of town, cars were overturned.  Local video showed people trapped in auto, with several others trying to open door; a little further down, one man was holding the arm of a person to prevent him from being carried away by the water.