Just when we thought it couldn’t get any better… Bam! Another earthquake. Luckily, or not, this one happened as everyone was getting up this morning. I was in the main living area when the doors started shaking like someone was trying to break them down. The iron chandeliers began to swing like a recently vacated…

As we finish our last week in Antigua, we have settled into somewhat of a routine. We meet at the Plaza Central after classes, find some place for lunch, and then tool around the city stumbling into stores, traipsing around earthquake ruins, drinking lots of caffeinated beverages, and just enjoying the chaotic but relaxing pace…

Today a few of us went on a field trip to San Antonio Aguas Calientes, a small town outside of Antigua. We were told that we would participate in a traditional Mayan wedding ceremony and see how Mayan customs were being preserved, despite the changing times. It turns out that Marty and I were to…

At 1:30 this morning I woke to a rather loud banging sound coming from over my head and I looked around groggily in the dark to hit whoever was shaking my bed. It took me a few seconds to realize that the sound was actually the banging of wooden doors on the wall used for…

The idea of taking salsa-dancing lessons has been floating in the air for the past week and a half. The school we attend offers free salsa lessons Monday and Tuesday nights from 5 to 6:30 at a local dance studio called New Sensation Dance Company. I would be exaggerating if I said the kids on…

This past week of language school has been insightful and fulfilling. I can’t tell you how exciting it is to see my students use their Spanish in ways I could never simulate in the classroom. I’m not taking credit, but they have some mad Spanish skills! Wednesday morning Marty woke up at 5 a.m. to…

I am not sure if it is because the sun rises at 5 a.m., or if it is because I am back in school and having to use my brain, but I am pooped. Sitting at the dining room table this evening helping three kids with Spanish homework, I found myself ready for bed at…