Days 97-98: The First Full Weekend

On Saturday, the highlight was a traditional Mayan music and dance performance in the afternoon. I walked over to the outdoor stage that had been created outside of the Spanish cultural center at about 4.00p. Carmen, Santiago, and Nick all came, but sat on the sidelines due to short attention spans and the excitement of trees to climb nearby.

It was group of six guys and they played quite a few songs, all of which had a very unique sound. They used a Marimba, flutes, pipes and other assorted wind instruments, drums (including some made out of turtle shells), Maracas, and even two didjeridus. They had some little instruments that when blown, let out shrieks, wails, screams, insect and bird calls, it was quite wild. Unfortunately, all of my pictures have audience members' heads, but just pay attention to the way the performers are dressed. The final piece involved three of the guys dancing, wearing animalistic headresses (a deer, a leopard, and a bat), while the other three played the instruments. It was very interesting: very primitive, very primal, and something completely new for me.

Afterwards, we went to eat at the restaurant behind the bakery of that banana bread. I had a very excellent burger, and munched on some banana bread for dessert. Of course I did, how could I not?

Today, Sunday, I experienced one of the more important modern Guatemalan cultural events. I went to Pollo Campero, the Guatemalan fast-food restaurant that is such a large franchise here (literally nearly one in every city) that they have begun to grow internationally (including destinations such as Disneyland in the US and Dubai). I had chicken nuggets and french fries, the parallels with every other fast-food chain were numerous, yes there was an air-conditioned play set for the kids, but the distinct characteristic of Pollo Campero is the aroma. There is a greasy oil aroma that is quite particular to this chain, and Carmen told me to expect to be smelling it all the way to Houston on my return flight since they have a Pollo Campero in the airport.

After our meal, Carmen, Santiago and Nick drove me up to El Hato where the school is where I hope to begin volunteer work as soon as a week from Monday. We went to the Earth Lodge, a hotel owned by the two coordinators of the 'Las Manos' program at the El Hato school, and I got to meet Emma and Jonathan Engels. They were quite friendly, very relaxed, and it seems like they could really use my help. I might end up moving myself up there when I start working with them, since I will be paying for my accommodation wherever it is, and the commute is looking less and less convenient (in respect to time as well as money).

I walked into town tonight and got a light dinner from one Café Barista right on one side of the central park. I got the meal and smoothie to go, and sat in the park. It was quite nice. I was a little worried about walking home in the dark (the sun sets by about 6.30p) because of all the warnings about danger especially for tourists, but I knew which streets had lights and there was always other people on the streets right up until the last 2 blocks or so from the house. I did not feel uncomfortable at all. Not that I am going to make it a habit to strolling about during the witching hour...

Happy Mother's Day to everyone in the countries that celebrate it today, tomorrow is the day here in Guatemala (it is always the 10th of May). It is also the birthday of María Elena's daughter.

One last final thought: it actually cooled down a little this evening. I was walking home and almost thought I could use a second layer. Almost.