Ah, excellent to read the good news. You are not getting sick because you have a strong stomach. Keep it that way. Many travellers act like such pussies when they are out and about and don't try anything besides what can be acquired at the 'Western' restaurant. Eating the local common folks' food is a great way to experience the true culture of the place. Good for you! And don't gove up on showering yet. Dear Lord...

I think I am not getting sick because I eat from the food trucks in Philly, and yea man, I am all about the local cusine...but not as much as you Gary.

I am so proud of you to. I am glad your enjoying yourself. Do they have a Hilton or Ritz Carlton if I decide to go. Please be careful. Chickens on the bus? I am going to be in Costa Rica in July or August.

I am not so sure about the shrimp with eyes sounds gross. Well hopefully you guys dont get too sick. especially if you cant shower.
im with uncle paul ritz carlton anyone

Hi girls, We are friends of Paul and Patti's, and we live in Washington state. We have adopted a little baby girl from Guatemala who has been home almost a year now. At least half of my heart is in Guatemala and the people there. They are precious. We have traveled there twice, and our son is going on a mission trip next month there for three weeks. We have many friends there as well. Our baby was in an orphanage in Xela and we traveled there. Quite the travel experience huh? Good look to you girls. Great job for learning Spanish - it will take you far! I hope you come to love the people there as much as we do. Blessings for the rest of your trip!

Besides being cautious everytime I eat, the food is really good. I am having a hard time getting adjusted to eat a really big breakfast and lunch and a very small dinner. My body is adjusting to the new eating schedule. On Sunday´s our gost families have the day off from feeding us so we will be off to explore the local tastes of Xela.

Uncle Paul,

We are going to be in Costa Rica in July, do you where you are going or the actually dates. As for the hilton, if they did have one here, it would be a only 10 bucks a night!!!!!

Jen,
I have figured out the shower, I get only three mintues of warm water, so I am in and then out...I guess everything here takes a little getting used too. We found a great restaurant that serves really good food, but yea, I am trying to stay away from the meat here becaues I saw where it comes from in the market, and it is crazy old, and oh yea, they do not refriderate eggs here or MILK!!!!

Oh my, so you know that we are living with different host familys. My mom de guatemala cooks me three meals a day. So for lunch.....mashed potatoes and cucumbers, yea that is it. For dinner, I had 5 small potatoes last night and two pieces of bread. One night, I had a bowl of spinich for DINNER!!!!

Holly, thank you very much for your kind comments. I think I can speak for both beth and me that we are very happy in Xela, and the people here are amazing. The travel experience is amazing as well as scary and different, but it is all worth it in the end. The town of Xela is full of many different experiences that Beth and I are trying to capitalize on while we are here. Is your son coming to Xela?

I wouldn't be too concerned with un-
refrigerated eggs. Backmin the days
of the old Fortuna stores we sold the
double yolk eggs by the casefulls and
they were never refrigerated.

This is the first time I am able to read all that you have been doing and everyone whop has been writing to you I think it is great everyone is responding. Please send this to Janette in Chicago @aol.com tom and Janette would like to follow you adventures. My computer is still being repaired . The pictures are great. Remember be safe have fun trust your intuition.. See you both soon back in the states.

This is the first time I am able to read all that you have been doing and everyone whop has been writing to you I think it is great everyone is responding. Please send this to Janette in Chicago @aol.com tom and Janette would like to follow you adventures. My computer is still being repaired . The pictures are great. Remember be safe have fun trust your intuition.. See you both soon back in the states.

Uncle Les, help me understand why in the world they don´t refrigerate the eggs. I have to tell you that I missing some good Italian food down here. There is a pizza place called Gusespi´s, it is really amazing considering my options....

Yo Ma, wait until you see the pictures of the Volcan Santa Maria, it was an amazing hike, and we were able to see Volcan Santigo ERUPT!!! BTW, you should send it to Janet because I already have, and I am not sure that the email (s) were recieved.....

It sounds like you girls are holding up well I hope so and I am happy for you two and extremely proud I tell everybody. If you ever come to Indy don't be surprised if they treat you like a celebrity. Uncle Paul's nieces are becoming famous here. They call you the GUATAMALEN GOOMATTAS.
I will be somewhere in costa rica in august or september how much longer are you in xela? when are you in costa rica?
Is anybody learning Espanol?

Hey Karen,
cómo sean usted? Hope you are having a great time out there. Philly is same old...same old :) Howz your salsa lessons going?
tome el cuidado.
~Arya.

So, it costs the same to fly from U.S. to costa rica as it does to fly from Guatemala. So, beth and I are thinking about trekking to Belize after Tikal. We have one or two more weeks in Xela, and honestly, I am ready to go since 20 hours of a classes a week is a little more intense than I imagined. I can get around ok now with my spanish, so who needs classes! Beth and I have taken salsa classes, were on Guatemalan TV last night since we were at the BIG FOOTBALL game, and we headed to the hotsprings, which was awesome. I am down for more salsa classes in Philadelphia. Ahhh....Philadelphia.

So, it costs the same to fly from U.S. to costa rica as it does to fly from Guatemala. So, beth and I are thinking about trekking to Belize after Tikal. We have one or two more weeks in Xela, and honestly, I am ready to go since 20 hours of a classes a week is a little more intense than I imagined. I can get around ok now with my spanish, so who needs classes! Beth and I have taken salsa classes, were on Guatemalan TV last night since we were at the BIG FOOTBALL game, and we headed to the hotsprings, which was awesome. I am down for more salsa classes in Philadelphia. Ahhh....Philadelphia.

You have a new cousin coming this Xmas. I am going to be a Hoosier Daddy.

Congrats!!! Boy or a girl!!!!!

Boy or girl Don't know don't care all is great Angie is doing well as is your 12 week 5 day cousin. It's real nice knowing what yer up to.
Thanks