San Pedro La Laguna
On Monday I moved to san pedro despite my reservations that it would be a hippie-haven. I am glad I did. It is a lovely pueblo with many Spanish schools and a decent mix of people. I signed up at san pedro Spanish school and started one-on-one classes on the very day I inquired – $80 for 20 hours – 5 days/4hrs ea. I absolutely love the hotel sak’ cari which is just a few buildings away. I have an incredible view of the lake and lots of hammocks and chairs to lounge and study in.
and study I must. Spanish is hard and my mind is soft. I left my second day of classes feeling a bit down. Spanish school took me out of my comfort zone: tourist topics. Now I was trying to talk about every-day stuff. Ooohhh how little I comprehend!!! And how much less I’m able to say!! I feel muy tonto. Do you know tonto means stupid in Spanish? Isn’t it odd that the lone ranger’s side-kick was Tonto? Coincidence?
So tonight I am holed up in my room, happy to have the wind whistling thru the cracks in the windows and doors, making me feel at home. This is how it sounds at home on a windy day (minus the smell of burning trash). I ordered satay “para-llevar” from Buddha (It sucked. Literally the first thing in all of central America that I had to spit out of my mouth) and listened to NPR’s fresh air downloaded on iTunes. It was a mighty and only partially successful effort to overcome the blues. One does what one must.
I know I need to try a little harder and not become one of the gripey-people I’ve avoided over the past few months. If I am assimilated it will be tragic ☺. Usually I am able to shake it.
Tags: central america, guatemala, guatemala, lake atitlan, panajachel, san pedro la laguna, Travel
Peggy Rehm