so much has been seen and done, yet i have not one photo to share. it's not recommended that tourists carry around cameras walking through the streets, unless you want to brave the chance of being robbed. hence, no pictures yet. our first few days were spent driving around the city looking at apartments and houses to call our new home. we quickly learned that apartments are much safer than houses because they come attached with armed gunmen outside and security guards inside. we did find one apartment that is fully furnished, absolutely beautiful and a bonus of a gigantic terrace. we put in an offer yesterday, so we hopefully hear back tomorrow.
yesterday, ben and i went up to the school for a picnic they were hosting and i got to see my new classroom, meet some parents/students/teachers and eat a delicious spread of international food. my classroom is nothing to write home about (small & windowless) but i can turn a closet into a positive learning environment, so i'm not too worried. my assignment thus far is teaching esl (english as second language) first and second graders, as well as one group of middle school students. i actually start work tomorrow morning and the "teacher bus" will be picking me up from our hotel at 6:30am. ben and i are looking forward to moving into this amazing apartment that we put an offer on so that we can feel more settled.
last night we were invited to our first dinner party by the other elementary esl teacher which was a breath of fresh air. all the other teachers are so interesting & well traveled. ben was able to meet another boyfriend of young teacher and we've already been invited to join them on an adventure next weekend. great food, top notch tequila, gorgeous home, golden lab, relaxation, maid, fireworks and a ridiculous view pretty much sums up our night last night. much needed.
our routine since we've arrived has been: free breakfast at hotel restaurant, picked up by relistate agent to drive around looking at apartments, walk around the corner for late lunch, nap in hotel, watch bad tv in before falling asleep. wake up and repeat. the routine is about to change once we move into our apartment and i start working. the director already wants ben to start subbing at school, so we're happy that's an open possibility.
that pretty much updates our lives so far in guatemala. pictures will be posted soon.
much love...
That is great, Sherri! It sounds like you guys are having fun already. I am glad the other teachers are so welcoming. I don't know about the armed gun men outside the bldg, but I guess that sounds safer than not having them... I am looking forward to more updates and pictures! Hope your first day at school was great. Congrats on your move : ) You guys are brave!
Posted by: Jenn | August 29, 2011 at 09:24 PM
I am with you Jenny! I am glad that Ben is being welcomed into your school as a sub!
Posted by: Stacey | September 04, 2011 at 01:54 PM