- The anticipation was great. . Michele had invited me for the two previous years. The fact that she had the desire to share this experience with me put it very high on my priority list. But timing just wasn’t right. My heart was at home and I needed to cherish those moments with Michael. When he passed away in November 2025, a new priority came to the top of my list. Now my priority was spending time with our children, family and friends from all the chapters of my life.
- There was shopping shoes/clothes/a million Amazon deliveries and returns, packing and repacking by Michele 🥰
- WEEK ONE
!! The day had come. A Little overwhelming to say the least!!!
!!! Michele and Nicole navigated us through the airport and to Sergio our driver. The drive was long and very slow moving to Antigua
!! Roads were narrow with motorcycles zipping in and out. Luca reminded me to pay attention to when we hit the Cobblestone road, that meant we were in the ancient city of Antigua. Our new home away from home for the next three weeks.
!!! We arrived at our house And it was Just beautiful Four bedrooms All centered around a beautiful Courtyard of flowers and visits daily by our Hummingbirds. Our four Bedrooms and kitchen overlook four different Gardens and a view of The volcanic Mountains
!!! Michele has done all the meal prep in the house making me feel very safe eating the food she’s prepared I was extremely nervous about getting sick and ruining the trip for everyone. She has learned all the methods to properly prepare fruits and vegetables to make them safe to eat.
!!! Within the first week I’ve been able to experience many rooftop cafes with views of a part of the world that are so beautiful thatI just look up in awe at God’s creation!
!!! My biggest accomplishment the first week is learning to safely walk on the cobblestone streets and uneven sidewalks Looking out constantly for iron window coverings that that project out onto the sidewalk. I learned to walk with my hand up and not to try to walk and talk at the same time. My first week I definitely was not comfortable walking anywhere alone. As everyone knows I have no sense of direction. The kids have graciously escorted me everywhere
!!! My next adventure was my first day at La Union Language School. My intent is three weeks of language school, five hours a day. My teacher Lucia is perfect for me. I’m so thankful. She’s patient, she’s kind, she is having normal conversation with me. This allows me to try speaking first and then she’s helping me complete my sentences. I love this. Our focus is not so much on grammar as just being able to communicate which I appreciate. I don’t think that in three weeks time, focusing on grammar, I would be able to learn everyday communication. That is my goal
!!! I did it I made it through my first week. It was a lot! But I learned a lot. Now it’s time for my next adventure, a weekend on a lake. Anything on the Water is a little piece of Heaven to me.
!!! Santa Cruz on Lake Atitlan here we come.
!!! It started with a two and a half hour drive to the lake. I felt very confident that Sergio’s son Daniel would drive us safely. We stopped for lunch before heading to the boat that would take us across the lake. It was an adventure on its own . I could handle getting into the boat . It was a fast ride over. Now getting out of the boat is a whole other story!!! I must admit I was in tears. Everyone wanted to help but it just overwhelmed me. I coudn’t figure it out. Eventually with everyone helping, I managed somehow to get into the dock like a beached whale!!!! When I finally was able to stand up, I walked into Paradise!!! An absolutely beautiful Estate with a main house , two Casitas and the owner’s house.
!!!The house/gardens/birds…
Such a peaceful retreat directly on the lake. I spent my mornings watching the lake come alive. Birds singing, people kayaking and paddle boarding, boats transporting locals and visitors across the lake. Boats are the only mode of transportation. There are no roads around the lake or up to houses on the Returning by boat was a whole lot easier at this point. I was able to enter and exit the boat a little more gracefully! Our driver Danielle did a great job getting us back to our house in Antigua safely. I was surprised how happy I was to return “home “. Michele, Nicole, Luca and I decided to treat ourselves to an upscale steakhouse for dinner that night. Michael-John and Rachel went off for a little time on their own. The restaurant was fabulous. Of course I had to splurge on the tenderloin! Service was first class and everyone’s food was delicious!
Apologies in Advance 