That was my horses name, he was supperrr cute. This was my second time doing Pacaya and if I could do it again I would it’s so cool riding horses up a volcano I just love horses.

They did change the location where we eat the pizza but that’s no biggy buttt it was cool because I got to learn about rocks from elissa

The weather was so nice it wasn’t too cold wasn’t too hot , all the workers were so nice and funny. And omg all the horses were sooooo sweet including my mom’s horse, he loveddddd me. I’ll show a video of that for proof

And omg how could I forget the sweetest dogs ever, they’re all so so so cute I wish I could take them all home with me and love them forever

Anywaysssss here’s some pictures and videos

Okiii byeeeee #kaylasbloggsss

Alright so I’m just now blogging this but we were about 4 days into being in Antigua and I had already got sick… sooooo that was awful but I’m good now

Also my allergies are so bad here I recommend bring allergy meds. I literally had a headache and Advil didn’t work then I took allergy meds… gone brotha

But yeah I even missed two days of language school from being so sick and recovering so that was upsetting but it’s okay

Anddddd the day after I started feeling better we went to bachata class and road some horses up Pacaya that’s for another blog though

Here’s some pics from bachata class

Okiii byeeee #kaylasbloggsss

If there is one thing to be said about Antigua Guatemala, it is that this city knows how to be festive. Seemingly everyday there is an concert, light show, parade, or marathon occurring. I love the vibrance of the culture and the idea of finding a reason to celebrate life. Somehow though, we’ve managed to avoid every festivity except the light show! Yesterday, Kianna and I went out in search of los Gigantes- to no avail. We did get cleansed by smoke and find two very cute puppies. This is to say that even if we don’t participate in the exact festival, the spirit of celebration permeates the city.

We’ve also been going to lots of salsa classes, walking around, visited a coffee and chocolate finca, and have still been going to school. Heres some random photos of those things:

Okay so basically we went to Finca La Azotea and when your walking into the park there’s a little pond that you pass and there’s a bunch of fishes and turtles in it and they were the cutest things ever and I thought one was drowning and dying come to found out it was just swimming down but that’s besides the point so after I saw that I yelled out “Are you okay do I need to save you I would jump in for you” but they were literally just the cutest little things ever so yeah

Thanks Michele for the title idea because I wouldn’t have even thought of it

Here’s some pictures of the cutesy little fishes and turtles

Anywaysssss I love that place I read almost 20 pages in my book and I can never focus to read all that was fun. This year is wasn’t as busy like at all, last year it was pretty busy from what I remember. But yea it’s super super nice there the weather was perfect I sat in the hammock for a long long time reading my book then I got super tired so I fell asleep. Can I say the best nap I’ve had Ina while.

Omg and they’re were horses too

Okiiiii byeeee #kaylasbloggsss

Many things have given me pause while being here.

I am in awe of the natural beauty amongst which these people live and call their home. I revel in the simplicity of the life I am experiencing here, and fully acknowledge this is a false sense of life in comparison to most of the women born here.

Today, walking through the Mercado, feeling grumpy with little sleep, an achy lump on my foot and without my morning coffee made a friend from works “first world problems” statement that he often says come to mind.

Here, there is no room for complaints. No room for ailments. No room for lamenting. No room for laziness. No room for mental health days.

Here, if you are not industrious, you are nothing.

Children peddle fruits and vegetables, candy and homemade jewelry to feed their families.

Elderly men and women tend meat, produce and supply stands, all day, without easy access to running water and restrooms.

Men and women deliver crates of produce on their heads, or atop their shoulders without so much as a grimace.

Here, people work. Sun up, to sun down.

And, they do it politely and with a smile.

So much effort is made in our current day to account for people’s internal struggles. And while I am not discrediting the importance of having sound mental health, I do feel that our current vantage point for many Americans could use a healthy dose of this “suck it up and push forward” attitude.

I know that pushing forward too hard, without pause for self reflection is damaging. The majority of the world does not recognize mental health as a priority. Talk therapy and psychiatric medications are not seen as valid necessities. Michele struggles with this on a daily basis with her kids from immigrant families.

First world problems allow us to lament our achy foot lump and lack of coffee. Third world problems, do not.

Somehow, I hope I can find balance. For myself, and for Luca.

I am grateful my parents instilled in me a good work ethic. Neither of them complain, ever. They have busted their asses for myself and my siblings and I will forever be grateful.

I hope I can do the same for Luca. I try to do what my parents have taught me and help him reframe when he has a self doubt or disappointment. To redirect his thinking by remembering his blessings; a body that is strong, a mind that is healthy, a roof over his head, food in his belly, and being surrounded by people that love and support him.

I hope that this learning, combined with him being exposed to different ways of life helps him to become a man that is somewhere in the middle; aware and protective of his mental health, but with a strong work ethic and a gratitude for his blessings.

I read an article recently about not complaining, ever. About reframing every thought and statement from a place of directly asking for what you truly need and from a place of gratitude.

I have tried in my adult life (however difficult and unsuccessfully) to not outright complain. I make light of my complaints, turn them into jokes thinking that they are in some way less negative.

I want to change that, and walking through the Mercado today solidified that desire.

So, here’s to self growth. One walk through the Mercado at a time.

Do you now there’s a difference between blind snakes and earth worms… well there is and I am still trying to figure out what it is. Luca said there is and I believe him.  This quote tonight made me think of Luca and all the great that fades as children age.  How these moments of looking at rocks, worms, and rolly pollies with wonder, awe, and excitement won’t last forever.  That soon they will make way for harder less simple things in life.  My hope, though, remains that he will be exposed to so much goodness in life that the hard stuff simply makes him appreciate the good and simple things even more. 

Monday was a recovery day and we were back to our normal routine of school and afternoon activities.  Today was filled with school and salsa lessons at Selina hostel where even Luca participated.  Nicole and I then  stole Elissa and Kianna away to experience our favorite secret bar for a drink before bed.  No one is a stranger for long in Antigua and it’s easy to become part of the community. I love that about being here.  It’s like being at “Cheers” everywhere you go everyone knows your name.  It’s familiar and comfortable. People here are just so kind.  That’s probably the hardest thing to express about being here.  I have zero issues going to the tienda and practicing my bad Spanish without embarrassment. My favorite people include the mango lady on the corner of our street who smiles (without teeth) so big when she sees us every day and having conversations with strangers from all over the world. You never know the people you will meet. 

Our first week in Antigua flew by and there hasn’t been much time for pause. So let me catch you all up.  Cheryl arrived on Thursday with a friend,  her daughter,  and her friend’s coworker. I think it is very special that Cheryl was able to come to the school and see where the girls have been learning. Also it was a special bonus that she happened to be here during our presentations, and she was able to see the girls progress. It was a fast and full weekend. Volcanos, horses,  ruins, cerro, etc.  My favorite was the dinner and a show put on by the kids,  a glimpse into the best parts of being in Antigua. 

Dearest Reader,

I write to you today to tell you a riveting story. It’s a story of a day that begins how most days begin- with awaking in the morning. This wasn’t any ordinary morning, however. It was TEN AM. Three hours later than our usual call time. Awaking at this time made me feel refreshed, vibrant and alive, like a flower sprayed with Febreeze and washed with Fabuloso. I would like to thank the members of the household for allowing us to enjoy this wonderus moment and prepare us for the week.

Heres a photo of the bed I slept in, in case anyone is confused:

Then, we went out and got to see some ruins from the colonial era of Guatemala. We saw a cathedral and a cloister. Unfortunately my body hurt and I couldn’t climb around too crazy, but I enjoyed watching Kayla and Luca crawl up into this rock cave.

Until next time!!

I woke up at about 7:00 o clock in the morning and I was feeling so good and I had cereal for breakfast. Then the girls woke up at 10:00 o clock so that’s late. Meanwhile… the 7 of us walked to eat breakfast and I had eggs and bacon for breakfast. It took so long to just get our food. It felt like a hour to get the food ready. Then we walked back to our mansion house. About 4 hours later… and it is time for the fun part of the day. We go to the ruins!!! but first, we went to a different ruins,the cathedral ruins so we went to that one first and here is some pictures.

then we walked to the second ruins and it was the best because I got to climb up the biggest rocks.

Here’s some pictures of the second ruins.

I couldn’t find the rest but here’s one of them 😄. When we got back home, we relaxed and I looked for bugs. Then, we ate dinner with everyone and it was delicious 😋. Then the girls were on their phones so I had nothing to do but watch them look on their phones 📱. Then it was chill for the rest of the evening. Then I got in the shower and went to bed 🛏️.

That’s the end