Graduation

Me giving my speech and Rafa holding the candles I gave him. I gave him two flowers from the garden earlier because candles and flowers are an essential part of the Mayan ceremony, and Rafa is the one who introduced me to Vicente.

Graduation

Ligia (left), Letty, and me after the graduation. My hair really likes Guatemala!

Graduation

Don Rafael & Chona at my graduation. They have been so special to me that I was pleased they agreed to come.

Road down the hill from the center

This is one of the (very steep) roads from the center of town. It's pretty scary seeing a man coming down on a motorcycle with his wife behind him holding a baby, but it's a typical scene.

Internet cafe

On the right is a lovely little cafe where I sometimes go for a half hour to have breakfast or coffee. The people are so lovely, and it is very quiet. They offer a half hour of free internet with a food order.

My local store

This is where I buy my food. There are markets in the center, but this is convenient, and I can usually get what I want; pineapple, mango, papaya, bread, cheese, veggies...

First turn on way to school

On this stretch of road, where cars are not allowed, I can buy a used book, get a massage, or buy a German pastry (none shown). At the corner is one of the many small tiendas. This road is always under construction, and it is inteersting when horses and motorcycles come by.

Another view

This is the same road looking the other way, toward the Santiago embarcadero. At the end, the road to the right leads up a steep hill to the town center.

Road to school

This is the road outside my house. On the left is Nuevo Sol, where the gringos hang out and where I stop by occasionally to have a beer and talk to Dave, the owner.

At the end car access stops, so most of the traffic is trucks making deliveries.

Teachers - Pedro

Pedro is one of my greatest success stories. He wouldn't say a word of English to me for at least the first four weeks, but now we have conversations of at least five sentences! He is attentive in class and a pleasure to be around. This photo was taken in the multipurpose room, where we buy food, have meetings, and hang out when it's raining.

One more teacher to go...

View from Mikaso

This is the view from the third floor balcony at Mikaso Hotel, where I go almost every day to check my e-mail and work online. It is a lovely and tranquil place,and I always enjoy my time there.

To add to the ambiance of San Pedro, Manel, the manager who is one of my private students and is from Spain, wears a sleeveless t-shirt, shorts, no shoes, and has a couple of tattoes and an earring. Of course there are always a couple of dogs and cats wandering around the hotel.