Thursday, February 28

Mostly hung around the hotel today, soaking up the nice weather and hanging out with new friends.
Mary and I did take a walk in the afternoon to a souvenier shop a few blocks away. It is an upscale shopping center with a Borders type bookstore/cafe, a ladies dress shop and the souvenier shop -- with prices in US dollars. They had some neat stuff, probably overpriced, but it was a good walk and we enjoyed it.

Feliz Cumpleanos!

February 27th
Today is the big day, Jaime is one! Started the celebration by sleeping in and waking up with a little "bad hair" but happy all the same. Our guide yesterday told us that February was the month of crazies - just like the weather in February, people born in February are a little loco. Might be something to that as happy and silly as this guy is...
Next a casual breakfast at the hotel, and then off to the "spa" for a bath, massage, new outfit and a stroll on the lawn A little peek-a-boo and then a siesta. After nap and a diaper change it's time to eat again, yea! Some fresh air with his cousin a few more strolls around the garden and you guessed it - nap time again. Finally, it is dinner and FIESTA! Had a cake and party hats and celebrated with all our new friends at the hotel.

A big day with lots of fun to share!

Lake Atitlan Tuesday, Feb. 26

Mary and I had a big outing today, we took a guided tour, which ended up being a private tour, of Lake Atitlan. I probably should have researched it a little to take advantage of our tour--we ended up the only ones so they would have taken us to whatever sights we requested, but didn't know what to request. Anyway, the lake is either the result of several volcano eruptions or an actual volcano crater with very clear blue water (still wouldn't drink it though) and an unknown depth! Couldn't remember all the guide told us, but guess what?! it's all on the net http://www.panajachel.com/aboutpanajachel.htm It was a pretty overcast day and I would love to see it on a clear day, but still very beautiful. And I don't know about anyone else, but the whole volcano thing is pretty cool to me!
The ride there and back was at least half the adventure. Up and down very steep mountain roads and through lots of construction, which is not at all primitive, but a great deal more human labor intensive and less big equipment. The guide was timing things so we could make it through during the breakfast break - he said they close the roads while working and let the cars through at breakfast or lunch break.
We went shopping at the market which was very intimidating, especially for me since I even find the Mall intimidating! Hector, our guide - who by the way has not only seen more of the US than me, but also speaks better English than I do - did the bargaining for me. There was way to much stuff to choose from and the sales people are very, very persistent. I am really not sure what I ended up with, so I hope no one expects good souveniers from me. Stopped at a couple of good resteraunts and passed amazing plantations with crops practically straight up and down the mountains. Yes Billy, there does seem to be quite an aptitude for agriculture here.

pictures

Sunday and Monday

Hopefully, I'm getting the hang of this. As you can see, Mary is sharing her page with me because she is having more fun journaling the old fashioned way. I wanted to try to post a picture of the church and for David, one of the food for sale outside church - their version of church breakfast Dave! Today, 2/25, Mary and I walked to the grocery mostly for baby food. We made a couple stops on the way back, a bookstore for postcards, checked out a clothes store (where I thought a man was just very curteous and opened the door for us, but then realized he was a kind of guard / they keep it locked and let you in and out), and the cafe for lunch to go so we could try something a little more native than the hotel food. The hotel staff encouraged us to walk, and we don't seem to attract much attention, this is probably not too different than cities in the US. I will say the weapons the police carry on the street are a little intimidating (David and Po would love them). Tomorrow we are taking a guided tour to a lake that is actually an old volcano crator I think. The hotel clerk suggested it and according to books I think we will see more tourists there than natives. Whatever they suggest for Mary and I is fine with us, it's all new to us so I won't be too worried about what we missed!

Sunday 2-24

A short note to say 'hola' from Guatemala. We are here enjoying the weather, enjoying the sites, but mostly enjoying our new family member. I have to say that he does seem to be one of the happiest most good natured babies I have had the pleasure of spending time with and already definitely seeems to have a bond with his mom! The hotel is lovely and the staff extremely friendly. We were pretty tired after a long day yesterday and are taking it pretty easy today. Mary and I did venture out to Mass, and pretty much it was the same as at home - pretend to pay attention, sit and stand when everyone else does, and drop a little something in the collection basket -- oh yeah, and a sign that reads roughly "por favor apagar celulares y beepers... gracias" we got that! I am sending a picture of Mary and Jaime playing in the courtyard - which we did but only for a short while, because as much as I would love to go home with a glorious tan we all know what would really happen! I hope the picture goes ok, haven't gotten too many good shots yet as I am still trying to learn the camera. Love to all, or for one more try at my poor Spanish, 'adios' Fran

getting started

tommorow we r going to see my cousin. he lives in guatemala city. i have 2 go to the airport at 5:00 am. i'll be really tired. my mom is probably nervous b/c she's being a grouch. i'm going 2 bed, hopefully i can post from guatemala.