Guatemalan friend exchange

During our class today, we ended up meeting with a group of students for a short cultural exchange. The students were in the Tourism major and most were in their second year. The whole situation was a bit awkward and uncomfortable at first, but I guess that is what we are here for. I think I would have felt more comfortable if I spoke Spanish better. I also think I felt on the spot and may have been a bit more comfortable if we were playing a game or going somewhere together. Once I got over my uncomfort, I met Magda, an 18 year old student in the Tourism major. She was very sweet and we had a nice conversation with the little Spanish I know and the little English she knew. It was very difficult to talk for a long time and we were able to discuss simple things, such as colors, animals, hobbies, family, but I was so much more curious as I think she was as well. I wanted to ask more about her Mayan heritage and the school system here in Guatemala, but it was just too complicated since we both did not speak the others language. She did tell me that she would like to be a doctor, but it will not be possible since her mother can not afford the schooling. A part of me wishes I were rich so I could take her to Chicago and put her in Medical school. I am grateful for this experience and I was able to take down Magda´s email address to keep in touch. Hopefully one day we will both improve our other languages and be able to have conversation.

Today we went to San Lucas, a little village on Lake Atitlan. The village was on the other side of the lake that we have not ventured to, so it was nice to see the mountains from a differnt angle. The scenery never looks the same twice here. San Lucas was very different that the other villages we visited. Right away the women were speaking almost perfect English to us, which I have not encountered at all so far. The women were using words such as, "Don´t worry, I´m cool!" so I am guessing they were taught by the missionaries that we saw throughout the village. It was also nice to see the locals cleaning up and improving their village. There seemed to be many people working really hard to make their village look nice as well as making it accomodating to visitors.

With only two more classes to go, we are starting to come to an end to our trip. It seems so short, but I have learned much more about myself and other cultures. I know we are all excited to go to Antigua City tomorrow and experience something new.