On The Road Again!

Family, Friends, and Followers, I've decided to get back on the blog and continue to share my experiences with you! It is hard to believe that I've now been traveling, living, and wandering through Guatemala (once again) for a little more than 6 weeks! There has been some major differences this time around and I'll get to those in just a bit, but let me first tell you how I got to where I am now... After last years adventure, I made some changes to the itinerary starting first with our airline. Rather than pay nearly double for an air plane ticket out of LAX, I decided with my grandmother that we'd be flying out of Tijuana International Airport. It was half the cost, convenient, and threw us right into the Latin culture! Oops, I might have left something out... Yes you read that correctly, my grandmother! Traveling with my Grandma was possibly the best decision I've made. Everywhere we went, travelers from around the world all appreciated the spirit my Grandma displayed while wandering through the "Land of Maya" with her grandson Brock-O. Of course I've missed the company of my TresAmigos, but traveling with my Abuelita has taught me a lot about myself, my family, and my culture. As soon as we touched down in Guatemala, I felt at home, and my Grandma could clearly see it on my face. We hit a lot of traffic leaving the airport, and that gave me some much needed time to brush up on my Spanish with our taxi driver! Prior to arriving, we had booked our first 5 nights in Antigua using AirBnB. The commercial sold me on the idea of staying at someone's house and experiencing life through their eyes. When we arrived we were greeted with a big hug from our host family and a slobbery wet kiss from our four German Shepard guard dogs! I knew that our apartment was in a good area, a part of the town that I was familiar with. What I didn't know is that we'd be staying behind the school where we spent a week studying Spanish the year before! Our host family shared with us what was and is currently happening in Guatemala... They made us aware that we came during a time of political uproar throughout the country. The people of Guatemala are demanding change and feel that they have a voice to do so! Our hosts said it is the first time in their lives they have felt "Guatemalan!" Before bed that night, we turned on the tele and flipped through the channels. All news broadcasts were giving a public service announcement confirming to us what we had just heard. "The 27th of August, marks a day where we are all for Guatemala!" #27A #YoEstoyPorGuatemala What perfect timing for my arrival! The following day, we were woken up by church bells at 6:00am sharp! We enjoyed a cup of cafe on our balcony and watched as people gathered in Central Park for a peaceful protest. It only felt right for us to join in on the rally! Perfect opportunity to rock my Guatemalan fútbol jersey! We spent the next few days exploring, and visiting all the sites I wanted my Grandma to see. She was blown away by the friendliness, beauty, and culture of Antigua. Of all the spanish speaking countries she has traveled to, she claimed that Guatemala spoke the most similar to the spanish she has grown up with. We enjoyed the luxuries of Antigua, but were ready to see more of what Guatemala had to offer! Yes it was hard to leave, but we knew we had to get on with our adventure... Plus I knew that the Lake would be a magical place for my grandma. Upon arrival to Panajatchel, Lake Atitlan, Grandma and I were greeted by some friends I had met the previous year! Pana had not changed one bit! We settled in and quickly hit the town! I knew a spot to eat that had an incredible view of the lake! Safe to say, grandma was not disappointed... After a big meal, we needed a siesta para la fiesta... We were awaken by the everyday thunderstorm. It was actually right on time, unlike most events here. I guess I should've known better than to leave the window open between 2 o'clock and 4... Anyways, we decided to enjoy our complimentary bottle of wine on our top deck patio while watching the lightning strike, so it wasn't all too bad! We were recommended to go to Circus Bar for pizza and live music, and we did not hesitate! We decided for the tuk-tuk since we didn't want to walk in the rain, and that ended up being a good decision. Once arriving, it only got better... the meal was delicious, and the music was spot on! Grandma knew each classic song that was played! We finished our meal and made our way closer to the music... It only felt right to tip this band for the talents! Most definitely a night to remember! We spent one full day in the town exploring before heading to another part of the lake. We walked through the food market, nearly every store selling handmade goods, and even through a butterfly garden! The following day, we checked out of Posado de los Volcanes and grabbed a private boat from my homie Marco! 20 minutes later we were in an entirely different world, although just on the other side of the lake. La Iguana Perdida was the first hostel we had stayed at the year prior, so I thought it would be a good place to take my Grandma for her first experience. At our first buffet style dinner, we did our best to meet all the volunteers and other travelers. I knew we were bound to meet some awesome travelers, but I was surprised to see the same managers from the year before. Grandma shared her life story with a volunteer who is putting together a book of her travels. Her goal is to get into meaningful conversation within 15 minutes of meeting someone! Great idea and extremely inspiring! This hostel was extremely friendly and welcoming, everything that I remembered and expected. Anyways, we opted for the rustic living rather than the hotel... Grandmas decision, not mine! And to both of our surprise, we each had our best nights sleep yet! There is a time and place for everything, and when you are desperate to wake up after a long night, a cold shower does the trick! Apparently I was the ginny pig... I got up before everyone else, so while they all enjoyed the warm water, I was shivering hours before... Whatever, it would end up being training for my months to come. We spent more time there than anticipated, and that's the way it should be! It was a great home base while we ventured daily to other towns experiencing different cultures in each village. Grandma was such a trooper! We agreed that when enough was enough, we would peacefully make it back home to La Iguana Perdida... Some goes as for leaving, we left on our own time... That is the best part to long term travel! So we went, of course sad to leave... But extremely grateful for the experiences, together! I began to realize that my days traveling with my grandma were dwindling down, and I knew I had to make the most of them. I came down to Central America to live a life with passion and purpose, to learn a second language, and to get lost in the right direction while enjoying rich experiences along the way. So my last few days with grandma were easy, I had my goals to fall back on. Since we were limited on time, we had to make the most of it. I've been practicing living in the present, and this was a great time to do so. Not that we hadn't before, but from here on out Grandma and I enjoyed simply being together. It turned out being a wonderful time and a beautiful send off for me. Whether she know it or not, it was my grandma that encouraged me to chase this life that seemed so far out of grasp. It was her that gave me the confidence to follow my own dreams and aspirations. And for that, I need to thank her! Grandma and I were lucky enough to spend our last night together in Guatemala with the ever so friendly and energetic Sherry Miller! She welcomed us with open arms to La Casa de Tres Gracias and fixed up a final meal for us to enjoy together. As you can imagine, it was an emotional night, but like I have been focusing on for years... I've been blessed with an amazing supporting cast of family and friends, and I am grateful for everything each of you has taught me. Whether we are near or far, here or there... You are with me always. But enough with the mushy stuff... This adventure was no longer a novelty, it had become real. Heck, it wasn't even an adventure, it became my life. Zero to a hundred real quick, real _______ quick! And so here I am, traveling alone, in a foreign country... I've had good bays, tough days, and everything in between. It's not so bad, pretty empowering to be honest... I am alive and well, feeling healthier than ever! I've made it back to the place I love most... A black sand beach, where the sun sets and rises daily! Sand covers the entire town and the streets have no names! El Paredon feels like home! I've already made new friends and am apart or a wonderful organization here on the pacific coast of Guatemala! I can't wait to share with you all what work has been done so far, and what else I have up my sleeve! Keep posted with my travels are make sure to give La Choza Chula a follow! I'll be posting my upcoming blogs on their site so check it out! Rock n' Roll!