NOVEMBER

The month of November was probably my favorite month in all that I was in Antigua. I met some really cool guys from London, traveled a lot with Old Town, went dancing numerous occasions, and had some great nights out with friends!

It began with great ending of Halloween … I had one of the best nights in a long time. November was the month I really started working with Old Town a lot, and lead several trips by myself and other guides. I really love this job…what better place to work than with people that love people and nature!!! I was speaking more Spanish, setting up itineraries for clients, and leading hikes and mountain biking and kayaking trips! I was really finally getting to know the ins and outs of the company as well as Guatemala.

This month was dedicated to crazy roommates….cause there was a handful!!

The first was a preacher from Japan that didn’t speak English and was learning Spanish. He was very interesting – couldn’t understand a word of his Spanish, but a lovely man. Met his wife and kids and they were soo adorable. I am not sure of his story, but only was in the house for a week.

*SIDE NOTE- "the house," refers to my place of residence. This was provided to me by La Union (where I use to teach English). The house was nice, and cost my a lovely $2000Q (250$) per month, but this included internet and food!! The food was ok, but still - FREE. The internet was good most of the time. The shower sucked, but I have yet to find a good one here in Antigua.**

Needless to say, didn’t really get to know him. Second was a guy from…. Hmmm… don’t know actually. Couldn’t understand his English or Spanish either… me and my friend Linda couldn’t pronounce his name, so we called him Matt. He would leave and return to the house at random hours, never with explanation. He would come into the restaurant and try to make conversation with me, then leave. It was…. Um, different. He stayed 2 weeks, then left to live in a local spanish house. Next, was a girl that was quiet and shy. She didn’t like me and Linda from the beginning…mainly because we would come home form work every night at 1am…and lets just say the walls are very thin. We were never rude…just like to stay up late…night owls. I really don’t remember a night in November that we went to bed before 2 am. Maybe the nights where I had to lead a trip the next day, but usually then I was up to at least midnight. I have trouble sleeping… runs in the family...

Well this girl was nice, and was with us only for a week as well. The only thing I really remember about her is the day I almost had to give her the hymplic. Seriously. We were eating lunch one afternoon and she began chocking. I told her to keep coughing and asked her if she was chocking?? (Thanks UMD and Red Cross for teaching me this KEY questions to ask…..hahah). Anyway, she was in bad shape, and as I am behind her, about to pull her out of her chair to get whatever she is chocking on out…she begins to talk and tell me she thinks she is ok. I feel a little bit of relief…phew…I can breathe again. She appeared to be fine, she was able to talk again to me. WELLLLL, come to find out, girl just chocked on water!!! I mean, WHAT!? How can one chock THAT much on water, really??? Hahaha I think I laughed really hard…a little at her, but mostly out of relief. I almost made her puke water. That would have really embarrassed her! Poor girl.

By the time the London boys moved in, we had enough with weird roommates. I remember when I first met them… I came out of my room for breakfast and sat with Muz (the older brother), he seemed ok. Although he had that strange, but adorable English accent, I could actually understand everything he was saying. He liked to talk, and seemed to have no problems talking to a complete stranger, so far so good. His brother came down the stairs shortly, and they quickly headed out of the door to Spanish school. They seemed cool, although I had my hesitations. 5 weeks later I was saying goodbye to them and pretty close to crying! I had grown so close and attached to them, and for me this is rare. I knew they were special, and I had to be spend time with them as much as I could.

Maybe I will see them again some day...I really hope so!