Many of you followed my blog last year as I spent three weeks in Copan Ruinas, Honduras in a bid to improve my Spanish. I thought I was lucky to be able to go once but think myself even more fortunate to have the opportunity to continue my quest when I return in just a few days time. For those of you that did keep up with my exploits, you will see that I am returning to Copan Ruinas, Honduras but this year I am shortening it by a week, in favour of adding a third week in San Pedro La Laguna located on the shores of Lake Atitlan, Guatemala. More on that decision in a minute.
I fly out from Toronto on Friday, March 30th for Guatemala City. Once there I am planing on taking a shuttle to Antigua where I will be staying the night at a small hotel I found thanks as always to Trip Advisor! Brent (hubby)and I visited Antigua a few years ago when we were cruising from Acapulco through the Panama Canal. We really enjoyed our day there and wanted to return. Sadly, I will be returning by myself as Brent will not be with me on this trip. We briefly discussed him coming with me this year but he has no interest in learning Spanish beyond the universally known phrase, "dos cerveza, por favor". It would have defeated the purpose as I don't have to, nor is it the purpose to speak English while I am away. So, like everyone else, Brent will have to suffice with photos, following my blog and a few Skype chats. For those that are unfamiliar with Guatemala and Honduras, I have included a couple of maps. This one below is an overview of Central America.
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After a night in Antigua I will take a 4:00am (yikes!) shuttle to Copan Ruinas, about a six to seven hour trip but this includes crossing the border. I was going to take the Hedman Alas tourist bus that leaves at a more leisurely 6:30am but I will have a lot of luggage (school items and toys for Project School Supplies) in tow and the shuttle picks up from my hostel. I didn't think that I would feel like hoofing around with all this luggage early in the morning trying to find a tuk tuk to the bus terminal. So, I am trading a couple hours of sleep for ease of travel!! After my two weeks (less a day) in Copan I will return to Antigua for another night. Then I will take a shuttle to the town of Panajachel, Guatemala and from there a lancha (small boat) across Lake Atitlan to San Pedro La Laguna for another week of study. So why the week in Guatemala? It would have been so easy to go back to Copan for the entire three weeks. Returning for the second time has a comfortable feel. I will be heading back to the same school (Guacamaya Spanish School) for my classes with my teacher Dunia, with whom I have continued my Spanish lessons via weekly Skype classes. I will also spend time again with Ellen Finn of Project School Supplies.
This year I wanted to experience and see another place. I did quite a bit of research before deciding on San Pedro La Laguna, Gautemala. There were pros and cons for this area for me. The cons - there can be a lot of backpackers especially right on the lake and backpackers, can mean English as well as a multitude of other languages. I have read that especially on the lake it can get quite touristy which is not the experience I am looking for. The pros - it is accessible given my time frame, the Lake area is supposed to be stunning and it is possible to still immerse yourself if you stay away from the touristy areas and concentrate your efforts in the northern section of the town. The school I chose also comes with great reviews so I was sold. Spanish is actually for many in Guatemala and especially around the lake a second language. Their first language is a Mayan dialect of which I understand there are many....Tz'utujil is one of the most widely spoken around the Lake. For this reason, I have also read that the Spanish spoken is very clear and easy to understand...we shall see!
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Another change this year for me in Copan will be in my accommodation. I had thought to go back to my host family from last year as I has such a good experience with them but my teacher Dunia and her family (husband Rudy and their three children) have kindly offered to host me. I will be their first student as they have not done this before. I jumped at the chance as I know this will be a very interactive couple of weeks with the three kids.I met Dunia's family last year and they are so warm and enviting. Over the past year and through my weekly classes with her, I have gotten to know and become very comfortable with Dunia. While she is a strict teacher (and I know there won't be any down time from my many mistakes) I know the family will make me feel very comfortable. I will also be in Copan for Semana Santa (Easter)and am told by Dunia that there will be a procession through town and alfombras (carpets of flowers, fruits and seeds) that will adorn the roads around the main plaza.It promises to be quite a sight.
I hope you enjoy the journey with me over the next three weeks as I return to Honduras and Guatemala.....
Buen Viaje
