Los ganchos

Bobby pins are a complete staple for me. I use multiple bobby pins every single day. So of course I forgot to bring any with me here. I went to a Walmart-type store here and couldn't find them. It was then that I realized I would have to find someone to tell me how to ask for them. I resorted to drawing a picture of one for my Spanish teacher who said, "ah, ganchos!"

Yesterday Holland went to the market with his teacher and brought me back a present:

Yes, this really is a common sight

El partido de futbol

We decided to go with a group of other students to a soccer game. The local team was playing another team in Guatemala. Soccer is VERY popular in Latin America and I'd heard the games can get a little crazy so I was nervous. But it was really fun!

The best part was the hilarious cheering section. They beat I'm drums, sang songs, and jumped up and down the entire team. It must've been a serious workout. You can see a picture of them below with a flare burning in the bleachers among them.

There is also a picture of these girls in brightly colored spandex. I thought they would cheer or dance or something but no, they just walk around in spandex.

Living quarters

We got into Guatemala City around noon, then took a 4.5 hour bus ride to Cela, where our host family picked us up. Being the introvert I am, I'm still very uncomfortable spending so much time with strangers, especially when I don't speak the language. Both the husband and the wife with whom we're staying are Spanish teachers and speak good English. They try to get us to speak Spanish all the time in the house though. They're super nice. Here are some pics of our room. We have our own little space in the attic. It got kind of cold last night (we're at 8000 ft!) but I had a space heater and plenty of blankets!

First Class

How sweet is Holland? He has Medallion status on Delta and this sometimes allows him to get upgrades. This is the second time he's given his upgrade to me. It was really nice - I got to eat good food and drink wine and watch football (although that Saints loss was terrible!)

Bridesmaid dresses

After much trying to save and upload picture links, I finally decided that the easiest way to show people pictures of what I have envisioned for bridesmaid dresses is to post it on my blog!

Source: oncewed.com via Angela on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Angela on Pinterest

Cramming

I'm trying to read this book at the last minute because we're leaving for a month in Guatemala on Saturday. That's right, THIS Saturday. And I know nothing about the place.

We're spending our month-long elective there in a medical Spanich program. It will probably be a good experience but right now I'm totally not happy about it at all. I'm stressed out about trying to get the house in order and get myself packed. Not to mention what I'm most worried about, which is poor Jipsy being alone by herself for a month because I can't find anyone to spend the night here at the house with her. She is just going to have someone to come by and feed her every day and it's really sad. I've been stressed out about this cat situation for months and I knew it would come to this: we're leaving this week and still don't have a good plan.

And I'm going to get eaten alive by bedbugs.

And I could have just done "research" for a month and spent the month resting and planning my wedding, which is a whole other saga.