Along the way

I have met many interesting people along the way this summer. Being a "WOO", according to Strength Finders, everyone I meet is simply a friend I need to get to know. And it is true. I really enjoy hearing the stories of other people...especially why they choose to spend time in Guatemala. In Antigua, many people I met came there because the language instruction is one on one. Several people had been to Guatemala for some reason or another, and like me, were drawn back again and again. Elaine, whom I met on Wednesday, was originally from Colorado. When she turned 40, she looked at her husband and said "Let's go somewhere new" and they loaded up the car to head to Panama. They were near Lake Atitlan in Guatemala when their car had trouble so they decided to stay for a while and get to know the area. They fell in love with the Lake and with life here, so they purchased lakefront property and have now lived here for 3 years. What is most entertaining to me, is that she still cannot speak Spanish! She claims that she doesn't need to here, since there are so many gringos....

I also met Juan. He works at Villa Sumaya and he is able to understand English, even when I talk quickly...so that made me wonder about his life. He told me that when he was a teenage he moved to California and lived there for many years. But about a year ago, he returned to his hometown on Lake Atitlan because his father is quite old and he wants to spend some time with him. Juan has 20 brothers and sisters in the area, but he wanted to be the one to help care for his elderly father.

Even the family that owns Villa Sumaya has an interesting story....they visited here and loved it so much they decided to start this retreat center. Then when they divorced, the women kept this resort, while the husband began another one right next door. Their children were born here and they continue to embrace the wonder of Guatemala each and every day.

I hope that the next time I am in Guatemala my spanish is to the point that I can speak more freely with the native Guatemalans and hear their stories.