Estamos Cansadas

September 18, 2009

Travel Tips of the Day:

1. Spirit is a great bargain if you're 5'5” or shorter (yes we are)

2. Bring tea. Everyone gives out free hot water.

3. Don't forget cough drops on the plane if you're sick (Thanks, Judy!)

4. Pack baggies full of treats (Thanks, Jeannie!)

The last 36 hours have been pretty exhausting and intense. We left LGA an hour and forty-five minutes late, so we didn't get into Fort Lauderdale until 1:17 a.m. Spirit Air wasn't too bad, really, for the price. There aren't any TVs or complimentary beverages and no leg room, but if you're 5' 5” or shorter, and if you don't mind sleeping or reading the whole time, it's a good option. At 4'11”, my only problem was reaching the ground.

When we landed, the airport was empty. It seemed a little unsafe to crash on the benches for twelve hours (we're used to northeast airports-- always bustling), so we decided to stay at a Best Western ($64). Bed, hot shower, breakfast all made it worthwhile, plus we met Mara Finn, a teacher from Brooklyn who is moving to Guatemala for a year to help develop a high school curriculum. Sara and I are planning to meet up with her one weekend to check out an aguacate plant and hot springs.

Plane ride to GUA was a bit bumpy towards the end, but otherwise pleasant. The man traveling next to me was coming back for his sister's wedding but has lived in Miami for 22 years. He said, “Thank you for choosing to visit my country first.”

Edgard from From Houses to Homes picked us up at the airport, and we made our way through the noxious fumes of Guatemala City to Antigua. We arrived at the Yellow House (as charming and laidback as it was in 2006) and were greeted by Ceci. After getting her recommendation for the Instituto Antigueno de Espanol, we signed up with Julio for Spanish classes-- beginning tomorrow at 8 a.m.! According to Julio, we'll be doing flashcards, telling time, learning grammar, figuring out directions. I can't wait to be back in school:)

We hit the bank (8.2) and got a late lunch/early dinner at Cafe Escudilla-- pollo, frijoles, aguacate, and a side of pappas pure con wasabi. The place was empty, since it was three, but a hummingbird joined us. It was very rico, friendly staff, but too expensive. Tomorrow we will need to get creative.

We crashed after lunch. I was too sick to sleep, unfortunately, so I stayed awake listening to the rain patter on the metal roof. It poured.

Turning in early tonight: school tomorrow! Saving money for cervezas when classes are out and we've both recuperated.