"Hola"Guatemala

Well I made it to Lydia’s cozy little living quarters in Patzun, Guatemala with no problems. Great success! I would say that I have little experience being in places that are unfamiliar to me, so most of today was quite the experience. When I landed in Gautemala City and made it through customs (where they were playing fitting music that sounded like circus music, which I later found out was just Guatemalan music) I was met by my sister, Lydia, who was excited and ready to get going, but we had to wait for the taxi. As we taxied through the city I noticed how commercialized and americanized everything was. In the grocery store we went into we all the brands were American brands. Then it was time for the infamous camioneta experience. I had heard stories about these buses that were usually filled to the brim and would fly down the city streets. I feel like I may have been cheated out of such a memorable experience, it was very copacetic, maybe next time. When we got off the camionetta I found myself in a smaller town the brick streets were lined with houses or buildings that were continuously connected, some were stores, some houses. So as we walked down the street I observed Lydia great each person with a smile and “buenas tardes”. And the first time I venture to say something on my own I say “hola” to a group of kids sitting on the side of the street. As we pass I hear a group of snickers and laughs. Only then does Lydia tell me that people don’t say “hola” when passing on the street. Good to know. As dark fell on Patzun we ran some errands, met other Peace Corps volunteers, and headed back to cook a vegetable melody over rice. YUM! Then I had my first encounter with a full on Spanish speaker where I was expected to understand and reply. Let’s just say there was minimal understanding going on and even more minimal replying. IT should be an interesting first couple of days. WE have a packed day tomorrow that Im looking forward too. Oh yea there are a lot of noises that Lydia says ill get used to, like the symphony of dogs barking, roosters crowing and church next store that is blasting music late into the night. Off to bed.