The beginning of Novemember started of with the Day of the Saints here in Guatemala. This holiday has a lot more meaning than that of Halloween. Almost everyone in the city goes to the cemetary to celebrate their loved ones. I went with my family and we lit candles and put them around the grave of the mother of my host dad. Everyone just sits there around the graves, lighting candles, bringing flowers, eating food, and enjoying eachothers company. No one was really crying, everyone was just sort of celebrating.
I also went on a hike up Cerro de Oro with the whole team from ANADESA. There was a great view of the lake from the top. We also saw a Myan sacrificial stone, that is actually still used today. They told me of the ancient Myan traditions of this mountain. They say that the mountain used to be sacred and that the people had to get permission before cutting down the trees because it was thought that there were spirits living in them. Now that is not the case, but a lot of people believe that the mountain still holds some sacred meanings.
Last weekend I traveled to a new town called Xela and ran in another half marathon! I am now addicted! I was actually sick with a throat infection all the days leading up to it and wasn´t sure if I could run, but in the end I did! We actually went faster than our last one in the city. Xela was a really fun city, with a lot to do but not crowded like the capital city of Guate. I splurged a little and ate some different types of food... pancakes, tapas, and a calazone. It was a nice break from the traditional rice, beans, and eggs that I eat every day here.
Probably the highlight of this week was my shopping trip in the market for traditional clothes! Which I might add I´m wearing right now as I type this! It was quite an adventure as I brought 4 of my girl friends here along to help! They were so excited and made sure that I got quality clothing for a good price. My first trip to the market today in my clothing got me a few double takes, but otherwise I think that I fit in and people hardly notice that im a Gringa! I suppose I´ll try to wear this once or twice a week now! I wanted to put up a pic, but it´s not working!
Gearing up for the Christmas season here is really fun! Everyone keeps asking if I´m going to be here for Christmas and I think theyre excited to show me the traditions!
Happy Thanksgiving all! They don´t celebrate it here, but luckily I´ll be spending it with the MCC crew!
