The clock ticked 4 am and I could barely contain my excitement. The electricity was out as it typically was between 9pm and 8am but we had set aside our headlamps so we were ready. We were going to see the sunrise on top of Temple IV in Tikal. (Tikal is the largest of the ancient ruined cities of Mayan civilization). Although we had been through the archaeological site the day prior we had been looking forward to the sunrise tour since we started planning our ...

Standing on top of the thirty foot bridge with my feet hanging over the edge, I peered over my toes to the running water beneath me... Mark had already jumped (which means very little since he is the daredevil of the family and will do close to anything), Sam pinched her nose and jumped and now it was my turn "@%*&". Being as considerate as I am, I let another couple of people on our tour of Semuc Champey go before me. Again, it was my turn. I had d...

Yesterday was our two week anniversary of being in Antigua. It has been so amazing thus far I am excited for what is in store the next nine months but I am trying to just enjoy each day which is pretty easy to do! Antigua is such a wonderful, if not enchanting town. Cobblestone streets, mustard and ochre colored houses, horse drawn carriages, tuk tuks (tiny little cabs that fit two people), tons of craft shops and restaurants. Fun fact: Antigua residents a...

So it has been a little over a week since my last entry... We completed out first week of spanish classes and I am really impressed with how much James has learned in only one week. He has a couple of phrases for those who have asked for a demonstration (stephen - that's you). "A mi me gusta pescar" (I like to fish), "me gusta cocinar pescado" (I like to cook fish), y "Yo como pescado." (I eat fish) That is his favorite topic in ...

So we arrived in Antigua in the evening on July 3. We woke up on the 4th and searched for hours for a new apartment where we can live in antigua for the next 6-8 weeks while we take our spanish and salsa classes. Finally we found one that is a really spacious one bedroom, kitchen, living area, bathroom and TONS of storage. It is pretty great for only about $400 a month. (not too bad!) we had originally been looking in about the 3-350 range but what you get for ...