Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Getting Ready for the Adventure

Hi,

This is my first blog, ever, so here goes.  Tom and I are leaving in two weeks from today on a long adventure to Guatemala, Central America, Mexico, Spain, and Thailand.  We are working now to prepare everything, meet and greet friends before we fly, and enjoying our time on the home front.  Later we'll figure out how to make this jazzier, but for now, this is a good as it gets.

20 comments:

  1. Hey, I looked at the first post on our blog (set up by you). Looks great.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks for the note of affirmation. I hope this turns out to be fun.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Can't wait to hear of the adventures! Way to go, bloggers.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Can I come?!!! Sounds like a wonderful adventure. Will you keep everyone posted through the blog?

    ReplyDelete
  5. Of course, you are welcome to come along. We have quite a few guests coming down to hang out with us. We will be blogging our way through our travels,including pictures and commentary as we go. Drop in anytime you like and join the blog so you'll get updates.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Bon voyage! We envy you the adventures in finding and following your calling to Guatemala!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thanks for the kind send off. We look forward to your continued blogging with us. You can even join as a follower/member, so we hope you do. Love to you both. jt

    ReplyDelete
  8. Looks like the first adventure will be getting you to the airport and that the plane will actually take off. Great time for freezing rain.

    ReplyDelete
  9. It will be cold tomorrow in Dallas. Is there room in your suitcase for us.

    ReplyDelete
  10. They're off! Despite the crazy weather yesterday, J&T are in Guatemala. Can't wait for the stories to begin!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Feb 1

    Greetings to everyone. We spent a long afternoon and evening in DFW airport after Toms' brother Terry slogged through the ice and snow to get us there. Our flight was delayed by three hours, but once we were airborne, we relaxed, enjoyed the ride, and were welcomed by our friend and hostess, Maria del Carmen Batres shortly after 11pm. It was so kind of her to wait so long for us, and it was great to see her smiling face.

    Feb 2

    We spent a short evening in Guatemala City, then were on the road to Antigua following a lovely breakfast at the Hotel International with Maria and her partner at Colegio Boston, Suzy. It was great to visit and discuss these ladies' interest in education and concern for the children of Guatemala.

    We had a very full first day. We were taken to our apartment (photos in my facebook album Guatemala Adventure), shopping in the Antigua mercado, then went to the school that Maria del Carmen and Suzy direct. It is an amazing place, just outside of Antigua, representing grades pre-k through high school, and includes a secretarial school for interested graduates, many of whom are placed in very high positions throughout the region.

    After this visit, we went to Maria del Carmen's house to meet our Spanish tutors, who will guide us through the art of communicating succesfully in Spanish. The meeting was held at Maria del Carmen's house in Antigua, which was built in the 1500s. When I can get a picture of it, it too will be posted. This was followed by almuerza in Antigua and a ride home to unpack and settle in.

    Feb 3

    We were on our own today to walk around, figure out internet service, and return to the mercado, now that our thinking was solidified about food and other needs. I gave Spanish speaking an attempt, and muddled through with more success than in the past, so feel that some small progress is being made. Tom is in his element, speaking Spanish, enjoying the atmosphere, and loving the essence of the place.

    The city of Antigua is nestled into a valley that is surrounded by volcanoes and other mountain peaks. Our apartment is on the east side of the 10x10 block town, and overlooks the mountains, where we are watching the setting sun, as we sip ron zapaca. There are brilliant flowers everywhere around our apartment and throughout the city. We had almuerza at a Guatemalan Tipico place and enjoyed the open air atmosphere, great food, and terrific service.

    Work begins tomorrow, as I spend my first of many days in the school and in Spanish tutoring. Tom will have his first day of single man exploration and adventures, figuring out how to obtain tickets to the various arts productions that are coming to town next weekend.

    We hope to hear from you soon. jt

    ReplyDelete
  12. So glad you made it, Jeanne. I've friended you on FB; can't wait to see photos there.

    Hi to Tom from Ron and me

    ReplyDelete
  13. Feb 4

    Today was an interesting one for both of us. We both began our Spanish tutoring in independent one-on-one instruction. We both participated in three hours of conversation, some us more fluent than others, but it was ALL in Spanish. This was a red letter day for both of us and most enjoyable to break through some barriers.

    Today was my first full day at the Colegio Boston school. I observed four classes of varying grade levels, and got a feel for the school culture, which is one that encourages respect and tolerance, since the children vary considerably across the campus. The school is private, but provides scholarships for local, indigenous children, no matter their SES. The two founders are my hostesses and are outstanding leaders who care to bring education to as many children and adults as possible. It is quite and experience witnessing this effort. I hope to learn much from these ladies.

    Tom waited all day for the arrival of maintenance to change light bulbs, that are approximately 30 feet from the ground, and they arrived during our Spanish lessons in the late afternoon. He enjoyed the freedom to read, search the net, and hang out. I think he is getting used to this thing called off-time.

    Some pictures are posted on Jeanne's facebook, with more to come,now that we have figured out how to upload. Tom has figured out how to post them here as well, so as soon as I get into that lesson, the photos will be in two places.

    All is well. Hope the ice and snow leave Dallas soon and that life returns to some normalcy.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Dr. T,
    I can't wait to keep up with your blog!! Have fun and I look forward to hearing about your adventures!

    ReplyDelete
  15. I'm excited to tag along your adventure. My cousin is in Rwanda with the Peace Corps teaching English. Between the two of you, I should vicariously glean a little about how education rolls abroad. ...Anticipating great stories and am so proud to know you. -Amy

    ReplyDelete
  16. The school sounds fabulous and I can't wait to hear more about it and your excursions (especially the art). The weather in Texas was better this week (only 1 snow day on Wed) compared to the 4 we had last week. Terri

    ReplyDelete
  17. The art is everywhere in so many different forms. Today begins the festival and we are off to see Tiempo Libre tomorrow night. Sunday there is a free concert of marimbas, played by performers from outlying areas, which we have learned is the national instrument. We will be there. Needless to say, the weavings are overwhelming in beauty and brilliance. The women in the markets wear these woven clothes and look like paintings in motion. It is extraordinary indeed.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hello! Love the blog. We checked out Guatamala last night in Wilhelm's class. Looks beautiful!! Have a great time. Chat soon.

    Laura

    ReplyDelete
  19. Look forward to hearing how the language is going. and how the observations and work at the school is going.

    Miss you, but know you are having a wonderful time!

    Caroline

    ReplyDelete
  20. Language is going great, although I am on break these two weeks. Will be back at it on my return. I am learning many things in the schools, all of which support my hypothesis of disconnect. I love this part. Hope all is well.

    ReplyDelete