Where it all began....

Up until now, all of my travel experiences consisted of either going to all-inclusive resorts every year with a bunch of friends (where our only goal was to get our moneys worth in drinks and maintain the best spot on the beach for the week), taking Spanish classes in cute Mexican towns with friends, or taking a minimal paying job in order to live the dream, again knowing I had pre-arranged friends before my arrival.

My first trip to Guatemala was the beginning of my new adventure, where I actually went solo, knowing I had no friends to meet me there and would be on my own. I don’t really know why I decided on Guatemala in the first place (other than the fact they have cheap Spanish classes), but I knew for some reason I had to go.

The more I researched it, the more determined I was to do it. My sister was always the seasoned solo traveler, and it amazed me how she could meet so many people that didn’t actually live within driving distance of her house. I would always wonder how she could develop friendships and form bonds with people she didn’t actually grow up with, people who didn’t understand why we said “eh” at the end of every sentence or who didn’t know what a loonie was. Even though she is younger than me, she caught on to this concept way before I did. I hate it when she does that.

Anyway, after doing some research, I decided to ask my boss for time off and plan my month long adventure. I decided to start in Queztaltenengo (Xela), and then make my way to Antigua. I left on Boxing Day, so that I could take advantage of the  work holidays and extend my trip…also, the flights were cheaper.

Turns out I didn’t research enough, I always assumed Guatemala was always hot, and therefore brought shorts, t-shits, skirts, and one sweater and pair of pants for emergency use only. I should have learned my lesson from living in GDL.

I stayed with a family right beside the school (Escuela Para Todos), and although I loved the family, the school and the experience of having to constantly speak Spanish, I was horrified by the fact I couldn’t sleep at night because it was so cold. I would wear the two pairs of socks I had, my sweater wrapped around my legs, three shirts, and would still be freezing. And the showers had no hot water, so I constantly felt like an ice cube. I realize that by me being Canadian and being born and raised in a city that is known for its bitter cold winters, I should have been used to this. I wasn’t. That, along with the fact that I was stressed about what I would be eating each meal time because of my picky eating habits (I prefer to call it severe food allergies), was a challenge for me. I did manage to eat most of what I was given, as I also believe in manners (although my sister would disagree) and know that food is more of an expense to them and we tend to take it for granted back home. But after a week, I headed for Antigua.

I will go back to Xela, it is not the most aesthetically pleasing City I have ever visited, however I learned a lot there and know that it is a great place for learning Spanish, however next time I will come more prepared and probably stay in a hostel or apartment. However if you aren’t as picky as I am, I would recommend you stay with a family, it is so much more beneficial with regards to immersing yourself in a new language or culture.