On the Road Again
We wanted to take full advantage of our last 3 weekends in Guatemala. So we planned 3 trip with our good friends the Cade family. Many of you have heard us talk about Stephen and Kristen, who moved here when we did in August. They are both teachers at our school and also live in our building.
I remember my first extended conversation with Stephen on our way to climb Volcan Pacaya in September - 2 hours of straight sports talk... each way. I know he got more ND preaching than he bargained for, but I think he might be on his way to becoming a convert, as he enjoyed watching several of the games with us last season. Stephen is a lawyer turned teacher who cares about stirring curiosity and passion in high school students more than drilling home curriculum. Kristen is also the kindergarten teacher you want your kid to have. They moved here from Minnesota with their 2 amazing children. Jackson (or Hack-sone, as his Spanish teachers call him) is enjoying his everybody's-friend-2nd-grade-rock-star status, and it has even more to do with his respectful nature than his blond flowing locks. And you'd be hard pressed to find a cuter little girl than his 5 year-old sister, Channing, who reminds me of the angelic Evangeline of Uncle Tom's Cabin fame.
Our first venture with Cade's was to their favorite spot in El Salvador - DeCameron... a beautiful all-inclusive resort on the coast. The 3-hour trip was a beautiful drive down the mountains, complete with a couple new road trip mixes put together by yours truly. I think Billy Joel's We Didn't Start the Fire became the official song of the trip. Just like at any all-inclusive resort, the weekend was filled with eating, reading, swimming, sunning, and then more eating. We can see why this was the Cade's third trip.
Casa del Mundo
The following weekend we decided to make one last trip to the most beautiful lake in the world. We stayed in Panajachel on Friday night before catching a boat for our fourth trip to our favorite spot in Guatemala - Casa del Mundo. Rainy season had officially begun, and it was amazing how much greener the scenery had become since we were there with my dad and Marcia two weeks prior. During a hike, a river that had been bone dry was now gushing. The rains held off long enough, however, to give us one last clear look at this 8th wonder of the world. Lake Atitlan can often look fake - like your eyes are deceiving you because nothing can be that perfect. Also, the volcanoes give it a vibe that cannot be described unless you experience it yourself.
For the grand finale, Antigua called our names one final time. We went all out and stayed at the Casa Santo Domingo. Considered the most beautiful in Antigua, the grounds of this 5-star hotel are spectacular. It is built around the massive earthquake ruins of an 18th century convent. The trip brought us full circle, as our school had a luncheon for us here during our first weekend in Guatemala. Sarah and Kristen found some last minute gifts and souvenirs, while the kids taught me Spanish (it's absolutely incredible how fast they've picked it up). And later on Stephen and I taught Kristen and Sarah how to dominate a Euchre game. It was another beautiful weekend in Central America's most beautiful city.
We can't thank the Cade's enough for not only these 3 trips, but also for being such great friends throughout our stay in Guatemala. We adore Jackson and Channing and admire Stephen and Kristen - especially for their courage in moving a young family to Central America. Who'd have thought we could move to Guatemala and make lifelong friends with people from Minnesota. I think it all started when a Gopher's mind was changed after borrowing my gospel according Lou Holtz book. As the Cade's plan to make that same drive Saint Lou made 21 years ago - from the twin cities to the Holy Land - we look forward to seeing them this summer at our wedding.
I remember my first extended conversation with Stephen on our way to climb Volcan Pacaya in September - 2 hours of straight sports talk... each way. I know he got more ND preaching than he bargained for, but I think he might be on his way to becoming a convert, as he enjoyed watching several of the games with us last season. Stephen is a lawyer turned teacher who cares about stirring curiosity and passion in high school students more than drilling home curriculum. Kristen is also the kindergarten teacher you want your kid to have. They moved here from Minnesota with their 2 amazing children. Jackson (or Hack-sone, as his Spanish teachers call him) is enjoying his everybody's-friend-2nd-grade-rock-star status, and it has even more to do with his respectful nature than his blond flowing locks. And you'd be hard pressed to find a cuter little girl than his 5 year-old sister, Channing, who reminds me of the angelic Evangeline of Uncle Tom's Cabin fame.
Our first venture with Cade's was to their favorite spot in El Salvador - DeCameron... a beautiful all-inclusive resort on the coast. The 3-hour trip was a beautiful drive down the mountains, complete with a couple new road trip mixes put together by yours truly. I think Billy Joel's We Didn't Start the Fire became the official song of the trip. Just like at any all-inclusive resort, the weekend was filled with eating, reading, swimming, sunning, and then more eating. We can see why this was the Cade's third trip.
Casa del Mundo
The following weekend we decided to make one last trip to the most beautiful lake in the world. We stayed in Panajachel on Friday night before catching a boat for our fourth trip to our favorite spot in Guatemala - Casa del Mundo. Rainy season had officially begun, and it was amazing how much greener the scenery had become since we were there with my dad and Marcia two weeks prior. During a hike, a river that had been bone dry was now gushing. The rains held off long enough, however, to give us one last clear look at this 8th wonder of the world. Lake Atitlan can often look fake - like your eyes are deceiving you because nothing can be that perfect. Also, the volcanoes give it a vibe that cannot be described unless you experience it yourself.
For the grand finale, Antigua called our names one final time. We went all out and stayed at the Casa Santo Domingo. Considered the most beautiful in Antigua, the grounds of this 5-star hotel are spectacular. It is built around the massive earthquake ruins of an 18th century convent. The trip brought us full circle, as our school had a luncheon for us here during our first weekend in Guatemala. Sarah and Kristen found some last minute gifts and souvenirs, while the kids taught me Spanish (it's absolutely incredible how fast they've picked it up). And later on Stephen and I taught Kristen and Sarah how to dominate a Euchre game. It was another beautiful weekend in Central America's most beautiful city.
We can't thank the Cade's enough for not only these 3 trips, but also for being such great friends throughout our stay in Guatemala. We adore Jackson and Channing and admire Stephen and Kristen - especially for their courage in moving a young family to Central America. Who'd have thought we could move to Guatemala and make lifelong friends with people from Minnesota. I think it all started when a Gopher's mind was changed after borrowing my gospel according Lou Holtz book. As the Cade's plan to make that same drive Saint Lou made 21 years ago - from the twin cities to the Holy Land - we look forward to seeing them this summer at our wedding.
Hope you are both OK after today's earthquake.
Reply to this
No worries. There was no damage from the earthquake and we are now safe and sound back in the good 'ol USofA.
Reply to this
speechless in Guate.
Those are what we call kind words. All the love to both of you from Channing, Jackson, Kristen and myself. I wish I would have been introduced to this blog earlier in the year. It captures well the experiences of us North Americans here in Gautemala. Since, I haven't been able to comment on previous posts, I will find some words to express the warmth my family feels for you two wonderful humans.
We look forward to 7-21-07 and wish you well in the days leading up to the wonderful and blessed event. You two are truly a couple that compliment each other well. You are both strong individuals made stronger and reinforced by the friendship, love and commitment you have found in your bond.
We will miss you often next year. We look forward to your continued blogging from the mile-high city.
I can't wait to read about how you are falling in love with the avanlanche, nuggets (go melo), rockies (except possibly the parking lot), the Buffs, Broncos, the Rams of Colorado State and the airplanes (what is that on their helmet) of Air Force not to mention the U of Denver hockey squad and the great team from that beautiful town to the south C. Springs. Not to mention the beauty that surrounds Denver.
Thanks for all the great times here in Gautemala. I think that earthquake today was a small effort by the forces of nature to express the effect/affect you two have had on the children on Guate!
Keep the faith.
Your friends,
J,C,K y S
Reply to this