I wasn't initially planning on writing a blog while abroad. I assumed I'd be too busy. I wasn't necessarily wrong.
But, as I walk around Xela, I'm constantly struck by ideas of what to write about and by experiences I want to share with people back home.
So I did a little research on blogging while abroad. I found a lovely little article where Cara Rousseau, the Duke University Social Media Manager who I've worked with in the past and look up to greatly, sings the praises of blogging. Consider me convinced.
- Share my experiences with my friends and family without bombarding Facebook with 10 posts a day. I know there are people who read almost everything I post on Facebook (thanks, Aunt Marty!), but I also realize that Facebook isn't always the best medium for sharing experiences. (In addition, I know that I have family members who don't have Facebook, and they too might like to learn what I'm up to/see my pictures/know I'm alive and well).
- Reflect on my trip by documenting my semester. I believe very strongly in growth through writing - and public writing can be a particularly powerful experience.
- Serve as a resource for students who want to study abroad in non-traditional locations like Central America.
So check back from time to time! I plan to write about navigating difficult or confusing experiences in another language, about my impressions of the political situation in Guatemala (spoiler: it's not good), and about what I eat every day (this photo-blog I'm particularly excited about!) Language, politics, and food...the Katie trifecta.
Getting Started: Where Am I?
The official name of the city is Quetzaltenango, which was given to it during the Spanish conquest of Guatemala (though the name itself doesn't come from Spanish; it comes from an indigenous dialect that the conquistadors brought down from Mexico.) Quetzaltenango means "place of the Quetzal bird," which is the national bird of Mexico. The Quetzal is also the national currency of Guatemala (Q7.69 = $1 at the time of writing).
And, while I've only been here for two weeks, Xela/Xelajú/Quetzaltenango has already found a special place in my heart.
I love that my host family has eagerly given me a window into their day-to-day life, inviting me to birthday parties, church, and the voting center during the elections next weekend (if there are elections...more on that later).
I love that Casa Xelajú (the local language school where I'm studying) assigned me an incredible teacher, has taken me on excursions ranging from the cervecaria (beer factory) to the cemetery, and has improved my Spanish immensely in only one week of classes.
I love that, at fútbol games, vendors bring pizza, tea, hot water, nuts, cerveza, chicken, candy, and much more directly to your seat. What can I say? I'm lazy.
I love spending the afternoons in the Parque Central, seeing families, getting invited to community events, and watching youngsters in their school uniforms clearly in love (well, as my friend Amber would say, "extreme lust") who are unable to take their eyes (or hands...) off each other.
I love hearing the city's song, Luna de Xelajú (the beautiful song describes, among other things, "streets bathed in moonlight") at protests or at sporting events and actually knowing the words.
So for now, I'm just enjoying my time here, making friends (Guatemaltecos and Gringos alike), and beginning the journey that will take me to live in three countries over the next four months.
*I just realized I'm wearing the same outfit in all of those photos. How embarrassing. I really do change my clothes - I promise!