Karey in Guatemala: Back in Guatemala

Unlike short-term teams that come to Guatemala, I hardly did any preparation before coming. I bought gifts for my friends here, put stuff in my suitcase, and did some lesson planning for the last semester. I spoke no Spanish for the 2 weeks prior to leaving, I did no research on the country, and I did not prepare myself for any sort of culture shock. Besides, what could really change in the 2 weeks I was away?

First thing that changed was the weather. I have traded hot, dry sun for cloudy, humid rain. No, it has not been rainig constantly. But this afternoon, just as I decided I should go grocery shopping before it gets dark, I heard the rain...and changed my mind. I can go tomorrow.

Second thing that changed was that Marvin passed away Friday. After 3 weeks of a tough battle, he is in a much better place. Those still here, however, are in a state of pain and grieving. Not having heard anything sooner, I assumed I would be walking into a situation similar to what I had left 2 weeks earlier. As I greeted Julie, Marvin's Dad, and Julio, a wave of sadness and the reality of the situation hit me. Please pray for the family.

Third thing that changed was that the fair is in town. That is actually why I scheduled my trip home when I did, because I got some days off work. In Canada I like going to the fair. It's fun getting together with friends, eating some greasy fair food, and going on some rides. But I can always go home afterwards and leave the fair behind. Here I am living in the middle of the fair. 360 degrees around our house. With an entrance to the fair on one side, booths in behind, a dance floor/club on the other side, and all the pedestrian and vehicle traffic in front, I am actually living on the fair grounds. That does mean that pizza is not far away, which is great since I have no groceries after being away 2 weeks. It also means that the darker it gets, the louder it gets. Standing barefoot in the kitchen I can feel the floor shaking from the bass next door. I decided, however, that strolling through the fair might give me the cultural experience I needed to get back into Guatemalan life.

Here is a taste of the culture shock which I had not prepared for. Entering the fair I have to watch my step, choosing gravel over mud or garbage. Vendors have booths set up selling everything from traditional shirts to tupperware, music to budgies, and the usual candied apples and cotton candy. There are games for rolling, shooting, or tossing things. At one booth people were attempting to toss coins onto plastic plates floating in a wading pool. But instead of bright coloured stuffed animals of different sizes hanging around as the anticipated prizes, there were bottles of pop, up to 3L to win. Of course there is the ferris wheel and carousel. And, being Central America, there are 2 whole sections of nothing but foosball tables. All in all the fair, regardless where, is a place for people of all ages to come and have fun. And fun they will have, apparently until 2am. So let's hope I manage to get some sleep before work starts early tomorrow morning.