Over the last few weeks, I've been doing the serious things that have to be done in preparation for my trip to Guatemala. The least fun of these was going a travel clinic to get vaccinations. I ended up only having to get one shot (typhoid fever), and some serious mosquito protection in the form of a spray for my clothes and DEET lotion. Luckily, in the city I'll be staying in (Antigua), malaria is not an issue, so I don't have to take malaria pills.
I've also started to think about packing, which is going to be a daunting task. Ask any of my roommates and they will tell you that I have more clothes than anyone else they know. So, the idea of reducing my entire wardrobe into one small duffel bag is hard to wrap my mind around. Not to mention that I'm only supposed to bring the bare necessities. Here's what is recommended:
- 5 shirts
- 2 pairs of pants
- 1 skirt or dress
- 2 pairs of shoes
- 1 bathing suit
- 1 sweatshirt
- 1 light rain jacket
And that's supposed to last me 5 weeks? I know that I'll be able to wash clothes while I'm there, but I don't think I'll be able to pack that lightly. I'll do my best, though!
In other exciting news, I finally got my work assignment and home-stay assignment! I'll be working at the Children's House Daycare, which is run by a charity called Hospital de Hermano Pedro. It provides childcare for local kids (9 months to 6 years old) who have single or working parents. I'll be helping take care of the kids, playing with them, and also organizing recreational activities. My home-stay is only about three blocks away from where I'll be working, so I'll be able to walk to work every day!
I also get afternoons off. I only work Monday through Friday from 7:45 am- 12 noon. That means that I'll have afternoons and weekends to explore! I've been reading tons of guidebooks and talking to my middle school spanish teacher (who has been to Guatemala) about the fun things that I'll be able to do in my free time. Here's my Guatemala "Bucket List" so far:
- Visit Lake Atitlan
- Climb the Volcán Pacaya
- Visit a Coffee Farm
- Explore Panajachel, a small town by the lake
- Check out all the Colonial Architecture in Antigua
- Visit Mayan Ruins
- Tour a Macadamia Nut Plantation
