No more teachers. No more books.

"The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and the lightening bug."  -Mark Twain-

Kate and Bren found a great little hotel that no one knows about because the name is Juma Ocag, which does not mean anything in Spanish or any Mayan language.  It is an acronym for the first letter in peoples names.  It is right across the street from a giant market, a bakery, and a pet shop.  Kate and Bren have been enjoying their time in the old colonial town of Antigua.  The buildings are typically no more than two stories and very colorful.  The town is surrounded by volcanoes, some of which are active.

Kate and Bren started language school on Sunday.  They have class from 8-noon for five days before they graduate.  The school offers random free activities in the afternoon.  Bren and Kate signed up for a hike.  They started the hike walking across town, through the market, then got on a chicken bus.  This is about the time when the would be hikers started to wonder where they were actually going.  However, their adventurous spirits kept them on the bus.  The bus drove to a nearby town, San Juan del Obispo.  The bus stopped and everyone got off including the "hikers".  They walked around the corner and into a museum/convent.  A nun gave a quick tour describing some photos but never getting close to using 1000 words.  Bren was super excited because everything was in Spanish.  They saw a picture of a great view of Antigua and the volcanoes then took two steps to the left and saw the same view out the window.  Everyone was confused, but thankfully the nun told the tour the picture was taken from that exact location.  Then Kate and Bren were led outside to look at the same view not obstucted by glass.  The tour guide was telling everyone about snake skins and leather working meanwhile the bus left.  Which gave everyone that had not had a chance to take in the view or photograph it for themselves time to do so.

Kate and Bren discovered a great little bagel place near central park which plays free movies on a nightly basis.  They saw a documentary about the civil war in Guatemala, which ended in 1975.  Last night after their hike they had two great cups of hot chocolate and watched a Hollywood movie in English.  Hot chocolate? That is correct, it is freezing here at night says the over exaggerating Kate.  However, they have been putting on a few more layers in the evenings since moving into the highlands.

Bren and Kate also eat food typically three times a day.

Kate and Bren decided to attempt another after school activity.  This time they started walking not towards the market and bus station but out of town towards a hill with a view.  A great view of the town and another volcanoe.  Kate and Bren were sad because at this viewpoint there were no photographs of the view.  They only had that real thing to enjoy.  Since attending school life has slowed down for the adventurers so this brief hike was a welcomed bit of excercise.

The food eaters also have experimented with different sources of food including but not limited to restaurants, markets, bakeries, random street vendors, and ice cream shops.  One of their favorites is the "Travel Menu", the food is more exciting that the name would lead you to believe.  Their favorite is the giant plate of guacamole, chips, and salsa all for $2.50 US.  Last night Bren and Kate consumed an estimated four avacados while playing board games supplied by the restaurant.  The music was in English and awesome.  If one is lucky they can even catch some good old American football.

peace out,
BK