Fireworks, Hostal Stay & Spanish Classes

During our first day exploring Antigua, we met this very sweet lady, Nancy, while we were wandering the streets. Let me be clear on how we met her. We looked like lost tourists trying to find our way and this lady approached us and said, ´Hablas Ingles.´My response was a big ´Si.´She answered the many questions we threw at her and invited us over to her apartment. She is living in Antigua for a total of 2 plus months, just focusing on improving her Spanish and enjoying life. Well, among the numerous topics we discussed, she warned us of one Guatemalan tradition. Guatemalans celebrate their birthdays at the exact time of birth and with FIREWORKS! So, she warned us not to be surprised when fireworks went off at numerous times of the night. Let´s just say fireworks went off non-stop ALL evening, but luckily we were exhausted from our first day of travel and were able to fall asleep. I imagine the fireworks went on all night.

The next night we decided to stay in a hostal for one night. Again, while wandering the streets, we were referred to this place called El Gato Negro (The Black Cat). We were still somewhat exhausted from the travels and adjusting to sleeping in lumpy beds, so we spent minimal time searching for the next night´s resting spot. The place had great breakfast included, as well as free internet, so we were sold. Our room was a dorm like setting, as we shared the room with 4 others. The hostal was all Gringos. We thought since our Spanish was still basic, it would be good to talk to other travelers and get some input on things to do, places to go, etc.

During our second day exploring the city, we decided on a Spanish school, Francisco Marroquin. The link provides an excellent description of the school and the surrounding setting where we will be studying. We will be moving in with our host family on Sunday and staying with them for the entire week we are studying.