¡Viva la Chickenbús!

Ricardo Early Years Show 13. Sorry for the out of order files. I recently discovered that I was missing a number of shows. I'll keep giong in order from here on out and will cycle back to get the files that I missed.

Ricardo Series 1 Show 1

2006-07-19T09:22:00.000-07:00

Ricardo Series 1 Show 1. If you want any of the older posts, email me. I can only have 3 files online at one time due to the large size of the files.

Ricardo Early Years Show 12

2006-07-11T23:38:00.000-07:00

Ricardo Early Years Show 12. If you want any of the older posts, email me. I can only have 3 files online at one time due to the large size of the files.

Ricardo Early Years Show 11

2006-07-03T09:23:00.000-07:00

Ricardo Early Years Show 11. If you want any of the older posts, email me. I can only have 3 files online at one time due to the large size of the files.

Ricardo Early Years Show 10

2006-07-03T09:19:00.000-07:00

Ricardo Early Years Show 10. If you want any of the older posts, email me. I can only have 3 files online at one time due to the large size of the files.

Ricardo Early Years Show 9

2006-06-28T22:22:00.000-07:00

Ricardo Early Years Show 9. If you want any of the older posts, email me. I can only have 3 files online at one time due to the large size of the files.

Ricardo Early Years Show 8

2006-06-28T22:21:00.000-07:00

Ricardo Early Years Show 8. If you want any of the older posts, email me. I can only have 3 files online at one time due to the large size of the files.

Ricardo Early Years Show 7

2006-06-06T11:37:00.000-07:00

Ricardo Early Years Show 7. If you want any of the older posts, email me. I can only have 3 files online at one time due to the large size of the files.

Ricardo Early Years Show 6

2006-05-30T08:31:00.000-07:00

Ricardo Early Years Show 6. If you want any of the older posts, email me. I can only have 3 files online at one time due to the large size of the files.

Music for the Fridays

2006-05-26T16:19:00.000-07:00

Innocence Mission - Our Harry.

Ricardo Early Years Show 5

2006-05-22T17:27:00.000-07:00

Ricardo Early Years Show 5. If you want any of the older posts, email me. I can only have 3 files online at one time due to the large size of the files.

Ricardo Early Years Show 4

2006-05-15T10:39:00.000-07:00

Ricardo Early Years Show 4. If you want any of the older posts, email me. I can only have 3 files online at one time due to the large size of the files.

Ricardo Early Years Show 3

2006-05-08T07:34:00.000-07:00

Ricardo Early Years Show 3. If you want any of the older posts, email me. I can only have 3 files online at one time due to the large size of the files.

Music for the Fridays

2006-05-05T10:51:00.000-07:00

Sunny Day Real Estate - Seven.

Ricardo Early Years Show 2

2006-05-01T10:31:00.000-07:00

Ricardo Early Years Show 2. If you want any of the older posts, email me. I can only have 3 files online at one time due to the large size of the files.

Music for the Fridays

2006-04-27T23:48:00.001-07:00

NOFX - You Will Lose Faith. From their new album, Wolves in Wolves Clothing

Ricardo Early Years Show 1

2006-04-23T23:34:00.000-07:00

Ricardo Early Years Show 1. If you want any of the older posts, email me. I can only have 3 files online at anytime due to the large size of the files.

Music for the Fridays

2006-04-21T07:33:00.000-07:00

Sea Wolf - Middle Distance Runner. New feature starts today! In celebration of our favorite day, music to get us though.

Ricardo Dec 22, 2001

2006-04-17T07:48:00.000-07:00

Ricardo Dec 22, 2001. If you want any of the older posts, email me. I can only have 3 files online at anytime due to the large size of the files.

Ricardo Dec 15, 2001

2006-04-10T08:01:00.000-07:00

Ricardo Dec 15, 2001. If you want any of the older posts, email me. I can only have 3 files online at anytime due to the large size of the files.

Ricardo Dec 08, 2001

2006-04-02T23:12:00.000-07:00

Ricardo Dec 08, 2001. If you want any of the older posts, email me. I can only have 3 files online at anytime due to the large size of the files.

Ricardo Dec. 01, 2001

2006-03-29T09:17:00.000-08:00

Ricardo Dec 01, 2001

2006-03-26T23:39:00.000-08:00

Ricardo Nov. 24, 2001

Ricardo Nov. 17, 2001

2006-03-19T11:26:00.000-08:00

This is the show that earned them a fine from the broadcasting standards authority...

Ricardo Nov. 17, 2001

Ricardo Nov. 10, 2001

2006-03-13T07:56:00.000-08:00

Ricardo Nov. 10, 2001

61905 My Room 3

2005-11-24T17:34:00.000-08:00

61905 My Room 3
Originally uploaded by MattBarber.

The room which housed me for 6 weeks. The painitng on the wall was done by Lupita, one of the family members. That's my shadow on the wall.

2005-06-13T07:50:00.000-07:00

Matty MO... You've been wrong on two account thus far: One, I'm not starring on the next season of survivor. Although, ironically the next season is in Guatemala. Two, I'm not home quite yet. Today is my last day here in Guateo. And I've actually come to enjoy antigua.

I ran into a guy who trekked with me up Tajulmulco (volcano). I met him last night at the "world Famous" Pub Quiz at Reilly's Irish Pub. My team came in 10th out 14th. We would have come in 14th had it not been for the fact that I was born in the 70's and everyone else in 1999 or something. And the dane was no help either. I thought the europeans were supposed to be smarter in world history and politics than us yankees.

But the reality is, Antigua is beautiful. Loads of culture and crap. Restaurants, good music, ancient ruins... The only part I don't like is the gluttony of tourists. I have no idea how people learn spanish here. However, Antigua wouldn't be what it is without the tourists.

I'm off. Have to spend my remaining quetzals. Any one want a Cuban Cigar? $10...

Homeward bound....

2005-06-11T10:29:00.000-07:00

How can I begin to describe the incredible experience I have had? There is so much I want to say, but overwhelming emotions and a ticking clock that tells me I owe half of my remaining Quetzals will keep this entry basic. (I found out last night that I fly out on Monday and not Sunday. So I had to revise my budget.)

Right now I am sitting in a café in Antigua, Guatemala listening to some amazing music (Miles Davis, Bright Eyes, Iron and Wine) looking out at a gorgeous Central Park. I watch as the fat yuppies, mischa barton-ites, and corporate vactioners wander around spending way too much money, riding in a horse drawn carriage, and "experiencing" the indeginous culture of Guatemala. I wonder if any of them really know what Guatemala went through and is still going through. Or are they just visiting because Bill Clinton slept here (with interns?)

-- By the way, the hotel that Bill Clinton Stayed at... $200 US Dollars a night! That is 1500 Q. That is almost the same amount we gave to the Asimam group for the computer.--

Anyway, I ask myself "Do I really understand what this people went through? What is their pain, their joy, their need, their desires?" I feel as if a window was cracked open ever so slightly. I don´t know if you have ever experienced another culture in the way I did. Living with a famliy is incredible. The hispanic community has such a strong sense of famlily that I feel we lack in the states. Also, I can´t express how amazing it is to have a large family living together. Sure, you don´t have much personal space, but so much joy comes from having a large number of people sharing everything from Food to Appliances to Dancing to Games. There is always some one home, some one laughing, someone crying. And their is always some one ther to laugh with you, to cry with you, to comfort you.

How amazing was it to have Consuelo (My Abuelita) cooking me breakfast on my last day, with tears in her eyes. I couldn´t look anyone in the face yesterday without tearing up. (I´m tearing up right now just thinking about her.) I know I will always have a family in Guatemala.

There is so much I love about my life in the states. But there is a lot lacking as well. Perhaps I found a piece of the hole. Here are a few of my favorite memories:

-Watching the football game (Guatemala vs Costa Rica) with fernando (Consuelo´s son-in-law). When Guatemala tied the game with the second goal the crowd went crazy. Fernando gave me a big bear hug. Goals in soccer are so emotion filled since there are so few of them. For this, I love soccer.

-Making friends with the waiters in Cafe La Luna (The best damned chocolate house in the world!)

-Eating one of the best Italian meals ever at Restaurante Portofino. A world class Italian Chef in the middle of guatemala. Pesto Gnocci, Penne Gorby (Vodka sauce), Mixed Salad, Fresh Bread, 2 Glasses of wine, and amazing Tiramasu for about $20.

-Seeing an actual Chicken on the Chicken bus.

-Meeting Nephtali on my regular chicken bus to Asimam. He´s twelve year old kid who was born in Santa Monica, lived there for 11 years, his parents were forced to return to Guat (illegals), and now he works on a bus collecting money (and occasionaly driving as well). An american citizen who speaks perfect English and Spanish working on bus in guatemala. What a strange find.

-Actually being able to communicate in a different language. I was even teaching people how to work a computer. ¡ijole!

-Seeing Motorcycle Diaries in central america. ¡Viva la revolution!

Finally, a moment for my soapbox. One of the most striking aspects of my stay her was the amount of American culture and influence. I was surprised to find that I could buy and experience any part of america I wanted to. 4 star hotels, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, all the latest fashions, cell phones, movies, television, play stations, McDonalds, Mega Malls, Nike, Internet... Everything (except perhaps well paved roads and a government without explicit corruption).

Is it any surprise that these people will do anything they can to get to the USA? Every day they see our propganda (which ironically I am apart of.) Our TV shows and movies. They see all the "beauty" of our culture. We ship down our Coca-Cola, McPatties, and Motorla Razrs. They are being taught the values of consumerism, without the benefit of a "well-run" economy. Even though they have come along way from the corruption and destruction of the Rios-Montt era, they still have a long way to go.

CAFTA is a step in the wrong direction for this country. All it will do is make the rich richer and the small business owners struggle even more. The gap between the rich and poor is incredibly huge. Guatemala is essentially an Oligarchy with all the power resting in the hands of 7 or 8 families that run the majority of the businesses.

I'm not sure what is needed to help this country. I do know that any reforms has to come from the people. But I do think we have the reponsibility, as the main world power, to continue to pursue justice in the world. We need to not only hold governments accountable for their actions, but corporations as well. We need to continue to pressure international companies to provide living wages and humane working environments. We, as the exploiters and consumers of a majority of the world´s resources, need to remember that there is always an reaction for every action. For every gallon of gas, pair of shoes, bunch of bananas, or electronic appliance that is purchased, their is often a developing country that is behind that purchase. I pray that we can tread lightly on the world always upholding the justice and human rights that we hold so dear.

Friends and family, thank you for following my journey. Hopefully I will have pictures online in the next few weeks. I look forward to seeing you all real soon.

Bernadette, I´m coming home. Sin tattoos... (not with a sin tattoo but without... without tattoos.)

PS I´ve already spent way too much time online. So I´m going to skip the prrofread. I hope I made sense...

2005-06-05T10:39:00.000-07:00

AsÃ, Yo Falto 7 dÃ¬as. At this time next week I`ll be on a chikenbÃ¹s back to Guate City. I probably won`t write much as I`ll be spending most of time saying goodbye to all the friends I have made here. Look for some parting words some time next weekend.

Tonight, Mara (one of the local volunteers and housemate) and I are cooking pizza for the entire family. 25 people in total.

Yesterday, Lindsay (fellow student and housemate) and I went on a little adventure. I`ve been dying to see the local activolcanonoe, Santaguito. Apparently there is some sort of lookout (mirador) where you can see the lava and giant plumes of smoke. So instead of getting a map, we decided to go to the town, llanos de pinal, and ask around. We felt fairly confident as 10 different people all gave us the same directions. According to my Lonely Planet guide, the Mirador is only 90 minutes from the towAboutout an hour in to the hike we met some friendly gringos who told us that we had at least 2 hours to go. What??? That makes three hours. We decided to keep walking. We came across a couple of cow herders who guided us in the right direction asked for some money for their troubles and said some sort of prayer to the God of stupid gringos.

We kept walking... and walking... and walking (for you spaniaficionadosdos this would be the perfect time to use the imperfect tense) when we had the suddrevelationion that we were climbing VolcÃ¹n Santa Maria, one of the toughest hikes around. Our suspicions were confirmed when we met yet another group of grindescendingding the volcano.

So Lindsay and I stopped, enjoyed the beautiful surroundings, ate power bars, and went home. No Lava, no smoke, nada. But we wouldn`t have seen anything anyway since the fog had enveloped both volcanos. Se La Vie.

Guatemala 0 Mexico 2
Estados Unidos 3 Costa Rica 0

World Cup 2006.

2005-05-30T18:32:00.000-07:00

First off, a big thank you to all that responded to my Bling Bling request. It is much appreciated. We're going out tommorrow to go shopping for computers. It turns out that ASIMAM has some money set aside for a new computer. So, what I'm going to do is make sure they get a decent new computer and not a crappy rebuilt one. Either that or help them purchase a new printer because it looks like their printer is on it's last leg as well.

Today, instead of trying to fix an archaic computer, I cleaned the office. Actually, I broomed the office. Every nook and cranny was filled with either a pile of dead flies or used soda (pop, pop music) cans. I think they we're motivated by my altruism as they began to pick up some of the trash with me. Sr. Ventura, the director of the program and Che Guevera incarnate, even went as far as cleaning out my trash bag. Who knew that they recycled aluminum in Guatemala?

Anyway, it was nice to get away from the computer for awhile. I like technology (but not as much as you, you see... But I STILL love technology...) but fixing computers stresses me out. IT was great to get my hands dirty for once.

By the way, I survived my hike. I actually surprised myself. Nunca había subido una volcún ní dormido en la sima.

We climbed to 4,420 meters--roughly 15,000 miles if I´ve done my english conversion correctly. That equals the highest point in Central America. We were lucky and only recieved a slight mist on the way up. Mud, wet pants, and a 30 pound pack would have made for a miserable ascent.

We started hiking around 10:30am and reached the campsite at about 4:00pm. Set up camp, chopped down bits of trees with a machete, tried to light trees for fire, gave up 2 hours later since all the wood was wet, ate spahgetti cooked on a little camping stove, and went to bed around 9:00pm.

We were awoken at 4:00am so we could make the final ascent to the top to see the sunrise. Once again we were blessed with a spectacular clear view. Often the volcano is clouded in. But we had a spectacular show. I can´t wait to show you the pictures.

The descent wen much quicker. It seems that you when you fall on a decline you can still cover some ground by continuing to roll. Did I mention that we were almost 3 miles high? Breathing is really tough this high up. I havd no idea how the smokers made it to the top without hacking up a lung.

Anyway, it was a great trip. My body is now paying the price.

2 weeks left. Any requests before I leave?

2005-05-27T16:28:00.000-07:00

A moment for a serious entry.

I've been volunteering at an organization called ASIMAM. It´s an association for the indigenious women of the MAM tribe. 60% of the population of Guatemala is in indigenious. Historically these people have been disenfranchised, discriminated against, and even slaughtered (during the civil war). There has been much progress in the past 10 years towards basic human rights, but much work is still needed.

ASIMAM works with the women of the MAM tribe educating them on their rights, teaching them reading and writing, and helping them earn a living by selling their traditional woven goods.

I've been assigned to help decorate their office, develop new marketing ideas (Andy, alisa?), AND fix their computer. I spent this past week on the computer alone. And let's just say 1999 wasn't a good year for computers. It's beyond repair at this point.

I would like to buy them a new computer. To buy a decent computer down here costs around $500-600. Would you, my friends and family, consider helping me with this project. If you're interested please email my lovely wife at bjbarber at mac dot com (bjbarber@mac.com).

Thank you.

You can see their website (in spanish) at http://asimam.tripod.com/

2005-05-27T16:11:00.000-07:00

Internet has taken a big dump today. I´ve wasted 30min just reloading pages. Don´t have much time so I´ll just highlite the highlites....

*All dogs are fat and pregnant. And yes you can milk anything with nipples.

*Met a kid on the chickenbus yesterday. He was one of the workers. Spoke perfect english without an accent. Turns out he was born in santa monica, lived there 11 years, parents were deported make to Guat. Now he works on a bus. Sad...

*Guatemala is run by the 4 or 5 really rich families. One of them is the Paiz family. The yhave a chain of stores called Hiper Paiz (literally Super Paiz). These stores are akin to the megamalls in America. The mall consists of a Costco size supermarket, various clothing stores, Cell Phone Dealers, GNC, Radio Shack, Music Stores, Arcades, Kiddie Rides, and a Food Court ("Eateries that operate within the designated square downstairs count as food court. Anything outside, of said designated sqaure, counts as an autonomous unit for mid-mall snacking. Now, if your going to wax intellectual about the subject... ")

*At said food court, they have a burger king, subway, chinese food, and Taco Bell.

*Yes I ate at taco bell. I felt compelled to complete my strange trip to the mall with american mexican food. And yes, the burrito was crappy. Why is it that all Taco Bells around the world give you all the Guacamole at the butt of the buritto? Is this in their employee manual?

*That´s it for now. Tomorrow I´m going on a hike to the tallest peak in Guatemala. See Matt Climb. See Matt Wheeze. Wheeze, Matt, Wheeze.

For info on the hike go here:
http://www.quetzaltrekkers.com/guattajumulco.html

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!

2005-05-23T19:29:00.000-07:00

Hey Yáll,

Sorry I've been incommunicado. Today I started my volunteer work with a group called ASIMAM. It's an orginization that assists indegenous women with understanding their rights, basic education, and sustainable living (I think. I have yet to fully understand all of what they do.) My first day on and I´m already making myself useful. I taught them (2 indegenous mujeres and 1 hombre) how to operate the new microwave. And I fixed their printer (Hmmm... Cable was unplugged and they need new ink.) Dichotomy time: While I "fixed" their computer they were all comparing the features on their cell phones. I was in the middle of guatemala in an all indegenous pueblo and they have better cell phone service then many parts of LA. WTF!

Anyway, all this means less time to write. So expect fewer updates. I'll probably give two updates a week.

Quickly though, this weekend I saw Star Wars III. Amazing. The best of this latest group. But then again I saw it in spanish and could only understand about 20% of what was said. Perhaps it's better that way.

I have so much more to say, Mall of America in Guatemala, Jungle Restaurant ala Disneyland, Taco Bell in Guatemala, Mayan Ruins.... Strange weekend. Can't wait to tell you about it.

Happy Birthday mom!

2005-05-20T14:26:00.000-07:00

Everyone gets so worked up over hurricanes. But I don't see what all the fuss is about. A little rain, slightly stronger winds, and grey skies for a few days. Nothing! I can handle whatever nature throws at me. But I was wondering, MR. Beard, if you have a solution for removing duct tape from skin without chaffing?

Sin Sarcasmo.... The hurricane lost all it's force and was downgraded to a tropical storm. But El Salvador still recieved quite a beating. We're safe, but El Sal could use some prayers.

On a slightly different note, I am now offically a Guatemalan Tourist. I had my wallet (and mini-notebook/journal) stolen off my person in town called San Francisco en Alto (Damn Hippies!). Luckily I had just bought a nice rug and only had about $3 left. But they did nab my credit cards. I'm not really worried about the money or even the credit cards, as I cancelled them promptly. But what bothers me is that I had to waste a half a day calling companies, exchanging travelers cheques...

I don't really feel violated; just stupid. I thought my wallet was safe. But San Fran was a crazy place. A huge swap meet with 1000´s of people pushing you every which way. I think what happened was after I paid for the rug someone saw where my "safe" spot was. Oh well. I still have my health and my passport. And a nice rug.

2005-05-19T13:19:00.000-07:00

Last night I was awaken by a 5.2 earthquake. Due to my earlier experience during the 1989 Bay Area earthquake I knew that the best thing to do was go outside and run amuck. As you can see it worked as I am still here.

But that's just the beginning. For the first time in recorded history a Hurricane is about to strike Guatemala and El Salvador. GREAT!!! But we should be OK since Xela is surrounded by mountains. We're expecting some increased winds and rain, but everything should be allright. I'll check back in as soon as I am able to let you know how it turns out.

Any advice for Hurricanes?

2005-05-16T13:50:00.000-07:00

¡Bienvenidos!

Another weekend has been successfully completed. Saturday was Matt’s first ever Partido de Futból en vivo. A real live football game (soccer for you Yankees!) It was XelaJú “Los Super Chivos” vs. Guatemala Municipal “Los Rojos”. It took me awhile to figure out what a Chivo was but between the chant and the mascot I guessed that it must be a billy goat. “Careful, or we’ll gnaw your fingers off!”

Sunday I went to church. I had to go to the Catholic church due to the activities of Friday night. No drinking or dancing allowed at the Evangelical church. Besides mass only lasts 1 hour!

To give you a better idea of how my weekend went, here’s a small sample of my itinerary.

Friday Night

9:00pm Drinking and Dancing at Coco Loco. A bar/Discothèque/game room. Here you’ll often hear the 8 mile soundtrack being played while some Hispanic metal band is playing on the big screen TV. Contrast that with the Ping Pong table in the back room. This is Coco Loco.

Saturday Morning

1:00am Stumble back from Coco Loco half drunk, thus fully negating my ability to attend the Evangelical church.

9:00am Eggs for Breakfast.

11:00am Buy Jersey for upcoming football Game. $10US to become a Super Chivo in hopes that the Guatemalans can’t spot a bandwagon fan.

12:00pm Buy Ticket for Football Game for $6 plus $3 extra to stay dry (Most of the stadium is completely open. For extra, you can sit under an awning) Ask Ticket woman when to arrive for the game. “A las tres” she replied. 5 Hours before the start of the game.

2:30pm Debate with myself on whether to arrive at 3:00pm like the woman said, or 4:30pm like my teacher suggested. I opted for a compromise.

5:00pm Arrive at the stadium. Stumble around the trying to find the correct entrance.

5:15pm Finally find the correct entrance. As I walk toward my section I notice that only 1/8 of the seats are full.

6:00pm First game begins (The Farm League consisting mostly of teenagers). My section is only 1/3 full.

6:01pm The skies open. The field floods. Thank God for that extra $3.

7:45pm First game ends. 0-1 Municipal. Ugly ugly game. Section is still only 3/4 full. Must’ve been “Dupe the gringo into seeing the first game” day.

7:46pm The rain finally stops.

7:55pm In anticipation of the “real game” the crowd starts the tomahawk chop. Now, I’m not a huge sports fanatic, but I thought the tomahawk chop was only for sports team with quasi-racist names such as the redskins and the braves. Think I should mention it to the team manager?

8:00pm The game begins and already I can tell a difference in skill level. This is going to be fun.

8:01pm It starts to rain yet again.

8:10pm I start to catch on to some of the chants such as ¡Híjole Puta! And ¡Híjole Puta Los Bomberos! But my favorite is a special chant reserved only for the opposing goalie. Whenever he would go to kick the ball the fans would shout “¡AHHHHHH HUECO!” This literally translates as “AHHHHH YOU´RE GAY!”
“Did you hear what they called me coach?

8:20pm Los Super Chivos score the first goal on a free kick. The crowd goes wild.

8:45pm Half time begins. The entertainment is a bike giveaway. The announcer would call out a ticket number and if you had the corresponding stub… you almost won. If you didn’t arrive on the field before he called the next number you lose.

9:00pm Someone finally claims the prize. And the players arrive back on the field.

9:45pm The game ends. Final Score 1-0. Chivos win ending the undefeated season of the Reds. The crowd is going nuts. I wonder if the San Jose Earthquakes ever had this sort of reception. (The sad thing is that all the Guatemalans know who the San Jose Earthquakes are. How many of you know who they are?)

10:15pm Finally exit the stadium to find my entire zone has lost power. Great. Now I have to walk home alone in utter darkness.

10:20pm While following someone home I realize that I´m going in the wrong direction.

10:30pm Backtrack to the stadium. Find my street. Walk slowly home trying to avoid the potholes and the mean looking stray dogs.

10:45pm Finally arrive home, 45 minutes later than it should have taken me.

11:00pm Sleep.

Sunday

6:45am Upon hearing a knock on my door I awake to realize that church starts in 15 minutes. Change clothes. Brush teeth. Skip shower. Double deodorant. Walk out the door.

6:55am My family already left. Not knowing where their church is I rush to the big church in the center of town.

7:05am Mass has already started. I enter during the Homily. Not seeing my family I find an empty row near the back. It’s difficult to understand what is being said because the sanctuary is so echo-y. The only thing I understand is Jorge Bush. Hmm…What could he be talking about.

7: 15am Whenever the priest goes to make the sign of the cross the church shouts “¡AHHHH HUECO!” Man, these fans sure are rabid.

7:40am I stand when everyone stands. I kneel when everyone kneels. I say a few prayers. Thank God for my safe travels, my family, and all of my collective experiences. It really is quite incredible praying in a church with so much history and beauty. But I can’t help but wonder how much it cost to build and maintain such a grand structure. When people can live on a few dollars a day, grandiosity is such a waste.

8:00am Mass ends. I walk over to the bread store and buy some bread for my family.

8:30am Breakfast. More Eggs. I also find out that no one knocked on my door this morning. Weird. How did I wake up?

The rest of the day consists of pedestrian activities such as talking, playing games, eating, watching movies etc… It was a good weekend overall.

A final observation… One of my favorite things about traveling in a foreign country is you are always making new friends. And friends seem to come rather quickly and easily. Often times you share a number of interests in common, not to mention that you are alone in a strange country. I’ve enjoyed all the new friends I have made. I miss all the old friends I have.

2005-05-13T11:10:00.000-07:00

Don Rafferty, su es la luz de mi vida....

Tonight, the swedes are celebrating a birthday. So off to the bar for drinks and food.

Tomorrow, a movie with one of the American volunteers down here. Will it be Triple-X 2 con Helado Cube or Cruzada con Orlando Bloom.

Tomorrow night, my first live football game. I hope I have the correct colors. I really don´t want half eaten oranges thrown at me.

Sunday, church with my family.

Sunday night another movie. Atame, directed by Pedro Almodóvar (Talk to her).

Currently on the radio, Counting Crows. I feel all tingly inside.

2005-05-12T14:32:00.000-07:00

Has anyone seen Star Wars III yet? Is it any good? I don´t think we´re going to get it down here. Maybe I´ll just buy it on the street.

C-Dawg: Pork Chop Sandwiches! Welcome to the rest of your life.

Dad-Dawg: Thanks for stopping by. You{d be surprised at what is popular down here. Mc Donalds, of course. AND Kentucky Fried Chicken, known as Pollo Campero (Country Chicken.) Also, everyone has a cell phone (Leach, if you´re reading this it seems that the Guates have surpassed you in technological ability.)

Buz-Bee: Play a hand of poker for me.

X.T.B.: Who are you and why are you on my blog? Show yourself! I remember the conversation but not the context.

Teddy-Bear: !Por Supuesto! Soy Fluento in Españolo. Asko me todo.

Lazlo-daddy: Cuando yo llegué in xela, ponía la machete en mis pantelones.

Jakey: Shatner. Get the whole CD. Stunning. The dogs are pets of course. But they have some strange nicknames for them, though. Like Al Pastor, Chile Verde, and 7-layer Burrito.