Spanish Abroad

3 Days to Go!!!!!!!!!

2008-07-18T15:10:00.000-07:00

Only 3 days to go until we depart! Today was our final class and final exam. My score was an 86% and I am extremely shocked yet enthusiastic. This was a great accomplishment for me and something I am proud of. We also received our certificates of completion for our 40 hours of Spanish. I will miss my teachers dearly and I will always remember their kindness. These characteristics are a rarity in America.
Everyone here in Guatemala are always upbeat and look at everything on a positive note. The majority of the citizens here have never left Guatemala but have the burning desire to escape if only for a night. As strong devoted Catholics, Guatemalans have a way of living that would shock Americans. They are not rich materialistically but they are richer than us in love and respect. The families are generational still together and find it rather disrespectful for a child to leave their parents home, unless with a husband. Maybe we should bring home these customs to America and it might just improve our country.

Finally in Tikal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-07-13T08:38:00.000-07:00

Good morning all and welcome to Flores! This is the message we received, in Spanish of course, when we arrived at our hotel. La Casona de la isla is amazingly beautiful and is located on an island. Here in Flores we are surrounded by a beautiful river that is miles long and beautiful at every angle. We finally have a chance to swim so every other hour is spent in the pool or river!
Tikal is one experience I am grateful for but will never do it again. The rain forest is crawling with wildlife, but for me, too much life! The insects were viciously attacking me on every visible inch of my flesh! We witness spider monkeys at play and hollering monkeys hollering. LOL! I got the chance to see a Toucan and many other beautiful birds. Did you know that there are over 200 species of animals in the rain forest and about 380 species of birds also? Leaving you with food for thought, time to pack and head back on our plane to Antigua.

Hasta Luego!

Three Days and Still Holding Strong!!!!!!!

2008-07-08T13:37:00.000-07:00

I have spent two and a half days in Guatemala and i am already homesick! I never thought being away from my family would almost bring me to tears. My host family is just as sweet and they take excellent care of us. Although everything is done differently, the common courtesy rules remain. Actually being in Guatemala is the complete opposite of what i imagined but is still a great experience.
I am anticipating going to Tical this weekend and hiking the volcano. My nerves are a bit shot but once we start i will get over it. Can you blame me? My school is amazing and my teacher, Lilian, is extremely patient with my group. Can you believe that the majority of our rooms are located out doors? The view is still amazing! Yet and still I am anticipating the moment my feet touch America!!!!

Adios

The Journey to Guatemala!!!!

2008-06-21T08:09:00.000-07:00

My name is Charnise Baldwin and I am a junior at MetEast High School. Five days a week I juggle demanding school work and an important job at Shop Rite. My hobbies are reading, writing, and learning foreign languages and cultures. In about two weeks I will travel to Antigua, Guatemala. My school has received a grant for 15 of our students to study not only Spanish but also the culture of Guatemalans. This a once in a lifetime opportunity and I am ecstatic that I was able to take advantage of this opportunity.
I am anticipating this entire trip! I have never traveled to another country so from the moment I step on cobblestone of Antigua to the second I step on the staircase of our home bound plane, will be an unforgettable experience. I am looking forward to our trip to Ticaul and meeting the people at our home stay. Although we will have class, this what I am anticipating the most. Spanish seems like such a complex language, which makes my desire to learn intensify. My only concern about this trip is that we will not have the time to see everything Antigua has to offer.