We Began the semester with two weeks at Concord College in Winnipeg |
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Students did research projects, attended classes,
(including a worship seminar with Steve Bell) led a chapel service, went on a weekend
retreat with the whole Concord student body, and prepared for their up-coming cross
cultural experience. |
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Then, on to......Guatemala |
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Three flights in one day and each one went smoothly. Students
picked up their luggage at the same time as their Director. (Wally Schmidt had arrived one
week earlier to set the details in motion, and while he stopped in Guatemala his luggage
just kept on going.) Spirits were high. The dogs at customs were also looking for a "high"...but of quite another nature. We are glad no one tried to sneak in a stash of farmer sausage to tide them over the three months to come. |
1st day-- A tour of Guatemala City and introduction to the culture. |
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We are just moving into a 3 month flowering season. Below you can see the center of Government as well as the Cathedral, both on the Main square. |
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| We found this relief map of Guatemala fascinating! Built to scale over 50 years ago, it took several years to complete and covers over an acre. The city of Antigua (pop.40,000) sits at the base of the 3 Volcanoes. (center right of photograph) San Juan del Obispo ( pop. 4000) where students are billeted is the farthest of the three, 4 miles south and slightly up the base of the volcano known as Agua or "water". Parents will no doubt be relieved that it is not the volcano Fuego or "Fire". It comes by its name honestly and regularly. However, the city of Antigua ( not to be confused with the island of Antigua) is 500 years old and we think our chances are good for safety and adventure. |  |
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Arrival in the village of San Juan del Obispo |
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Students were warmly greeted by staff of APPE, the language school providing our study and home billeting the first 8 weeks. Then one by one, families from the village came to meet and take home their new "family" member. |
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We toured the local Catholic Monastery, provoking various responses. | ||
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The streets of San Juan. While not the most modern we are told they are very safe. | ||
Scenes from Antigua |
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About 25 cents will get you a bus ride to Antigua. | ||
  If you like centuries old arches,
doorways and buildings set in a back drop of cobble stone streets...you'd love Antigua.
Apparently the U.S. President will meet here with officials from Guatemala to
discuss the affects of hurricane Mitch.
Below, a student displays treasure purchased in barter with local merchants in the town square as a beautiful horse literally dances by to the music of the 20 piece police brass band playing out from under a 400 year old archway nearby. (Is that a full sentence or what?) |
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Sundown, with the slope of the Volcano just
visible above the trees. |
3 Early Morning scenes as The town begins to stir.
