Panza Verde

Forgive my absence lately, I´m travelling in Guatemela for a bit and despite the abundance of internet cafes, I don´t have a lot of time or quetzales (the local currency and the national bird) for blog updates. I can tell you that I´m safe and sound, enjoying a relaxing night in Antigua. Antigua is known for the volcanoes that surround it and its people are called "panza verde" (green belly) for all the avocadoes they´re known to consume. I´m of course doing my best to get the full panza verde experience. It´s also known for dozens of Spanish language schools that fill its cobbled streets, and with them an abundance of international students, tourists, and residents. My hotel is run by gringos, the cafes and restaurants are filled with white people speaking English, the local climbing guide is from California, and a British dude just showed me his fragrance and aromatherapy shop. In fact, there seem to be so many English speakers here you don´t even need to learn Spanish. hmmm...