What is Freedom?

by SayHelloBlog, in category Heart to Heart

Freedom is living life the way it is meant to be lived.

You are free! Right? If you are reading this blog right now, I am guessing you are what most people consider free. You aren’t locked away somewhere, or held captive, and you aren’t fighting a war against tyranny. You are either sitting at your desk, at home on the couch, or sipping a latte in a cafe. You are free to get up and move around if you want to. You don’t have to ask to go to the bathroom, and you can probably decide to eat whatever it is you want for lunch.

I’ve been thinking a lot about freedom, especially with the 4th of July just a couple days away. No matter how many haters there are out there, I know I’ve been blessed to grow up in a country where freedom is as easy as breathing. It’s not something I think about that often, because it’s as common as getting up in the morning.

I could go on about how blessed we are here, and how some countries don’t experience the type of freedom we do in the States, but I want to take it a step further. Even though we live in a country where we are “free”, most of us do not live as if we are free.

At the opposite end of freedom is fear.

I am going to make a guess about your life, I am going to guess that no matter how brave you are, there is something in your life that holds you captive by fear. How can I make that guess when I don’t even know you? Because I know myself, and I am human, so I am going to guess we are the same. We both have something that holds us back from being completely free to do what we need to in life.

Fear is the opposite of freedom. Who would we be if we were completely free? If we were free of the fear of people not accepting us? Free of negative thoughts? Free to accept ourselves the way we are? Free of the fear of getting hurt? Free of the fear of losing something or someone? Free of the fear of being ordinary?

What would we do with our lives if we were completely fearless? When I say fearless I am not talking about jumping off a building or getting so close to the edge you fall, I am not talking about being suicidal. I am talking about simply being who you know you’re supposed to be or doing what you know you are called to do without fearing the obstacles, the failure, or the people who won’t accept you.

Freedom is not just about having an independence day, it’s about having a mind independent from fear.

Think about this: if you were completely free to be who you are, would you say what you think? If you didn’t fear people, failure, or your boss, what would you say and do differently? How would you act? What job would you take? Who would you talk to? Who would your friends be? If you didn’t fear people, would you stand up more for what was right? Would you stop others from being bullied? If you didn’t fear losing your job, would you be less stressed at work?

Having a mind independent from fear will influence the way you act. You will be free to love people, without the fear of them not loving you back. If you fear people not loving you, you will not feel free to love people. Fear paralyzes, but freedom liberates.

How do you get a mind free from fear? A mind that is truly free? I think the path might look different for each person, but I think most of us first have to acknowledge the fear in our life. If you don’t know it’s there how do you tell it to go? Acknowledge the fear, and then take your thoughts captive. Any fearful thought you have replace them with thoughts of freedom.

It’s quite possible that your thoughts are so fearful you might not even know what thoughts of freedom are.

Fearful thoughts:

Fear of failure: “I would love to do that, but I’d never be good enough and would only fail if I tried.”
Fear of being different: “They would never talk to someone like me.”
Fear of being disliked: “I can’t be friends with them, they might not like me.” “People will think I am weird if I am myself.”
Fear of being made fun of:”I can’t say something right now, people won’t get it.”
Fear of being misunderstood: “I wish I hadn’t said that, they don’t understand me.”
Fear of change: “I would never quit the job I hate, what else would I do?”

Freedom Thoughts:

“Failing is learning, it’s a process, and I will keep trying till I succeed.”
“I am going to talk to them, I am a conversation ninja.”
“People aren’t thinking about me all the time, only I think about me all the time, so what I think about me is more important than what people think about me.”
“I want to be friends with them, my friendship has value.”
“They need to hear what I have to say, even if it makes them uncomfortable.”
“My words have meaning and are powerful.”
“My life is valuable, and if I need to change to make progress I will, and nothing will stop me.”

I hope as you celebrate this week and you are able to get clarity on what your fears are and how you can become free from them. Even if it is just acknowledging them, writing them down, and then thinking about how to confront them and letting them go. Here’s to becoming completely free in all aspects of life!

Talk to you soon,

Ronda

Jun212016Aug 29 2018

Guide to a Perfect Weekend in Antigua, Guatemala

by SayHelloBlog, in category Central America, Tips, Travel

A Perfect Day in Antigua Guatemala

It’s been six weeks since I moved to Antigua, Guatemala, literally a dream come true. I have definitely had some ups and downs, but all in all it’s been an amazing adventure. From learning how to navigate the city on my little scooter (and nearly knocking over a line of motos), figuring out how to barter for bananas, and finding the most amazing licuados (smoothies) and coffee in town, I’ve never doubted this is where I am supposed to be.

The perfect day for me would include waking up and riding into town and sitting with a cappuccino from San Martin or a smoothie from Union. After spending a bit of time reading I might head over to the main square and walk through the park. I love seeing the lovely Mayan women out with their little niñitas all dressed up in colorful Mayan skirts and Huipiles (traditional garment worn by indigenous women in Guatemala). Later that afternoon I might catch a chicken bus to the Macadamia nut farm Valhalla for some Macadamia nut pancakes (so worth it).

To finish my perfect day, I would probably take a shower (it’s been hot here, which I’ve heard isn’t the norm) and then meet a friend at Angie Angie for some amazing pizza (La Flaca is my favorite).

Weekend Guide to Antigua Guatemala — San Martin Bakery

Why You Will Love Antigua, Guatemala

Antigua is a city that invites anyone to feel accepted walking the cobblestone streets, practicing your Spanish (or English). It has a small town feel and is a melting pot for foreigners learning Spanish, Expats, Mayans, students, families, and business owners. Truly, I believe there might be someone from every country here, it’s beautiful.

The Guatemalans are wonderful people, and are very gracious to share this pretty city with the travelers and expats. I know it’s probably not always an easy thing to do. I really admire them for that. If you walk down the street you are sure to get stopped by a few lovely women selling scarves and beautiful tapestry.

If you have a longer stay in Guatemala then Antigua is a great place to start, and you will love the options of tours that leave from Antigua. Some very popular day tours are Volcan Pacaya (hike a volcano), Filadelfia Coffee Tour, and Valhalla Macadamia Nut Tree farm.

If you have a little more time and want to do a longer tour and would like to get out of Antigua then Lago Atitlan, Semuc Champay, and Monterrico (imagine cheering on sea turtles after they hatch on a black sand beach with the sounds of waves and an orange sunset in the background) are great choices.

If you are planning to make a trip to Guatemala and Antigua is on your list, I hope you find this itinerary useful!

Where to Go and What to Do in Antigua

Free and/or Inexpensive Things To Do:

Parque Central–
People come here to relax, you will see many different families or couples sitting down just enjoying each others company. Also you will see many travelers either buying (as many Guatemalans come here to sell their hand made products) or reading a book. There are many benches to sit at and do some serious people watching.
Santo Domingo–
While this hotel is one of the prettiest in Antigua, it’s also one of the most expensive. Don’t let that stop you from visiting! You can walk around the hotel for free! It’s beautiful. The hotel is a popular for weddings, but also has a candle shop, chocolate shop, rum tasting room, spa, and a crypt! Walk around and experience a little bit of Antigua’s history.
Capuchinas–
A church and a convent that is definitely worth checking out. They also occasionally have concerts and music there.
Artisans Market–
There are a few different Artisans markets in town. One on the square next to La Casaca, one by the market close to the bus station, and the other is on the corner where 3 calle poniente meets 3 Avenida.
Filadelfia–
The Coffee Tour is very informative and the coffee is top notch. The tour is not free, but you can visit the farm for free, as it is a 15-20 minute walk from Antigua. (Here is my review of the coffee tour.)
Valhalla Macademia Nut Farm–
Even if you don’t love Macadamia nuts (which I do) you will love the free facials with Macadamia nut oil! How many other times in your life will you be able to visit a Macadamia Nut farm? I hope you go!
Pacaya–
This is an easier volcano to hike, and once at the top you can roast marshmallows over the smoldering lava. It’s an experience you don’t want to miss. You should be in some kind of shape to enjoy it, but you are only hiking up half way as the the shuttles drop you off half way up the volcano.

Lovely Restaurants:

San Martin–
This is a lovely chain. The service is wonderful, and there is a variety of food including great breakfast options. Even if you don’t eat there, go to the bakery, the mini eclairs are to die for and they have the best croissants in town.
El Sabor del Tiempo–
A lovely and romantic place to eat, also has a beautiful terrace. The atmosphere here is top notch (and so is the food)!
Cafe Sky–
They have the best nachos, I recommend ordering a limonada as well. The view is spectacular.
Hector’s Bistro–
A little more pricey but this place has amazing French food.
Pappy’s BBQ–
I am from Texas, so I know good barbecue! When I go to Pappy’s I feel like I am back in Texas, you won’t be disappointed.
Angie Angie–
In my opinion this place has the best pizza in town. Go on a Friday evening and take your significant other, the garden is beautiful and the music is lovely.
Toko Baru–
I don’t even like Indian food normally, but I love Toko Baru, plus for around $4.50 you get a lot of food, and it’s extremely fresh! Love this place!
Luna del Miel–
If you are looking for the best crepes in town, then Luna del Miel is your place. Plus the service is good and the upstairs is beautiful.

Cafes:

Epicure–
That perfect sandwich place, where you can also buy amazing cheeses and cold cuts. It also has beautiful garden where you can sit and order a lovely lunch.
Fernandos–
The coffee and chocolate here are possibly the best in town. I can’t say enough about this lovely cafe. They have something for everyone, plus it’s run by a lovely Guatemalan family, that will treat you like you are one of them. Don’t miss out.
Union Cafe–
Best smoothies hands down in Antigua. Plus if you are looking for a quiet spot to read check out the upstairs. The coffee here is quite good too, and they have a great selection of beers!
Sabe Rico–
The food is great here, but imagine sitting in among the flowers with a host of colorful parrots just waiting to welcome you to their secret garden? This is another place you don’t want to miss.
Rainbow Cafe–
Wednesdays they have open mic, but they have an amazing inexpensive breakfast as well. Their Eggs Benedict are great when you are missing brunch from the States.
La Casaca–
Order a coffee and go upstairs, the view of Central Park and the volcanoes will start your day off right.
Doña Luisa–
You can smell the banana bread outside on the street when you walk by Doña Luisa. You can buy a half or a whole loaf. Their wheat bread is delicious as well.
Pitaya–
This place is fresh, and has some great vegetarian dishes. I recommend their Choconut or Vita-C (Passionfruit) Smoothies.

Desert

Helados Exoticos –
Seriously get ice cream here. For 20Q you can choose from over 10 unique flavors including 5 Flavors of Chocolate, Ginger Peach, Maple Hazelnut (a creamy flavor with Nutella), Pistachio Rose, and so many other unique concoctions you will find a new favorite!
Ganache– For the ladies, it’s beautiful place with lovely desserts and coffees as well as breakfast.
Choco Museo (Chocolate Museum)-
Do you dream of being a Chocolatier? Take a chocolate making class here!
Choco La La–
Located by the famous yellow arch, this chocolate place has the most unique flavors in Antigua.

Bars

Tabacos Y Vinos (Wine Bar)-
A lovely place to meet your friends and drink a couple glasses of wine! It’s right under the yellow arch! It’s a must! You will meet some amazing people here as there is one main table to share your travel stories at.
El Ocelot–
A fun place to hang out and make new friends, plus get the street style tacos, best tacos in town!
The Londoner–
This place is has a unique atmosphere, and it makes me think of some bars we have in Dallas. It’s cool spot for sure.
Mono Loco–
I can’t not mention the Mono Loco, mainly because of the massive nachos and good prices and fun atmosphere. But if you aren’t found of tourist traps…then skip it. There are too many other great places to eat at.

Coffee
GuateJava–
Some of the sweetest people in Antigua and they roast their own coffee here. If you are a coffee lover you won’t be disappointed at GuateJava!
Union Cafe–
They have great smoothies yes, but their coffee is just as good. I’ve included Union Cafe twice, can you tell I love this place?
Coffee Bloom–
This place is super cute. It has a lovely upstairs area where you can escape the city, their coffee is perfect too.
Fernandos–
They roast their own beans, and many people think they have some of the best beans in town.
San Martin–
Inside San Martin is a cute little coffee bar if you want a place to sit and read for awhile. The chairs are super comfy and though their coffee is consistently good.

Tours and Shuttles

If you walk around Antigua just for 10 minutes you will probably pass a little tourism shop with information on tours to pretty much any where in the country and beyond. Though you probably can’t go too wrong with any of them, I can only recommend one because it’s the only one I have used.

Trans-land

Till next time!

Going to Antigua? Download my 13 page guide to Antigua Guatemala! Also get access to this free gift (The Travel’s/Blogger’s Guide to Photography) by signing up for my newsletter PLUS get a second free gift, the Stock Photo Bundle for Bloggers.

Click here for your free gifts!

Subscribe to sign up for free stock photos, travel inspiration, and photography tips sent to your inbox every month. I promise not to spam you. I aim for one newsletter per month filled with lovely photos, freebies for you, photography and travel tips.

Jun92016Jun 9 2016

20 Reasons You Should Celebrate Growing Older

by SayHelloBlog, in category Heart to Heart

Getting Older is not Always Easy

Is it easy to get older? I feel like it must be for some people, and then for others it’s more difficult, though none of us can escape it and it’s completely out of our control. My early 20’s I never really thought about it, then when I turned 26 something snapped, and I cried, I cried a lot. I decided getting older was something I hadn’t prepared for well. I didn’t like it. From then on every birthday came with celebration and a bit of sadness, ok, a lot of sadness. Not only did I complain to my friends about getting one year older, I heard other people complain as well. It was like every birthday became one big pity party.

20 Reasons to Celebrate Growing Older — Banana Pancakes and Cappuccino from San Martin

It wasn’t always completely sad though, I would be lying if I said I cried on every birthday. My 30th birthday was a blast, and I felt relieved to be in my 30’s, and somehow felt I could escape all the expectations I put on myself in my 20’s. Single in your 30’s? It’s like the world finally opens up and you can do whatever you want!

Reality was though, I still celebrated with sadness, when I turned 31 and 32. At 33 I tried to ignore it all together, I wanted to skip my birthday. Geeze, how dumb is that?! Then I realized something, at 26 I was SO young. Why would I cry about being 26? That year was awesome. Am I gonna do that to myself the rest of my life? No. NO. The sadness has to stop. Some people don’t live past their teens, or their 20’s. Why in the world would I give in to the idea that getting older is somehow sad? When it is, quite the opposite, the most lovely blessing in the world!?

It’s Time to Stop Being Sad on Your Birthday

So right before I had my 34th Birthday here in Guatemala, I decided something, I decided no more sadness! No more mourning the loss of another year gone by, and the added year to my age. No more crying over the fact that I am moving closer to being half way to another decade older. No more wining to my friends about how old I am. I am done with that, who needs sadness when you are simply living life and gaining birthdays…because you are human?

So the reality is if you are sad every time you add another year to your age, you are admitting that being human is sad, that something out of your control is bringing you down. Here are my reasons for why you should celebrate turning another year older, I hope you will agree, and like me, save all that sadness and wining for something that is legitimately a bummer, aka losing a Basketball game, or having your favorite t-shirt ruined.

Reasons to Celebrate Getting Older

You are wiser than you were last year, don’t forget the lessons you’ve learned.
You are closer to achieving your dreams, even if you feel they are still far away, you are one year closer to them.
You are alive! If you’ve gained another year to your life, that means you are living, what’s a more happy thought than that?
You’ve had ups and downs throughout the year, and you’ve survived it all.
You are a year older, so you are becoming better at life, and you make better decisions.
Getting older is a POSITIVE thing, not a negative. Being positive is healthy, and keeps you looking younger.
When you celebrate your life and growing old, you are more beautiful regardless of how many wrinkles you have (or are starting to have).
You can love deeper and love purer than ever before, because you’ve been through things, you’ve had your heart broken, and you’ve learned to love people anyway.
You can be more vulnerable with the people you love.
You are older, so you care less what people think of you.
You know who you are, you don’t struggle figuring out what you want (and even if you do struggle a little bit, you are getting better at figuring out what you want)
Because you have lived a bit, you are better at helping others.
Your understanding of how the world works is growing.
You still believe that dreams can come true, even when your own dreams have been crushed or bruised.
You know what it’s like to fail, and you know what it’s like to succeed, and you haven’t given up yet.
You understand your parents better.
You have more responsibility, but you know how to be responsible.
You can enjoy a lovely evening staying in, you don’t always feel the need to go out.
You are more sympathetic to people in your life, because you’ve been there.

…and number 20:

You are a year older, it’s simple. One year older, at what ever age you are is really the only reason you need to celebrate! Here’s to many more years!

Talk to you soon,

Ronda

Jun62016Jun 6 2016

Filadelfia Coffee Tour, Antigua Guatemala

by SayHelloBlog, in category Central America, Travel

The Filadelfia Coffee Tour

After being in Antigua for a month, I finally figured out how to get to the Filadelfia coffee plantation for a coffee tour. Filadelfia Coffee Plantation is not in Antigua, but close, oh so close. Don’t let the names of different towns around Antigua fool you (Santa Ana, Jocotenango), it all seems like Antigua to me (though I would probably be frowned at for saying it). To me it feels like all the little towns outside Antigua are a part of Antigua. As for Filadelfia Coffee Plantation, it’s considered outside of Antigua, and it is. But it takes less than 10 minutes to get there (by car), or at least it felt like less than 10 minutes. You could easily walk there as well. So if you are staying in Antigua there really isn’t any excuse not to go to this beautiful plantation.

There are three coffee tours during the day. You get a free ride to the plantation from Antigua and a ride back. You can’t beat that. Not only do you get a free ride but you get to ride in this legit coffee farm truck, it feels like you are on a safari, literally, but the best kind of safari, a coffee safari.

You meet at the “las Capuchinas” which is a church located where 2 ave Norte and 2a Calle Pointe cross. If you’re not sure where that is, jump in any “tuk tuk” and ask to go to las Capuchinas and they will know where to take you.

I went to the afternoon coffee tour, and was told to be at las Capuchinas to be picked up 40 minutes before the tour started. You can always call and ask what time the tours are and what time you need to be at “las Capuchinas”. Here is a link to the contact information.

What I Liked and Disliked About the Coffee Tour

I want to be completely honest, I’ve done my share of coffee farm tours, so if this is your first one, you will probably enjoy it. It’s fun to ride in the truck, it’s interesting to tour the farm, and see all the equipment that is used. You get a very informative tour in English or Spanish, whatever your preference. The guide knew his stuff, and I learned a lot. The tour was a little under 2 hours, and though I enjoyed it, I felt that $18 was a little on the high side.

During the tour you visit two places to learn about coffee, the nursery where there are young plants a couple months to a year, and then you take the truck to visit the 5 year old plants that produce fruit. After that you get a tour of the facility where they package and roast the beans. At the end of the tour, you get a choice of trying 1 espresso or an Americano (espresso plus water). I think this is where I got a little bit sad. I felt like for $18 I at least should get a choice of a cappuccino. This might not be a big deal to some people, because I realize if you really want to taste your coffee, you don’t want milk to ruin it. I think for the price, there could have been more choices. That’s all I am sayin’.

What I Recommend If You Don’t Want to Spend Money on the Tour

I think the best deal is to get the free ride and walk through the plantation yourself. There is also a restaurant, and you can buy coffee, without paying for the tour. Now if you know nothing about coffee and this might be your one chance to tour a coffee plantation, I think the tour is worth it for you.

Filadelfia is also a Resort, a 4 star hotel, and it’s reflected in the price of the rooms. There are other tour options as well, including mountain bike riding, birdwatching, camping, and paintball (yes paintball). Check out the website here.

I have a love/hate relationship with coffee. I am intrigued by the farming and production of coffee and the coffee culture that has swept the world. I am obsessed with drinking it, but for health reasons I can’t drink more than a cup a week, and try to do less than that. So even though I can’t drink it as much as I would like to, I will continue seeking out the coffee farms in Guatemala. I hope to do a few more reviews while I am here. I hope you get the chance to go to Filadelfia!

Talk to you soon,

Ronda

May282016Aug 21 2018

Corpus Christi in Antigua, Guatemala

by SayHelloBlog, in category Central America, Travel

Corpus Christi, A Beautiful Celebration

Corpus Christi is a Catholic Holiday. At least that is what someone told me in Antigua on the day I got to see this beautiful procession. In preparation for the procession many people throughout the town were outside setting up lovely flower displays on the ground and watering them to keep them from wilting before the parade reached them.

The celebration comes after Easter Sunday. It was instituted basically as a way to celebrate the Lord’s Supper. If you would like to read more about the Feast of Corpus Christi this is a good article.

The Catholic Church and Most of the Town in Antigua Participate in Corpus Christi

In Antigua there is quite a bit of food, and some dishes are especially made for this day. I think one of my favorite parts was the little children dressed up like angels. So sweet.

It’s incredible to be here and experience the culture. The people are respectful of each religious Holiday they participate in. You can see it in their faces from the procession participants to those setting up the flowers in the streets. You could feel the connection of the whole town working to pull off this day.

I mostly wanted to share how beautiful the town is when they decorate with flowers! Here are a few more!

I hope you are enjoying the weekend!

Talk to ya soon!

Ronda

Want to take better photos on your next trip? Download my book with secrets to taking great travel photos! I created it for travelers and travel bloggers. It’s 20 pages of beautiful photos and photography tips. Get access to this free gift by signing up for my newsletter PLUS get a second free gift, the Stock Photo Bundle for Bloggers.

Click here to for your free gifts!

Subscribe to sign up for free stock photos, travel inspiration, and photography tips sent to your inbox every month. I promise not to spam you. I aim for one newsletter per month filled with lovely photos, freebies for you, photography and travel tips.

May272016Dec 19 2016

The Best Banana Bread in Guatemala

by SayHelloBlog, in category Central America, Travel

If you are a local in Antigua, or even a visiter who has been here at least a week (or less), you know where the best banana bread in town is! Doña Luisa Xicotencatl is located on 4a Calle Poniente between 3a Avenida Norte and 2a Avenida Norte. It’s a pretty popular spot. On entering the bakery, the smell of fresh banana bread is so deliciouly strong it’s hard to resist buying a loaf or two. You can buy half a loaf, but why not just get the whole thing? It’s 25 Quetzales, which is around $3.25.

Today everything has started to make sense. I made several trips on my scooter without hitting a single motorcycle. I bought a beautiful mug that was made in Lago Atitlan (which hopefully I will get to visit on my birthday). And when I got home today I made hot cocoa to go with my banana bread.

I recently figured out that I can hang my hammock out on my patio, and to be honest, if the bugs leave me alone, this place will feel even more like home. On my way back to mi casa, after picking up the banana bread, I picked up a few fresh flowers to practice photography.

My patio is lovely and is perfect for lifestyle photography. So hopefully I will be doing quite a bit more of that.

After running errands and doing a bit of photography I did some hammock time while watching Mi Vecino Totoro. It only takes a few minutes for me in a hammock to completely relax. The air was fresh and cool today, at least in the shade. I am waiting on the rain, I can’t wait for the smell of rain while drinking coffee on the patio.

I was thinking how easy it was for me to imagine what life would be like here before I got here. I can say for sure things are not ever quite how you imagine them, but I definitely could get used to this.

Antigua is not how I remembered it from years ago, it seems busier and more crowded. But my house is nice, it’s out of the way of all the craziness, and it makes going into town a nice break from the quiet. It’s a good mix.

That’s it for tonight, I mostly wanted to share some of the photos I worked on today.

Talk to ya soon,

Ronda

May262016Aug 21 2018

Why Moving to Another Country is Harder Than You Think

by SayHelloBlog, in category Central America, Tips, Travel

Moving to Another Country

Over three weeks ago I moved to Antigua, a beautiful old colonial town in the heart of Guatemala (not to be confused with Antigua and Barbuda Islands). I’ve been dreaming of moving to Guatemala for quite some time now. My plan was, stay in an AirBnb until I found a house to rent, rent the house, and then live happily ever after! Well not really. I didn’t buy a one way ticket, I made sure I had a return ticket, just in case I got stopped at immigration. Besides, I am trying this move out for three months to decide if I want to make it more permanent, so the return ticket gives me a chance to go home and reflect.

What's it's Like to Move to Another Country — My little house in Antigua

I’ve visited Antigua several times. I love how beautiful it is. I love the culture, the volcanoes, the abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables. It’s relatively inexpensive to live here and the people are wonderful. From the volcanoes surrounding the town, to the cobblestone streets, to the lovely mayan women in with their colorful dress, to the women who make fresh tortillas and the ladies who sell fresh mango on the street, Antigua really is a magical place.

Life in Antigua

If you don’t have a car, well and even if you do, you spend a lot of time walking. Parking just isn’t great in the city, and traffic is ridiculous. Unless you get a scooter, then parking isn’t so bad, but traffic is still ridiculous. So if you ever think of me, and what I am doing here, think of me walking, I do a lot of walking. I walk to the store, I walk to the coffee shop, I walk to the cell phone place, I walk back home to get my passport, then walk back to the cell phone place (also known as Tigo). Even though now I have a scooter…I still walk, a lot. I don’t think I need a gym, I get my exercise.

The rainy season is supposed to start in May, I guess since it’s the end of May then it won’t start till June. My tuk tuk driver today said not to be fooled, the rainy season will be surprising us any day now. I hope so, I love the rain. I am ready to sit out in my hammock every afternoon and listen to the rain, with a cup of tea, and some Jack Johnson.

Adjusting to Living in Another Country

As lovely as this all sounds let me be very clear, this is quite possibly the hardest thing I have ever done. It could have been easier, I could have made sure I got a house that was more bug proof than mine is, but I fell in love with the patio, surrounded by beautiful gardens. Lovely flowers bring hummingbirds, which I get to watch during the day. All the shrubs and greenery also bring a beautiful variety of spiders. All shapes and sizes. And those spiders come right into my house. Luckily now for two days I have had no spiders, but it also hasn’t rained. So I am not holding my breath.

The 2nd day on my scooter I hit a motorcycle, a parked motorcycle. Imagine if that motorcycle had been moving. I’ve seen other foreigners (aka tall blond Australian girls) whip in and out of parking places on their scooters. I on the other hand have to turn mine off before I am completely parked because I am afraid I’ll drive right over the curb and hit a pedestrian. The first day I drove so bad a Guatemalan man rolled down his window and in a thick accent yelled “Yu can DO it!” I thought I couldn’t have embarrassed myself more until I hit the motorcycle and brought out people from dining inside their restaurants.

So after three weeks, I can’t just turn around and go home can I? I’ve definitely thought about it. What I’ve concluded from week 3, is that life in another country is hard, at least compared to Texas. Living in Texas is easy, SO easy.

What I Miss About Home

In Texas there is air conditioning, clean water from the faucet, you don’t have to bleach your vegetables to eat them, and houses are built to keep spiders out. Cars are affordable and most every one has them. Couches, couches in Texas are wonderful. I miss my couch. Jobs pay you enough to live, I could earn more at a fast food restaurant than some teaching salaries in Guatemala. Also, as much as it shames me to admit it, I miss Starbucks.

But the people in Guatemala will touch your heart, which kind of defeats any comfort I could have at home. Also I love my garden and the hummingbirds and butterflies that visit every day. I feel like every day is an adventure. I brought my camera, so needless to say I am in photography heaven. So I think I will stay for awhile, and try to get comfortable. Maybe adjusting to the differences won’t be too bad, maybe I’ll end up falling in love with Guatemala.

Have you recently moved to another country? What was it like for you? Was it easy to adjust or more difficult than you thought? I would love to hear from you!

Talk to you soon,

Ronda

The Travel Blogger’s Guide to Photography is a 20 page guide with beautiful photos and photography tips. Download and learn how to become a better travel photographer! Get access to this free gift by signing up for my newsletter PLUS get a second free gift, the Stock Photo Bundle for Bloggers.

Click here to for your free gifts!

Subscribe to sign up for free stock photos, travel inspiration, and photography tips sent to your inbox every month. I promise not to spam you. I aim for one newsletter per month filled with lovely photos, freebies for you, photography and travel tips.