Meeting the Neighbors

Not long after I arrived, the drinking water dispenser ran out. To replace the water requires strength and dexterity. The water bottle is a 5 gallon container that must be lifted about eye level and turned upside down over the dispenser. I decided I would go out in the neighborhood and ask someone to help me. I saw the neighbor next door outside. She has two adult sons living with her and she told me she would send one of them over later to change out my water bottle, but right now she and another neighbor were headed walking to a free cultural event in the area. Nolly, Sarita, Sarita’s 6-year old grandson and I walked about 4 blocks to a huge Catholic church. The street next to the church had been blocked off and circus type tent had been set up for the folkloric ballet. There was a marimba group that provided the music for the dances. A concession stand was set up just outside the tent for those who didn’t have dinner before coming. Once the dances began, I was totally captivated. I had no idea that Marimba could be so beautiful or that Guatemala had so many folkloric dances. This was also the first time for me to hear the Guatemala’s national anthem.

Nolly also invited me to go walking the next morning with her and two other ladies from the neighborhood—Betty and Carmen Yolanda. Thus began a daily routine of exercise. We walk from 4:45 to 5:45 every morning. Yes, this really is too early for me, but Carmen Yolanda goes to work early.