Happy Holidays

Title: Happy Holidays

You might think from this post that I've taken up photography as a hobby. I'd give more credit to the amazing views and less to the point-and-click camera

"So the volcano erupts and everyone is trying to move down the hill. You choose to move up." - My Peace Corps buddies

Since my return back to Guatemala in October, it's been a whirlwind...lots going on. I'm happy to say moving up to one of the villages was one of several good decisions I've made lately. And don't worry I'm completely safe.

I've realized that my time in this town of mine is coming to a close, so I need to enjoy and spend more time with these people who have been so hospitable to me. My (new) host family talked about cutting coffee together over a year ago. Saturday I delivered on that promise. Just the little things that let them know I'm still here...

In my new house, it's a downsize. I have incredible views from my front door and bedroom window. 

Yes this is a glimpse of my evenings after work. Fully aware that these are all the same photos, but every night it's something new:

This shot is awesome, the smoke looks like cuernos de un toro. I'll let you look that up

So my new house has a view of my volcano to the east, and two towering volcanoes to the West. More conversations about maiz, frijol, and cafe (corn, beans, and coffee) and less politics. Speaking of coffee, as I enjoy an amazing cup of Joe I look out to miles and miles of coffee trees and avocado plantations. Tonight I will fall asleep to the birds instead of the drunks and sound of motorcycles.

Basically - my town of 8,000 was too big for me...and life in the village is much more tranquilo. Plus, I am now smack dab in the middle of my 2 offices, the municipal office and the volcano. Yes my office is a volcano...

This is not a dig on my old house or the town in which I've roamed my last year and 8 months. I truly had a great setup and an awesome landlord who taught me more than I can imagine about agriculture. The ambiance of San Vicente will never be topped, walking through the Park at night and hanging out with buddies on street corners, the dances (almost) every weekend, the basketball games every Saturday night. The quick trip to the store to buy a tomato that took one hour. This move came with a lot of consideration but I feel it's the best thing for me at the moment.

My last few months I want to be up in the hills. Closer to the villages where I want to focus my work. Every afternoon I have to be walking outdoors to get to where I need to go, clearing my head. I have access to hundreds of more great running trails. I have to haul my fruits and vegetables up a hill for 20-minutes through the coffee fields. So far, as I've said, all smiles. Some pictures:

So you saw my photos at sunset - this is what I take in every morning

This is my house, and my little front patio 

My house one day after move-in. Don't worry I keep it in better condition

Lastly, it had been awhile since I hung out with my good friends that I came into country with almost 2 years ago. 

We spent an awesome week together for the Thanksgiving festivities with a Turkey Day football game and a massive feast. Two days later we embarked on a cold, yet awesome night camping on Central America's highest point - Volcano Tajamulco at 4,200 meters (13,776ft.). Ps, we won the football game.

Be careful, these pictures might make you quit your job...

Look to the right of the sunrise...you can see the same volcano peaks that I have from my front patio...and that gives you an idea of how high we really are.

Ah si! Don Miguel signing off....enjoy those hot showers