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I'm finally in a hotel with free internet and can start telling you what an incredible thing this trip to Guatemala has been. I have a tendency to fall in love with places, but anybody who came here would fall for this one. Of course, I've been in two of the best parts of it (Antigua and Lake Atitlan), but everybody, natives and expats alike, has been open, warm, welcoming, funny, friendly, and happy. The family I lived with for two and a half weeks lived all five in one room so they could rent their other rooms to students--never once in that time did I hear a cross word or a raised voice, just laughter and hugs and good times. More than once I've been in a cafe and found that I didn't have quite enough for the bill (so used to plastic, I forget to count before I order) or that they didn't have change, and no one ever cared or worried about getting their money (which of course meant that I was there the next day with an extra tip). I haven't experienced that, ever, in the USA. I also never felt odd or strange to be a woman traveling alone. I suspect they get a lot of unusual Americans here, so one more doesn't attract a glance. And best of all, yes, my Spanish is much, much better--I can actually communicate (again, bear in mind that these folks are quite forgiving and very, very used to people learning the language). I'll post pictures in about a week when I'm back to my own computer, and lots more about where I went and what I did, but first I have to spend some days in still-frozen Chicago. Brrr. I'd prefer to stay here with only earthquakes and volcanoes to worry about, but would like to see Mr. Bill for a little while--and Tristan and Isolde on Monday!

Happy birthday, D'H, and happy, happy wedding, Angeyja!!!

ETA: Here Feb. 14 is Día del Cariñoso, or Day of Affection, and apparently isn't just for couples (though that's big) but for everyone you care about. So much love to all! Hope your day is filled with love of all kinds.