Holy crap- I've been in Guatemala for a month! It is such a strange feeling because the culture shock has worn off and so many things seem normal now. This is the longest I've been out of the country so I guess it makes sense. Oh I hope I don't forget how to drive a car when I get back. I've really been taking advantage of my ability to walk everywhere or take a Tuc-Tuc when I'm lazy or it's dark out and I'm alone.
Here are some random observations that I figured I'd share with you. If you want to know the anecdotes behind any of these, just let me know.
1. Ziplining for the second time is even better than the first.
2. Women here have no problem breastfeeding in public- something that I'm still forming an opinion on but would cause quite a debate in the US.
3. The paper towels here are way too thin to be used as paper towels. They might as well be toilet paper. May have been used as toilet paper when I ran out.
4. Henna is fun. But not when it takes 2 hours by a weird guy who won't stop talking the whole time about his "Space Philosophy".
5. I haven't worn make-up in weeks and it feels incredible. Although I am conscious of what I am wearing to be culturally appropriate, it has been great to not be concerned with how I look all the time.
6. Friendly people are the greatest. I have met some incredible people lately all from our ability to make eye contact and then start a conversation. This is the thing I am most grateful for during my time here.
Film Update: I have the basic skeleton created for 2 short videos. I love the editing process but I have been feeling pretty unmotivated and frustrated when it comes to gathering more footage. I finally figured out why. It is because unlike in narrative film making, here I don't have much control over what passes through my lens. I'll have a great shot set up and people walk in front of the camera and not care. The Guatemalan kids love cameras and jump up and down in front of it. Or they think I'm taking a photo so when they see me, they stop whatever cute thing they were doing, look straight at the camera, and stand still.
Here's to two more weeks in this beautiful country and the relationships I'll continue to form before I leave.
Here are some random observations that I figured I'd share with you. If you want to know the anecdotes behind any of these, just let me know.
1. Ziplining for the second time is even better than the first.
2. Women here have no problem breastfeeding in public- something that I'm still forming an opinion on but would cause quite a debate in the US.
3. The paper towels here are way too thin to be used as paper towels. They might as well be toilet paper. May have been used as toilet paper when I ran out.
4. Henna is fun. But not when it takes 2 hours by a weird guy who won't stop talking the whole time about his "Space Philosophy".
5. I haven't worn make-up in weeks and it feels incredible. Although I am conscious of what I am wearing to be culturally appropriate, it has been great to not be concerned with how I look all the time.
6. Friendly people are the greatest. I have met some incredible people lately all from our ability to make eye contact and then start a conversation. This is the thing I am most grateful for during my time here.
Film Update: I have the basic skeleton created for 2 short videos. I love the editing process but I have been feeling pretty unmotivated and frustrated when it comes to gathering more footage. I finally figured out why. It is because unlike in narrative film making, here I don't have much control over what passes through my lens. I'll have a great shot set up and people walk in front of the camera and not care. The Guatemalan kids love cameras and jump up and down in front of it. Or they think I'm taking a photo so when they see me, they stop whatever cute thing they were doing, look straight at the camera, and stand still.
Here's to two more weeks in this beautiful country and the relationships I'll continue to form before I leave.