Transition

Today a co-worker in DC sent me this article about the problems finding change (money) in Guatemala.

http://marketplace.publicradio.org/display/web/2007/09/27/guatemala_has_big_money_problem/

This article sets the stage for a transitional blog entry for a host of reasons:
1. NPR has picked up on my blog and is now running stories about my observations abroad.
2. The story is about my city of Xela in Guatemala.
3. Last night I watched my first pro soccer game, DC v. Mexico, at the DC stadium. I am continuing to practicar espanol at soccer games, with a co-worker, and in my head... that's right. What does this have to do with the article? Time's proximity.
4. A friend I studied with in Guatemala was in town this week.

For those just entering the blogstream of climbingamountain, I have moved from the mountains of Guatemala to wearing heels in Washington DC. I started my first full time real job last week and have a retirement plan and everything.

Also, I now have a digital camera. Go figure. So I hope to use it for DC pics soon. The sad news is that my trusty law school computer has clunked out on me. She was a trusty but temporamental machine, and I'm not letting her off this easy. We will be back in coffee shops together on wireless soon. In the meantime, I am enjoying the Southeast DC public library's free internet access for 1 hr and 10 minute periods. Extra kudos to the library for recently ordering Kristin Gore's new book (on cd), Sammy's House. This is the second in a series about a Washington DC staffer who mymics Bridget Jones in clumsiness with decisions and love. I love it because it's about my new city, politics, people my age, and funny funny. The first book, Sammy's Hill, was my travel research guide last summer before I moved here.

And now we have completely transitioned to DC. Welcome to the new journey with me! I look forward to our twists and turns on the comment board!

Much love from our nation's capital.

Guatemala Sneak Peak

It's official. This blog will soon move to Guatemala with me as we study spanish and volunteer from late June to late August. I hope my spanish skills return with ease so I can move into the countryside and study while living on an old coffee plantation.

My goal is to enhance my language skills so I can feel close to fluent in at least one additional language. At the same time, I wanted to choose a location other than home where I can live in a new environment, too. Secondarily, though also key in my choice of location, is that I want to see what this international development is all about by volunteering from within. This led me to Xela, where many spanish schools incorporate social justice opportunities into part of the day. Aside from volunteering at a women's prison, in Xela salsa lessons, architecture, and my host family's life style will enhance the whole experience.

Lastly, I will have a few days to travel. Maybe I'll have to escape the high elevation...I've always wanted to live in mountains and already I'm planning my descent?? Xela is in the mountains and I will be there during rainy season. You can be sure my favorite H&M sweater will make it into my backpack. The weather in Xela will be shocking compared to DC. I have heard about this cave trekking experience from more than 2 friends. It's at the top of my list if I get a chance to travel.

In preparation for the summer, I'm embarking on a literary adventure through Guatemalan history and politics. Silence on the Mountain follows an American traveler who unravels the mysterious burning of a barn that is intimately tied to Mayan history, coffee plantations, and the country's story. Well written. Next I'm going to read an account by a young Guatemalan Nobel Peace Prize winner who wrote I, Rigoberta Menchu. Then I'll have to follow up with the critics. Surely no one will disagree with the staple Lonely Planet guide gracing my desk, tempting me during finals.

"A" Last Weekend

A student I greatly respect referenced "The Scarlet Letter" my 1L year in crim pro. Last weekend I finally read this $1 book I picked up in my favorite used book store in DC last summer. Perhaps an "A" should be fastened on my weekend for not reading caselaw. Its legal themes are a break from my prison themed books, and law texts, but still on the legal wavelength. A classic high school text I'm glad to have digested on public transportation. To boot, I enjoyed reading the critique describing "The Scarlet Letter" as a gothic romance. Matches my gothic dance favorite - Inferno. Would Hester Prynne be a regular at Inferno?

Next read? The recommended so far is "The Time Traveler's Wife." I would like to re-read Richard Wright's "Native Son." Any other recommendations?

Musical Theme of my "A" weekend: Chicago by Sufjan Stevens.