What do you call a fish without an eye?

Fsssssshhhhhhhhhhhh.

Who can beat the day trips into Wisconsin's rolling hills? Previously I would have directed those hungry for Wisconsin's most beautiful location to Parfrey's Glenn, then Devil's Lake. After a memorable Memorial Day, I would remember to mention instead Governor Dodge State Park. Head straight to the boat rental, row across the horseshoe shaped lake to the cliffs, climb, swim, eat spicy beef sticks, and stop at the A&W on your way home. Don't forget the General Store where they stay open as long as they can stand.

Totals:
Swimming adventures = 3
Horses spotted = 32
Bug Bites = 0
Spotted Cows consumed = ??
General store visits = 2

In the General Store:
Guitars = 1
Local Brewed Beers = loads, watch out for Bitter Woman, she's bitter.
Wheelbarrows of Wood = As many as you can squeeze in your trunk for $20
Wax worms = One chewing tobacco container full
Fish on the wall = 6











And following some time in the backcountry, I returned to the city where I ran into a dear friend with her parents at a tasty eatery, Nochspiel. Her mother asked me where I was from. She expected to hear me say Minnesota, because my accent sounded like it was from there, she said. Yes, Canadians poke fun at the same thing. You can take the girl out of the backcountry, but you cannot take the backcountry out of the girl. Donchathink?


Now, for the sad truth. They are taking me out of the backcountry.
Countdown of days left in the midwest: 23

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.