Las Conchas

For some time, the hype had been built around this place: Las Conchas. "Smaller and less touristy than Semuc Champay" - a tourist hotspot in Guatemala. "Clearer water and more seculded." Upon my arrival with my Austrian doctor friend, Christoph, the reality came to a front. Don't get me wrong. The site itself is quite beautiful, but we were told the season was wrong and coming back in summer would be more adventageous to seeing the aforementioned clear waters or swimming period. Trying to interpret this comment in the middle of July - also known as summer - would be our next task.
I am, however, ahead of myself. A couple days ago we left the project and after a couple of stop offs to change microbuses, we arrived in Chahal where we passed an eventless night in a non-descript room with one of the hardest beds known to humankind. I almost felt I could envision the person who designed the bed, sadistic in his own right, laughing at the poor sucker - me - getting approximately 37 total minutes of sleep.
When we awoke and went exploring for the first micro that would lead to the second micro and in turn, Las Conchas, we met Uswaldo, an apparent good-hearted Zacapatan who offered to take us directly to our destination in his pick-up. We accept his offer and are off, only to return to ton after 10 minuts or so in route because he forgot to get gas. The 45 minute trip was extended by a stop-off at his finca where he gave us a tour, picked us mangos and maintained conversation - all while other passangers waited patiently in the back of the true. He offered us a place to stay, free of change; took us to the hotel where we planned on staying - only to find no one there - and back to Las Conchas for a total of 10 Q. My estimate for gringos in a pick-up as such to be between 200 and 300 Q.
No one, like at the hotel, was there to greet us at Las Conchas. We let ourselves in - bypassing the 35 Q entrance fee - took our pictures and decided to hit the road. With not the greatest of options, we chose to head back towards Rio Dulce to stay at Casa Perico - a hotel located on the river with great food (BBQ buffet!) The trip - waiting time included - should have been 3 1/2 hours. That is, of course, until the truck that had been pulling chivos came passing by and offered us a ride. Initially we tought it would take us to the town to find the micro, but the driver informed us that he would be passing Rio and we were welcome to join him. Cristoph - expert climber - hopped right up effortlessly. After my first several unsuccessful attempts to mount our savior of transportation, and later with the help of Christoph's strength pulling from up in the cab, I dragged myself, ass first on to our chariot. It as upon standing that I realized the substance and stench that was now on my backpack, body and clothes. At first, denial set in and I told myself it was mud, but with everyone having a good laugh, I finally let the reality that I was covered in chivo shit set in.
Fortunately I am freshly showered and waiting to head back to the project for my last few weeks there. Looking forward to coming home and the big decision that lies ahead. Pictures will follow this post
Write with any life updates - jesse.schaubenfuerst@gmail.com

To a better world,

Jesse

The Future

With a ticket back to the US in just over a month, I have begun to think quite a bit more about the future. You know, those two words that dictate where we'll live; how we'll pay the bills; the whole nine yards. After living abroad for just about a year now, I feel the transition back to my country of origin to be a tough one, but not an impossible one. That said, a recent opportunity has arisen in Guatemala. It will be a decision I have to make before leaving in a month, I believe. A great job offer; experiences to learn and grow, advance any sort of career I want to have in the future, and help bring education to a part of Guatemala where it is lacked. At 23 years old, I know that two years is not a huge commitment. But the idea to envision myself not at 23 today, but at 25, having spent the last three years of my life in Guatemala is a startling one. I still no not what I will do. In fact, I don't even know when I have to inform my organization of my decision. But the last few weeks have been spent feeling like the ball in a game of pong - shot back from one decision to another.

Being considered for a position as such has helped to realize maybe, some sense of self-worth in the professional sense. The reality of the situation is that this will be my first true employment. To start out overseeing an entire project site - the creation of a new school in an area where education is unseen - is often unimaginable. The responsibility is great; the potential incredible; the learning will be exponential. The economy and job market the way it is in the States also isn't the most pleasant "Welcome Home" sign either. Coupled with all those is the reality of going to a more remote jungle; to be the contact person for the surrounding communities - the share my organization's vision of indigenous education; at times feeling like - and possibly being - the only person out at this new site; working part time in Guatemala City which is neither the prettiest or safest cities in the world.

Anyway, there are many factors that need weighing. Input always welcome.

To a better world,

Jesse