Family

The Dolphin Show

July 16, 2024July 17, 2024 First Person ForeignAunt

It was not in the baking heat of Phoenix, but in the boiling sauna of Atlanta in July, that I stuck myself in a sticky situation. A man was shouting “Ma’am, Ma’am” and I turned[…]

Las montañas: Returning to Guatemala, 1

February 26, 2024 First Person ForeignBeauty

So, I booked a trip. I’ve been lucky to book so many before, but this one took some plotting. All of the layovers on the US dollar looked egregious: red eyes on opposite coasts, or[…]

‘Twas the Flight Before Christmas

February 10, 2024 First Person Foreigncoffee

Trigger Warning about thoughts related to self-harm mentioned at the end. Read with care! Did I mention how hilarious I find it? I am 37 and a thought will attack me as I rush to[…]

The Grand Canyon and a Tiny Speck

March 15, 2023March 15, 2023 First Person ForeignArizona

For each man sees himself in the Grand Canyon – each one makes his own Canyon before he comes. Each one brings and carries away his own Canyon.-Carlsburg Traveling makes me think about mortality. Well,[…]

How To Survive In The Grand Canyon (and a Few Travel Tips)

March 14, 2023March 15, 2023 First Person ForeignArizona

And while it’s important to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen, these are tips on how not to kill your family on your trip to the Grand Canyon. And prevent them from killing you. You may[…]

Living on the Border 3: Soy libre / I am free

July 3, 2019July 3, 2019 First Person ForeignBeauty

I didn’t even see it coming. I never know how I am going to feel as I turn left into the parking lot of the Benedictine Monastery with not a cloud in the sky. With[…]

Ready or not, USA (2)

May 5, 2019May 5, 2019 First Person ForeignChanges

You want to know how I’m doing, right? Well, I’m exactly three weeks back yesterday and I’ll disband the suspense: I’m doing fine. The people who love me have been asking this question, how are[…]

T-Minus Guatemala (Peace Corps Ending): Leaving Santa Clara La Laguna, My Home

April 7, 2019April 10, 2019 First Person ForeignAbuelita

The Wednesday before my departure was a dress rehearsal. I’ll explain what I mean by that. I had to go into the office for medical stuff, and for a meeting. I don’t recommend leaving site[…]

T-Minus Guatemala (Peace Corps Ending): The First Goodbye Lunch

March 23, 2019March 23, 2019 First Person ForeignBeauty

Upon returning from the Master Stylist workshop excursion in Huehue, the nice Indianans dropped me off at my highway stop. I waited for buses while I called my sister to catch up. I was so[…]

T-Minus Guatemala (Peace Corps Ending): How To Lose A Pueblo in 10 Days

March 18, 2019March 18, 2019 First Person ForeignBeauty

It’s 11pm on a Sunday night. It’s my second to last Sunday in site. Tomorrow I have a session to observe and some tasks to accomplish, and then I go to another school in the[…]