Leaving

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[…]

Bombsalmic Vinaigrette at Tucson Airport

July 15, 2019July 16, 2019 First Person ForeignChanges

“I think they have balsamic dressing packets like that in the food court.” I laughed. “How does that help me now, Ma’am?” said my id. My superego suggested I keep quiet and won by a[…]

Moving Across the Country (1) | Atlanta to Marshall, Texas

May 8, 2019May 8, 2019 First Person ForeignBlank Slate

Since yesterday I’ve been nervous. A pit in my stomach and a glob of feelings in my throat. On my last official day in Atlanta, I had to get my tires rotated, finish packing my[…]

Ready or not, USA (1)

April 26, 2019April 28, 2019 First Person ForeignChanges

Now, I imagined this day a million ways (my departure) and none of them could have prepared me for what it actually was. Dropped off by friends, then up ’til the last second in the[…]

TOURING GUATEMALA: Night Bus to Flores, I’m an RPCV and I’ll cry if I want to

April 11, 2019April 11, 2019 First Person ForeignBeauty

NIGHT BUS TO FLORES: When Amanda and I left on the night bus, we grabbed some street beans “amoebeans” we called them, and myself with chao mein on styrofoam plates. Local AF. I couldn’t believe[…]

T-Minus Guatemala (Peace Corps Ending): Ringing That Bell

April 10, 2019April 10, 2019 First Person ForeignChanges

I’ve imagined the bell-ringing since the third week of service. An RPCV (return Peace Corps Volunteer) finished her service as we were starting ours, and she had a ceremony and she was kind enough to[…]

T-Minus Guatemala (Peace Corps Ending): Despedida Lunch and Hiking a Volcano Through The Night (Never Again)

April 8, 2019April 8, 2019 First Person ForeignBeauty

I moved out of site on Wednesday. The last hour was the most horrible, a weeping host family, heavy bags and an honorable Lic. Enrique (the educational superintendent) who picked me up in his red[…]

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): La(s) Despedida(s) in Santa Clara

April 2, 2019April 2, 2019 First Person ForeignBeauty

Sunday and Monday were despedida days. Despedir means: To say goodbye. What I love about the Spanish language is that there are verbs that sum-up an action in one word, like aprovechar, to take advantage,[…]