My first day in the Ciudad, Guaté, I was picked up by a private driver to go to a medical appointment.

After the appointment (about an hour long), I speed-walked to a local restaurant to buy a coffee to go. I was in a rush because I didn’t want to hold up the other volunteer in case her appointment was already done.

I paid for the coffee and boot-scooted out of the restaurant, called the driver who said “I’m dropping off the other volunteer and I’ll pick you up in un ratito.”

50 minutes later, Carlos arrived and I hopped in the car.

Un rato or un ratito means “a moment.” In Guatemala un ratito kinda means “I’m working on it now and it will happen when it is done.”

Un ratito. In Guatemala, “La vida es tiempo” not “el dinero.” One of many differences between this culture and the US..