Christmas 2013

January 7, 2014- 2013 Holidays Abroad

Dan and Kim: We are having our first “Storm Day” on the island. School was cancelled and we currently have power to only one part of our house. The ocean is raging again and we can hear the roar of it at our house (it is down to a chilly 73 degrees). Throughout the day, we have watched a couple of docks near us become damaged by the storm with large pieces of wood being tossed like toothpicks in the churning sea. Ozni and his sister Kyla have been over playing all day and it feels like a real school holiday with hot chocolate, legos, rainbow loom bracelets, painting of toenails, and other game playing! A lovely quiet home day.

 

"Our" peaceful dock in the wake of the storm

We arrived back on the island last Saturday after 2 weeks away for Christmas and New Years. We traveled to Guatemala on December 23^rd and spent Christmas in the beautiful, colonial city of Antigua. We rented a lovely apartment, that was a part of larger home, on the outskirts of the city. We had 4 days of wandering the cobblestone streets exploring churches, discovering small local tiendas, shopping at the artisan’s markets, and learning about chocolate and coffee from museums and shops. Marino did a 2 hour workshop on making chocolate and we all benefited from his creations! For Christmas eve we went to a 9pm church service that was highlighted with a large firework display, an un-explained dance with large puppets outside the church, and the procession of baby Jesus on a float with an angel followed by a procession to the church alter. At midnight there was a barrage of fireworks that was continuous for at least an hour.

"On the road again"

1 of 3 volcanoes outside Antigua

Santa's Elf wandering the streets of Antigua

                            

The "chicken" buses of Guatemala

On Christmas Eve day, we all got five dollars per person to spend, a half an hour at the market, and a shopping buddy -- then off we went! We swapped partners and shopped for the other family members. Presents were wrapped in scarves, newspaper and a little bit of wrapping paper that evening. In the morning, over gluten free pancakes made with masa J, we slowly unwrapped and enjoyed our gifts to each other. It may have been one of the most fulfilling Christmases I have had gift-wise. The kids seemed content with their presents and I did not feel the let down I so often feel on this holiday morning. A few gift highlights were: turtle earrings from Lucia for Kim, dolphin earrings from Marino to Lucia, a coupon for bread from Marino to Kim, scarves, a mini painting, a wooden spinning top, and angry bird hacky sacks!

Photo bombers up late on Christmas Eve!

Our next stop in Guatemala was Lake Atitlan. This is a beautiful mountain lake that was formed in a caldera (formed from a collapsed volcano). The water is crystal blue and the setting is very dramatic. When Kim and I visited there 13 years ago there was one town that was the gringo town, while the other towns around the lake were mostly made up of indigenous Mayans. Now, several towns have become tourist destinations with general “themes” at each town. We stayed at a hostel in San Marcos, the “spiritual” town, which has several healing centers, as well as massage and yoga centers. Marino became friends with many of the local boys as he spent two evenings setting off fireworks in the plaza. His Spanish suddenly exploded for the purpose of purchasing fireworks for all of his new-found friends!  We met up with an old Santa Fe friend, Carol Greenhouse, and her daughter Zoe. We spent a day with them hiking to a waterfall and then had a relaxing afternoon at their lake side house. The lake was cold yet all of us could not pass up the chance to swim in the crystal clear water.

 

Zoe, Marino, and Lucia relaxing on Elephant Rock outside of Lake Atitlan

Tuck-Tucks; Lucia's favorite form of transportation

Marino and his amigos at San Marcos

Even the parents can jump from big heights!

Guatemala was the place we almost moved to before Roatan won out! I forgot just how much I loved it! The people are warm and friendly, the Spanish abundant, the food varied (and cheap!), and the culture alive. I felt a real sense of ease and joy while we were there and other than Lucia having difficulty with virtually every transition (!), it was lovely.

We ended the holidays at Dan’s parents in Colorado. The entire family was together for the first time in two years, which was Dan’s Moms Christmas present. It was cold for us islanders, but not as frigid as what it could have been. Other than a shopping trip for re-stocking of basic supplies and a trip to see The Hobbit, we stayed at the ranch playing games with family members for most of the 3 days we were there. We spent time catching up and comparing island life with our nephew John who has been living in the Camaros Islands for the last two years and with our nieces who are growing up sooo fast with the older 2 living in different places. We connected with parents and brothers and sisters (& in-laws) and watched cousins playing and playing and playing! It was a wonder-full time this holiday season. Our kids may yet grow up to be world travelers and global citizens. 

We left Colorado at 6am in the middle of a blizzard!