Panajachel

Looking over a calm Lake Atitlan at the Hospitalito. Watching clouds roll up Volcano San Pedro.

Last night I went with GHI'ers (Guatemala Health Initiative students from UPenn) to Panajachel. It is a party hotspot. We danced until about 1 am at various clubs. They played some much appreciated Gringo music and I was happy to move my body. I am staying in an Evangelical household here in Guate, so dancing is pretty forbidden.

I started breaking out in hives when we were eating dinner. I don't know what irritates my skin so much--but it must be something!?! Maybe the instant coffee--it is so hard to come by fresh brewed coffee here--they export it all.

I was so happy to find granola and milk in Panajachel. I bought about three boxes of milk. Once you open one, you have to refrigerate it. I can't wait to have cereal for breakfast instead of mosh, which is a very watery oatmeal.

We have had so much rain for the past few days. I feel like my feet are constantly wet. Now, the rain has abated and clouds are rolling away. Hopefully it will be dry enough tomorrow for me to do some laundry! You can't hang up clothes in wind and rain!

Sometimes my research gets me down--it can be overwhelming. This coming Wednesday I am organizing a group of pregnant women in a small community to meet and discuss warning signs during pregnancy. I will offer the opportunity to participate in my study--have the anthropometrics taken after the meeting. I am also serving frescos (like tang) and chuchitos--little snacks made in the market.