free spirits

Shout Out

2011-04-17T16:10:00.001-07:00

Please put your hands together for a warm welcome to Sara Young on the blogosphere.

Whatup! www.mistothecook.blogspot.com

Baked Tofu with Ginger Scallion Sauce

2011-04-15T20:58:00.000-07:00

Tasty!

rainbow bubble and laundry daze

2011-04-14T22:50:00.001-07:00

retracing my steps

2011-04-14T22:29:00.000-07:00

So, I've left you all in suspense as you wonder whether I found my keys. If you remember, Sara and I had quite the adventure on Saturday, so retracing those steps would be quite hard. I decided to give it a go anyway.

Conveniently, Sara wanted to eat at the same breakfast place Sunday morning. Great for me because that was destination number one and not far from the yardsale, which I had determined was my best bet. We had another delicious breakfast of almond croissants and fruit tarts with hot, brown swirled lattes. Afterwards, we walked a couple of blocks to the old sale. I thought maybe it would still be going on since it was Sunday and most yardsales are weekend events. No, I was wrong. It was really hard to determine what this space was. It seemed like a cement courtyard for an apartment complex. The steel gate was locked and the building behind had numbers, but no bell or intercom. It was sort of run down as well. We walked around the block trying to locate the entrance, but realized that was it. So we walked back and I yelled into the space between me and the apartment, hoping someone would come out.

I decided to jump the fence and knock on the door. Sara stayed to keep watch and to document photographically. I walked to the door and knocked, no answer. I opened the door and yelled in, no answer. So I walked up the stairs and into yardsalers' home. The place was being remodeled, but it was definitely lived in. Lots of shoes on the carpet, a large mac, dishes in the sink. I was feeling a little awkward, but I decided to do a quickie search anyway for the keys. I checked the table and the kitchen which seemed like a logical spot. This would be a great end to the story if I found my keys in the home, but no dice. So I grabbed a piece of notebook paper from homeboys' legal pad and made my way downstairs. On my way out, I saw a post-it for Annabelle and took that as well. I figured I could give her a call and track down the peeps to ask if they had encountered my keys. I walked out of the house and left the door slightly ajar so I could leave my note. Sara lent me her pen and I began to write to the owners asking them to call me.

An Asian man walked up, I ignored him until I figured out he was the owner of the house and the paper. He was standing on the street and I was standing inside his locked gate with his home door open behind me. He was gracious as I explained my story and guess what?? He had my keys! I slipped Annabelle's number back on the ledge and we walked back to muni celebrating.

2011-04-10T15:16:00.000-07:00

I just saw Sara Young onto her Amtrak bus. She is off to continue her adventure into the Central Valley where she will undoubtedly encounter some strange birds on her ride. Public transportation in San Francisco deserves a blog of its own. Likely, that will come soon.

Yesterday, we ate at Thorough Bread and Pastry - a delectable cafe in the Castro/Mission area, shopped at a yard sale where Sara bought Joe jeans and chunky heeled boots for a total of 10 bucks (you're welcome James). We went to Dolores Park where we judged a mom for her indulgence to her children and timed the length this dog peed - we think a little over a minute. We then walked to the Castro, down through Noe Valley, lunched at Thai Stick in the Filmore and ended up at the apartment at about 3:45 PM. It was a long, beautiful day and we were exhausted. As I rummaged through my handy backpack purse, I realized the keys were not there. I did a quick overturn and shake where a couple of coins fell onto the floor, but alas, those keys were gone. My mind had flash images of our 6 hour walk - times when we shuffled our purchases around. When we sprawled on the grass in the Mission, my purse on the ground at the yard sale, pulling out my camera in Noe Valley. Okay, no recollection of keys. The last time I remember seeing them was when I set them in the pocket of the handy backpack purse and thought, I should put them inside so they don't fall out. Yes, that was surely the last time. I called the bakery and Crossroad Trading - no luck. I text Nicole to see when she was coming home. Then we walked to Cafe Bean to wait out Nicole's return.

We got coffee and were mostly silent in our tiredness. Nicole said she was on her way home, and was taking a cab, so she'd back at 5PM. We waited at the apartment and neighbor Britney buzzed us in. I text Nicole to say we were inside.

"No way! Awesome! I'm so glad you got in. I'm going to be back later. I couldn't get a cab, so I'm walking." -Nicole's response text.

"No, we're not in the apartment, we're inside the building. I'm letting you know so you don't wait for us outside." - Chelsea's response text.

No response. Phone call to Nicole. No response.

"Nicole, did you get my text?" -Chelsea's text.

Some curse words. Nicole called at 6:00 and we were inside by 6:16. Losing one's keys is annoying. We were too tired to go out in the evening, so we ordered a calzone from Uncle Vito's and watched a netflix movie, ate some sweets and laughed some more.

To Be Continued....

laundry mats

2011-04-10T14:51:00.000-07:00

Roger and I have discovered laundry mats in San Francisco have really fun names.

Exhibit A: Aquatic Living Laundry

Even though, my local laundry mat is named Coin Op Laundry, it has Banksy image above it, so it's forgiven for its lackluster name.

2011-03-28T18:35:00.000-07:00

I tried Candace's yummy orange chicken recipe, but made it with tempeh instead - delicious! I had the same issue as before; I'm so green of a cook, that I end up using way more pots and pans because I put in the ingredients and I think oh, this needs to be bigger, or I use things out of order (ie cornstarch!). Anyway, I was really surprised that it turned out so delicious because I ended up making my own recipe. The best part was the powdered mustard - delicioso. A really yummy spice addition. I ate it with a coconut rice I had made last week and cilantro. It was even better for lunch today because the honey had dripped all over the rice. Thanks Candy Wrapper!

This Week in San Francisco

2011-03-26T17:41:00.000-07:00

Monday: Pilates at the gym. My co-worker friend got us free passes to a swanky gym and we have been using them like it's the New Year. Pilates was a little tough, but we weren't even sore the next day. I feel like Jane Fonda.

Lentil soupie for dinner.

Tuesday: Zumba.

Wednesday: Met Mr. Craigslist Salsa in Diamond Heights. He wasn't the typical dancer. He's 40 years-old, white and really outspoken. He thinks Roger should have moved to the US a long time ago. He suggested that I tell Roger that I can do without him if he doesn't get on it. The reason is that I have above average looks in the states even though I'm a little below average in Amsterdam. I didn't think that was a convincing argument.

Thursday: Traveled to Daly City by BART, back by bus. Saw the episode of Seinfeld where George's co-worker tells him the shrimp store called and they are running out shrimp. Zumba.

Friday: Flamenco is tap dancing in beautiful dresses with way better music. Last night I attended the De Young museum's opening night of Balenciaga and Spain. Flamenco dancers opened the floor with a gypsy king esque band - really fun! Emily Katz, ex-Visalian and current friend happened to be a member which meant we got free drink tickets. We flirted with the guy who the gave the tickets and he doubled ours. Emily said by none of our power because he was gay. She says my gaydar is rusty, but he was totally checking us out, so maybe hers is rusty. Two drinks on an empty stomach later, Emily and I picked out our wedding dresses, and what we would wear as fashionable nuns, ate our share of free-member only hazelnuts and pistachios, then began our walk home. I donated my members sticker to a woman so she could see the members only exhibit. Emily disappointingly donated hers to a family, who was skeptical of its use and barely offered a thanks. Whereas, my girl was beautiful and Spanish, and really happy to not have to wait in line. Two points for me.

Saturday: Basically had an open house for the plumbers so they could fix something happening with the pipes. Finally met Toni from Sushi Toni. Cleaned the fridge, mopped the floors, and worked on removing the crap between the stove and wall - serious business. Talked with Roger for more than three hours.

Netflix Goodies

2011-03-19T18:12:00.000-07:00

Some treats on Netflix instant play. There are lots, but this is to introduce you to ones you may just pass over. My netflix genre suggestion is: Quirky Foreign Family Films. What's yours?

1. 180 South - Documentary about this guy who quits his job and travels south to make a climb he has been dreaming about. Features the guys who began Patagonia and North Face. If you aren't into documentaries, don't despair, it's filmed sooo beautifully and good music. There is a love story too. It's more like a journal entry than a documentary.

2. Blame it on Fidel - A little girl has to make some changes when her pristine priveleged life is turned upside down as her rich parents get involved in a a 1970's political movement in France. It's really interesting to see it from her eyes.

3. The Edukators - German story about these youngsters who rearrange furniture in the rich peoples homes as a political statement. They get caught up in some funny business. It's gooood.

4. Amelie is on instant play! What a gem. Amelie spends her days bringing goodies to people's lives - forged letters from a loved one, detailed descriptions of what's going on to the blind, love matching. Quirky and oh so endearing.

5. Parks and Rec - Candance and Robby introduced me to this sitcom. I'm sad there are only two seasons on because I finished them both. I cried when I saw the last one; I wasn't ready to leave Pawnee.

6. As It Is In Heaven - Swedish film about a famous composer who moves back to his childhood town and turns it upside down when he directs the church choir.

7. My Life As a Dog - Another Swedish film about a little boy who loses things he loves, but tries to find his place in life. He's really odd in a beautiful way, like you want to babysit him. He does this "trick" where he acts like he can't control himself when he drinks his milk and then throws it in his face. He's also a ladies man, by accident.

8. End of Poverty - A real documentary (unlike 180 South) which talks about the decisions made in government that encourage poverty. It's really sad; I was in quite a funk after wards, but also encouraged to take responsibility for my own decisions (purchases and lifestyles). Probably the most influential film in my personal life to date.

9. Billy Elliot - for all of us who didn't quite fit in, or who still don't. The story of a boy who wants to dance even though he belongs to a gruff single dad who thinks ballet is fruity. It's funny and we are blessed that it's on Netflix - way to go 'flix!

10. The Young Victoria - Emily Blunt plays a new queen deciding who she'll marry. She takes the burden of the people, succumbs to others' influence and fights with her mom. Oh - the pressures of being a queen.

There's so many more too: motorcycle diaries, sunshine cleaning,

gratin... fancy word, easy grub

2011-03-19T18:08:00.001-07:00

My cooking isn't day to day. Since I'm only cooking for one, I have to eat the leftovers the next day or use up whatever else is there. What I am learning is that there is a way to make simple dishes tasty. So today I made an asparagus gratin. What that means is you food process some bread for crumbs, boil asparagus, cover with cheese and the crumblies and broil it! Add some parsley, olive oil and it's super yummy. I felt like this is actually something I could serve as a side dish. I ate it as my main dish with some coco rice.

This dish was no biggie, but what a breakthrough to realize I can make my own breadcrumbs from the stale bread at the end of my loaf.

By the way, I don't know if I'm going to keep posting about my cooking. I'm too green and it's embarrassing.

...but they all hate the war

2011-03-19T17:35:00.000-07:00

To celebrate the anniversary of the Iraq invasion, protests were organized all over the U.S. Of course, there was one in San Francisco, a mile from my apartment in the UN Plaza. It was interesting, because it became a catch all for any protest - labor rights, animal awareness, anti - war. A tourist asked a cop what people were protesting.

"He's protesting the Westin hotels, he thinks the US should monitor a no fly zone in Libya, she wants to people to be vegan, that man there wants the government to prosecute the banks." He pointed to signs. "But they all hate the war."

It was an eclectic group - many demographics were represented. The typical dread locked hippie was there, but there were also a surprising number of normal folks. Students who looked like my little sisters in fur uggs, moms with families, veterans and musicians. Even amidst all the types, I felt out of place at first, no friend to chat with or boyfriend to stand next to. My only interactions were with a woman who complained that the rain was ruining her picture taking abilities - then she thanked me for letting her complain. Another two women asked if they could hide under my umbrella to exchange e-mails, which was really awkward because then they finished their conversation right under my umbrella space without any acknowledgment of me. And another man complimented my zebra rain boots (which incidentally are really ugly). As we marched on though, I began to feel much more connected, like I also had a right to be there as well. The reason many people were normal because normal people have been affected by all of these things. Some of the younger men had been in the war and had changed their position since returning. A mom had lost her son in the battle. I thought about my dad, and even though I can't picture him holding a sign marching downtown, he has every right to demand that the banks share their bailout. As a man who has played by the rules all his life, he is losing to the system right now as well.

If you're wondering how a protest ends, I can tell you. It ends with a woman on her loud speaker saying the protest is now over.

chicken livers

2011-03-16T21:13:00.000-07:00

My mom brought me seven chicken breasts as a sacrifice for her weekend visit. She cooks really well, so they were tasty. But I never want to eat chicken again. I had chicken scramble for breakfast, a chicken, pesto and jalapeno cheese sandwich for three lunches and chicken pasta for dinner. So, many of you were asking why I haven't made the promised dinners, that's why: chicken.

I did get the cookbooks from the library. They are humongous! Good thing I was able to stuff them in my gym bag. I found them a little overwhelming - none have the name college in the title, so you can guess I'm already out of my league. Tonight's recipe was featured from "How to Cook Everything Vegetarian." It was coconut Thai sauteed potato and eggplant over rice.

And it was delicious. It took longer than the suggested 40 minute cooking time. It can be really complicated making a dish if you aren't used to it. All you cooks don't realize that. But there is an art to cooking, and more importantly a correct order. My order was a little skeltered, totally throwing off my swagger.

My potatoes had sprouted so I ran to the market, literally. My red shoe fell off three times and finally I just picked it up and ran without it. The Bush Market didn't have good patats, but I made do. Back in the kitchen, I peeled the tots and eggplant, then crushed the garlic. The garlic went in the pan with oil, but it was too hot, so it burned. Dumped that business and started again with lower heat. The the eggplant and patat and eventually some coco milk, curry paste and ginger. The ginger was a really great addition. Way to go Bittman! Good recipe.

I could totally feed this meal to Roger. I'm on my way to wifehood....

"I was 32 when I learned to cook, until then, I just ate." Julie Childs

2011-03-08T21:14:00.000-08:00

There is a proper way to heat a pan and it starts by enrolling in an online cooking school trial period for 14 days. Yes, in order to know how to heat a pan, you have to know there is a wrong way.

Inspired shamelessly by Julie and Julia, I'm going to learn to cook in front of your very eyes. Incredibly, like Julia, I do like to eat and I am good at it. Twins!

I checked out two crappy books from the library. I chose these books really carefully: one by its beautiful pictures and the other by the word "college" in it. The beautiful picture book has a list of 20 ingredients per recipe and the college book is for the student at COS, living at home, eating mostly peanut butter. Luckily for me, Amazon has suggested some better books, and the library has offered to track them down from Chinatown and text me when they're in. Hopefully they'll be there tomorrow as their status says they're in transit! The library is right by the farmer's market at the Civic Center. So, two birds with one stone: sweet patats from the market and a quickie to la biblioteca.

The Crib

2010-12-27T21:29:00.000-08:00

Here is where the magic happens....

Christmas Video

2010-12-27T21:21:00.000-08:00

There are two events going on here: Camille just opened up a rabbit fur coat gifted to her from Carly. Carly opened a diamond necklace from Candace. I laughed watching this tonight as I heard my dad caution Camille that someone is going to shoot her.

You're sooo evolved.

2010-11-09T17:36:00.000-08:00

Well, I've been in the Nethers for three months now and I have two blogs written: one on my lactose intolerance and one on the retraction of my lactose intolerance. So now, for some real goodies on the Netherlands. I called them the most evolved people of the world - quite a statement, I realize. I thought about it though, and I don't want to retract it. I had some advice that I should tell all my friends and family how great the Dutch are and how we should be more like them, which prompted me to write a blog. I think I can say this, because I don't actually live there. If I were moving there, then it is rude. Plus, I'm aware they have flaws. Major flaws.

The Dutchies are really evolved bike riders. The average Hollander biked 560 miles in 2006. They are the bomb! I started to feel pretty good on two wheels, but I'm childsplay compared to these peeps. They have done wonders in making the bike realistic transportation. Exercise is the by product of this practical transportation. Because of

this, they have really perfected it to an artistic degree. Here are the awards: "Best Effort" goes to the man peddling against a strong dutch wind in a light rain uphill, with a chattering little girl in the front and another one squeezed on the back (Roger's favorite). He was a really good dad, peddling so hard, but still saying "ja" in all the right places. "Best in Show" goes to a woman with a seat on the back of her bike holding a kindergarden aged child and a two year old in front. Her hands were fixing her hair and the toddler was steering! And my personal favorite "Most Practical" goes to the man in a strong rain, holding the umbrella with a baby zipped inside his rain coat, his little newborn head peeking out. He was just chilling!

Number two reason: The

y are artistically evolved - the Dutch love to make

beautiful things. They make beautiful people (exhibit A - hottie ---->) and beautiful art. Even in the miniscule, they really outshine any other country I have visited. New buildings have li

ght displays, event posters are bold and interesting and the music of festivals takes a back seat

to the decor. What is so "evolved" about it isn't the art, but rather that they appreciate it and made it part of their life. It has become part of the every day, the mundane becomes interesting.

At Mystery Land, the main stages were a spectacular event of lights and movement, but what

was equally spectacular were the details in the regular going-ons outside of the stage. For example, the festival producers contracted a group of women who"urban knit" to beautify the poles and banal structures we see all the time. I don't have photos at the actual place, but the knitted tree is an example of it. It's beautiful!

Beyond the already compelling examples, these are other things that make me inclined to say they are evolved. The men share the duties of traditional housewife. They split the work week and dish duty. They are tolerant of people and ideas. They are very open to non-traditional medicine and have great health care.

Update Lactose Tolerant

2010-11-09T17:27:00.001-08:00

Roger says if I don't make an amendment to my previous post that it's false advertising. Apparently, my diagnosis of a lactose intolerance was premature. I still am on Team Robby though, and feel like a milk reduction isn't as bad as I had thought. But yes, I have not had any problems since these two or three weeks when I had some stomach aches.

Taste the Dream

2010-10-09T01:42:00.001-07:00

Growing up on dairy should mean I've earned the right to be lactose intolerant free. After all, I drank unpasteurized milk for much of my life and helped my mom distribute Christmas gifts of whipped cream, cheese and butter to colleagues. Recently though, I have developed a lactose intolerance! This is untimely because for the first time in my life I have begun to enjoy coffee, but only café au lait and now this doesn't sit well with my stomach. So Candace, I'm sorry, but you missed my three week coffee addiction, I'll have to go back to drinking teas at your place again.

I have found a good milk substitute: Oat Dream! With a name like that, you know it's bound to be good. I wanted an alternative to soy milk because I think we have it too often in our food and there is some evidence emerging that shows soyfood can mess with the thyroid gland, interfere with protein digestion, rob the body of minerals and upset hormone imbalance. Other options include almond and rice milk, which aren't the bomb, in my three week experimental opinion.

On another note, my skin has cleared up since making the switch in just these few weeks. After looking into it some, it seems that acne could be potentially linked to milk products. It's too soon to for me to make a conclusive judgment off my personal experience, but I'm becoming more of a believer. Since lactose intolerance can develop at any stage in a person's life, it makes sense that I had clear skin in high school, and in these last three years, it has completely changed.

My wise dairy loving mother pointed out that old cheeses have less lactose, which means that's why I didn't make the connection sooner. Since the symptoms and sensitivity vary person to person, it could be that cheese has less of an impact on me.

Anyway, I know this post is a little anti my roots, but I am feeling a little betrayed by the newly discovered ailment. At least Robby has someone to champion for less milk products.

Visitors from the west coast

2010-07-05T19:36:00.000-07:00

Yay for West Coasters on the East Coast! One of the best things about living in an attractive city is that I get visitors! Some under the guise of visiting me,and some just because they happen to be in town. Evan Pack, long time Visalia lover and recent DC implant visited to celebrate his sister in law's birthday. Highlights include me enjoying his tiny new friend, Becki, talk to all sorts of random people resulting in a free club pass. Carly and I plan to repay the favor and stay in his "dope" basement soon. Friday night jazz he promises....

Not long after, Esmeralda stopped through town and we had an AMAZING night salsa dancing. We found this great hotel that hosts salsa on Monday nights. I couldn't believe the talent. They were slightly out of my league, but Esmeralda was able to hold her own. There was this one

guy who was the fastest dancer I had ever danced with. I tend to be a really mellow dancer (partly because I'm still learning), but I was literally panting after a couple of dances with him - Raul, I think. Esmeralda was whisked away within the first few minutes. Good thing we grabbed chai earlier because I think we saw each other a total of five minutes in between songs. Once when I asked her if her purse was still under the chair and the second time to say adios. She's with Jesús, which warms my heart to no avail. I really think they are soul mates.

THEN... Sara and Amanda came! Sara wanted to shop, Amanda wanted to go to museums. James usually blames me as Sara comes home with lots of new things when we go out together, but I only encourage her to purchase the jeans her butt looks great in, so he should be thanking me. She did do a lot of shopping, but I don't think I could be remotely blamed this time. The best part was Sara went off her calorie counting and ate whatever her heart desired starting off with a cheeseburger with mayo on night one. With mayo!

Lastly, the fam was here... and Carly even stayed which is so nice! I am so glad she is here.

Let her tell you about Andrew and Ben and their interest in Chris Brown and Rihanna. It was so nice to have everyone here. I felt like we created our own version of "A Taste of Manhattan." You can see the delicious fare on Candace's blog. My favorite was the pizza in Brooklyn. It was a bit of a trek, and the seating is non existent, but the taste is delicioso. We also saw Lion King. It was so good. Really, I was surprised at how enjoyable it was. The actors managed to look like animals, really graceful in mimicking them. The whole performance was spectacular. All the girls teared up when Nala sang. This girl had a voice! Ah, it was so nice. Don't judge it before you see it. It is so nice to be with people I love and quite a range too, from a salsa partner to sisters... I Heart West Coasters.

The US Census is Good for More than Counting

2010-06-13T06:41:00.000-07:00

I had the best introduction to New York working for the US Government in the Census. My boss is Reggie, titled in my phone as Reginald Rap Star, AKA Barshem. "Do you know what it's like to be number 1 in Canada? I can't even walk the streets without gettin' mobbed!" Check out his number one hit titled "Thug Rain". He also thinks I should be a hand model, he knows people you know.

Favorite moments with Reggie include him tossing several hundred dolla bills on the diner table and then whispering to me he never leaves home without a thousand bones in his wallet. And when a child accidentally called his phone and he had a three minute conversation "Are you a little baby? Why you calling me little baby?"

Reggie was promoted to a different position, meet the new super, Siobahn Meow. A man who underwent a sex change, is obsessed with cats and frequented the Howard Stern Show. Siobahn's answering machine finishes with her purring into your ear. She takes her job way too seriously, which she was chastised for after her enumerators called the Census office repeatedly to complain. She gets the numbers in though.

Honorable mentions include Paul, a Russian Jew, who is living off the royalties of dvd sales. He created a how to dance video which gives you club moves. Madeleine Rowan held the record for the youngest chica in the poker world series for a quite some time. Her wikipedia entry has recently been deleted. Gay Ky Liu, who goes by Gary and also by Liu BUT NOT BY GARY LIU, keeps his fingernails long for fun and enjoys reading the Census Handbook in his free time.

My enumerators included: Vanyoska Gee, a film producer, dog lover and major talker; Gilda Konrad, a comedian who I'm pretty sure purposefully places red lipstick on her teeth, also a talker; Sally Tan who starts each sentence to me with "Hi, Chelsea" regardless of how long we have been talking and whose personality bears an uncanny resemblance to Ms. Swan from Mad TV.

In addition to the wonderful people I have mentioned and who I have sincerely grown to love (besides Siobahn), I have sat on the couches of many apartments in Alphabet City. I admired the book shelves of the man who organized by color, longed to be the hippie beauty in her light splayed studio and shared tea with the gay paraplegic who decorated his modern place with hundreds of images of Audrey Hepburn.

These streets will inspire you...

Jordan

2009-01-27T17:51:00.001-08:00

Jordan, my long time childhood friend who has easily transitioned into my adult bestie, visited this past week. So fun! We hung out in Antigua for a couple of days and then headed to Monterrico, the loved/hated beach on the west coast.

Our travel experience was really typical so I'll tell you about it. We scheduled the shuttle to Monterrico on Thursday. They kindly said they would pick us up outside of the church in San Felipe, which is why we chose this agency. Usually, we have to walk into town which isn't so fun with baggage. We woke up early, made our way to the church at 7:45 and waited for the shuttle. At 8:35, we called the "emergency number" to find out where the heck they were, but the phone was disconnected. We waited another 15 minutes and then took a tuk tuk into town. We got to the agency at 9 where they told us that the shuttle was not running. But not to worry, they could take us the following day at the same time. No, we said. We're packed and ready to go now, we don't have that kind of time, so just refund our money and we'll be on our way. Well, they didn't have the money because they deposited it already. "So, let me get this straight. I paid yesterday to go on your shuttle, you decided it isn't going to go but you don't have the money?" Yes. That is what happened. So Jordan and I decided I would deal with it later and then we would look for another agency. We found one that left at 1, so we dropped off our bags and had some fabulous crepes from Luna de Miel. We made it to the beach late, but with time to enjoy the sunset. We swam as much as possible on Saturday and Sunday, fried our back sides and read great books. A couple of Guatemalan friends met us at the beach on Saturday, so we went dancing that night. We had a great time.

Okay, so on our way back to Antigua, we booked the last shuttle at 4 pm. When we got in, they had too many passengers, so they ask us to sit on the laps of the guys who were accompanying us. It was so hot and the drive is three hours, so we really didn't want to. Jordan tried to protest, but the lap she was going to sit on, said okay. So we piled in the car, all 21 of us, Jordan and I on laps of two guys we barely know. Sweating. Jordan gave the driver a dirty look which he mistook as a sultry one and lifted his eyebrows to say "call me". In the end, the ride wasn't that bad, at some point I was able to squeeze in between the guys and Jordan sat on my lap.

When she left on Monday, we took the chicken bus into the city because all the agencies were booked. I found this odd, because they usually let everyone squeeze in. But it worked out because the chicken busses are an experience in and of themselves. The chicken busses are old American school busses painted bright colors. They all have an sticker outline of this naked woman pasted on the front window. Then in cursive some sort of prayer to God to watch over the trip. Everyone piles in, no one is turned away. Three to a seat and in the aisles as well. Our bus wasn't packed so we had our own seats. We reminisced about riding the bus to Exeter early in the mornings in high school and what a treat it was when one of our parents would take us (rare). It is way more fun here with all the vendors who come on and sell delicious treats and random booklets. Every so often someone will get on the bus and make a five minute speech about a skin cream or a math book. Then everyone buys what is offered. Nuts are a favorite. I buy fruit. We got off at the mall, walked around a bit and then Jordan took a cab to the airport. Total cost, de ida and vuelta $8.50 for the both of us. So we saved $1.50. And we got to spend more time together.

Education Reforms

2009-01-07T17:01:00.000-08:00

The education system in Guatemala is lacking, that's for sure. Yet, there seems to be some good changes recently. According to UNESCO; 92% of girls and 96% of boys were in elementary in 2006, in high school 37% of girls and 40% of boys. Part of the problem with lack of enrollment in secondary education is that the students have to work to help support the family and school isn't free. There are two types of schools here, private and public. The private schools are expensive and the public schools cost as well. It isn't much, but it is per child, so for the large families, the money is signficant. I couldn't find exact figures, but my Spanish teacher thought around $30 (210Qs) per kid, plus shots to attend and mandatory uniforms. According to BBC, most Guatemalan families live on $2/day.

With the new president, Alvaro Colom (2008-2012), one of his main platforms is education reform. He has authorized the government to pay for the registration fee as well as the shots for each child. And I love this part, to weed out those who can afford to pay for the shots, they have decided to only give free shots to 40 people a day. This means that those who want it are at the hospital early in the morning, often before 6 waiting to get a number. It isn't vale la pena for the families who can afford to pay it, so they don't come. If you don't get a number today, you can return tomorrow. The government is also footing the bill for supplies like pencils and paper. To make sure that the school year begins with the students ready, they have postponed the school year until Feb 1. Usually summer break ends Jan 15, the two weeks will be added to the end of the year. To combat children working instead of attending school, a program is in the works to give each family in need $40/month. But brick by brick, my citizen.

Prense Libre, a Latin American newspaper wrote that last year, about 50,000 were in school for the year, this year 350,000 are expected to enroll. I wasn't able to verify the number because the articles I need are in Spanish, but even assuming the margin of error is really high, it seems education is more accessible under Colom. I haven't read any articles though about hiring more teachers or opening more schools, but maybe they'll address that problem once it arises (...in February?). According to UNESCO, the student-teacher ratio in 2007 was 31 to 1, so if the new numbers are correct, many more teachers will be needed.

Kilo, 16, dropped out of school to make money as a shoe shiner. Every time I see him, I teach him something in English, the first thing he wanted to know how to say: "Lend me 10 Quetzales"

Navidad

2008-12-25T09:37:00.001-08:00

One great tradition here is tamales on Christmas Eve and Christmas. They are different than Mexican tamales because they are softer and have a red sauce inside, but still delicious. Tuesday night began the laborious process of making the mixture and stirring it over the stove. We started at 11 pm and finished about 1 am. Then in the morning the following day, the women lug the pot upstairs to cook over fire. Once finished, they wrap them in banana leaves. Rosario sells some too. She made about 150.

Like Bingo, the Guatemalans go all out for Christmas Eve. Saira kept saying how wonderful it is, blah blah blah and I couldn´t see why because we didn´t do anything out of the ordinary. I accompanied her and her man to San Antonio to drop off a gift and saw an elaborate nativity scene at a monastery, but then we returned home to hang out. So I was surprised when the events started happening. First off, at about 5 pm, a character parade of what you might see at Six Flags came to the neighbors house. There were all types, about 30 or so. A truck with maybe five loud speakers strapped to the back, pulled ahead and blared merengue as the costumed people danced in lines up and down the street. Kids came from all over. I couldn´t stop laughing, it was such a wonderful event! Then a band with a nativity set on their shoulders came up the street and played Christmas songs. Neighbors dropped by all night to buy tamales and to rummage through the Mexican clothes Rosario sells or to drop off a basket of treats.

When I thought the festivities were over, I fell asleep at 10, exhausted from the previous night of tamale making and dancing with the characters in the street. I was awakened at 11:40 with booms of fire works and Rosario calling out to me:"Chesly!" I climbed the roof to see in a 180· view fire works in every direction, in every color - one of the most spectacular events I have witnessed. This went on until 12:15 when a layer of smoke covered San Felipe, Guayano and Jocotenango. Then we opened gifts. I got a lovely, lowcut Styles For Less-like dress, a wallet and a scarf. The biggest hit was the Spanish Scrabble game, thanks to Estevan, which we played right away.

The firework noise still continues on...

bingo, san felipe style

2008-12-17T08:27:00.001-08:00

I will never play BINGO the same again. I went with the family to BINGO night, sponsored by the church. It was held in the soccer stadium; we went thirty minutes early to get good seats. Cards cost about $2/person. The festivities opened with men in black suits walking around the stadium and throwing candy and little toys to the crowds. Once Santa Claus came out, the game began. When someone won, they flagged down a man in a black suit who then carried a blue flag to the caller. The caller read aloud the numbers, if the person won, the crowd boo'd, if they were incorrect, the crowd cheered. The winner has an "option" to donate part of his winnings to the church. How much is donated is announced! There was one winner who opted out of the donation. Poor decision because then as he walked back across the soccer field, popcorn, chuchitos, balls and trash were hurled at him amidst shouts of angry church-goers. I didn´t win. I didn´t even come close, especially since I kept getting the 'O' 60s and 70s confused (sesenta and setenta), so a lot of false hope. I sat next to a really nice 8-year old who helped me when she could. The highlight was this dark drink reserved for Christmas that has fruit in it (plums, grapes?).

The men in black suits, Santa doing toe touches.

So many people.

fuegos artificiales

2008-12-13T10:55:00.000-08:00

They love their fireworks here. I finally witnessed it. For any celebration, no matter how small, fireworks are set off. It´s 4th of July year round in Guatemala. I hear it all the time, but I finally witnessed it as I was walking home yesterday. There was a parade coming down a random street in San Felipe. The booms started and I took cover, only to see white lights in broad daylight. They set off maybe 25 as the parade waited. Fireworks are so important here, the birthday of the man who brought them the glorious lights is celebrated.

Baby Phat

2008-12-11T14:26:00.001-08:00

After traveling around Guatemala for a few weeks, my bag is lighter a Spanish/English dictionary, a wash cloth, about 20 bobby pins, tweezers, a black fleece, one sock and one earring. My body added a few pounds to make up for it though. I have found my packing couldn´t have been much worse. The weather is colder than I anticipated, and I didn´t bring a jacket. So I made my way to the secondhand section of the market and bought a lovely cream down jacket, with gold buttons enladen with the wonderful signature of Kimora Lee; yes, they have Baby Phat in Guatemala. All I need are my G-Unit jeans and I would be the ultimate gringa here. In my head, I´m compiling the perfect packing list which I plan to sell to Lonely Planet to include in their next guide book with an accurate description of the weather. As well as a few corrections on their price lists.

I´m in San Felipe de Jesus right now, which is about two miles outside of Antigua living with a family of four. The girls are wonderful, ages 24 and 26. I love the food here, as proven earlier by the additional poundage. The staples are beans, cheese "queso fresco", eggs, bread and platanos. Although, I have had some tastey soups. Soups I think Lori Riley would want to make. My favorite was a pumpkin/squash one at a family´s house in Antigua. The Antiguenos call themselves Panza Verdes (green bellies) because they eat so many avacadoes. I have found the avacadoes to be a little watery though, different than the ones I´m used to in Visalia, but still delicious. Recently, in a trip to Flores, the avacadoes were amazing, just right. I made up for all the watery ones I had here.

Beautiful breakfast, lovely face.
Photo courtesy of Roger.