Within two days of the 18 Spring Arbor University (SAU) students arriving in Antigua, Guatemala on Sept. 7, a 4.2 earthquake occurred about 70 miles southwest of the city. Our worlds have continued to be rocked in more ways than one. We are now living in a land known for its constant earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and political corruption.The city of Antigua has three volcanoes surrounding it: Volcano Pacaya and Volcano Agua, both inactive, and Volcano Fuego, which is in a constant state of eruption. When the sky isn’t covered with clouds Volcano Agua looms directly south of the city.We will be here until Dec. 16, coinciding with the end of the semester on the SAU campus. That’s a total of 99 days, and for the firstthree weeks ,we are taking one on one Spanish lessons with a tutor at “La Union”, one of many Spanish language schools located in the beautiful city of Antigua.While some students are devoted entirely to a full credit load of Spanish, other students are studying in a small class setting at the Nemecek’s (Professors Paul and Bev Nemecek) house, as well as online classes, internships and practicums.Antigua is a city made to be photographed. The houses are painted bright and beautiful colors, the streets are made of cobblestoneand the many ruins reflect a history of when Antigua was the capitol of the nation.It is a very exciting time for the country. The national elections for president took place on Sept. 11, with the biggest candidate speaking in Central Park in Antigua our first day. Also, Sept. 15 marks the 190th year of independence for Guatemala, causing many parades and other celebrations throughout the city. Considering a 40 year civil war ended in 1996, there is much to be celebrated here.
The next few weeks will be focused on practicing our Spanish, exploring the avenues (and streets of Antigua) and settling into the slower, more people-oriented way of life.
If you’re interested in learning Spanish, here’s a simple and common phrase: !Buena suerte!
(Good Luck!)
I will be sure to let you know exactly “Guat’s Up” on my blog with pictures and stories of the semester at: dshinabarger.wordpress.com.
