EcoSpanish School

Because we are hardco´ about this learning Spanish business, Jeff and I manage to fit lessons into our work schedule. The only weekday we have off is the day after each of our 24-hour call duty. So we rest in the morning then attend a 3-hour one-on-one session in the afternoon at EcoSpanish School.

The incredible setting of our Spanish classes. Hard to always focus on learning Spanish when the day is beautiful like this.

Throughout class yesterday, several hummingbirds hung out with us. It was totally magical.

EcoSpanish School takes place in the yard of a beautiful home own by an American from Washington. He is responsible for starting and maintaining the rescue squad in the neighbring pueblo San Juan. We haven´t met him because he returns to the U.S. during rainy season. In exchange for using his property for EcoSpanish School, the program maintains his garden. Also, part of our tuition funds 50 scholarships for the local children. Pretty impressive way to have a sustained and meaningful relationship with the community!

close up

My Spanish teacher here is Gaspar de San Juan. He is very young but very well spoken and passionate about sharing his language and culture. Gaspar is interesting to listen to because not only is he well educated and acutely aware of world affairs, he is also a firm believer of Mayan traditions. He told me today about the professions that Mayans believe one has to born into. For example, he was determined at birth to be a consejero, or an advisor, which is the most highly regarded. His 18 year-old new wife is a sobador de hueso, a bone healer.

These two photos are from Bambu, a restaurant&hotel next door. It's a beautiful, removed world unlike anything else in Santiago Atitlan.