Hello again from Guatemala! Now I’ve realized some of you may be wondering what exactly am I doing here. And to be honest, I wasn’t quite sure myself but with each day my role is becoming more clear. So let me start from the beginning. I’m working with a US Embassy English Language Program in the city of Cobán in Alta Verapaz. It’s a city in the middle northeastish of the country. It is very warm in the mid day but cooler at night and in the morning. Everyone has been telling me that the weather can be very unpredictable here though so we shall see what it has in store!
After we had finished the conference in Xela, we drove up to Cobán. We left around 10am and got in around 7pm so it was a long day of travel, but I enjoyed the views as we passed through the mountains. I began my time here at a hotel that my coworkers recommended and they served a delicious breakfast! From there I moved to my new place and began getting acquainted with this lovely city.
A delicious desayuno of frijoles, tortillas, huevitos, and my favorite plátanos!
Later that day I headed to the academy where I will be working with these programs over the next year. I got to meet the rest of the team and we spent the day setting up the classrooms since they had been building an addition over the vacation. It was pretty exciting to see the space transform between when we cleaned and the first day of classes after the weekend!
These are two of the classrooms where the Access programs take place
I spent this week observing teachers in the classroom and getting to know the students. There are so many new names to learn! And everyone has two names! But I love a good memory challenge so I should learn them soon:) I have really enjoyed seeing the methodologies these teachers use. After working in an ESOL (English for speakers of other languages) class for the past year and a half it is really great to see other creative approaches in the classroom. Granted this school is working with a very different number of students and learning interest level however, I am very encouraged to see the ways that they have made learning English into a positive and accessible experience that lends itself to building other skills.
The beautiful sunny rooftop where they grow chiles cobaneros!
(and where I like to hang out for yoga and sunshine)
So apart from my role here as an ETA, I have been slowly settling into a little rhythm of life for myself. The building I have moved into is in a very central location which has been very nice for getting around and the people here are very friendly. My team members at the Academy helped me with moving in and one of the teachers lives here too so they have been great company on the walks home and at dinner!
Estadio Verapaz
Every morning I have been starting my day with a trip to the stadium which is very popular for running in the mornings. Apparently Cobán is the site of a well known half marathon in the spring so lots of people are out training! It has been a nice way to start my days and build a routine for myself, not to mention sometimes I get to watch their soccer team training.
The upstairs where you can order food at la cocina,
wash your clothes, and do yoga on the roof
(except I am the only one who ever does the last part)
My living situation has been very nice too! While I don't have access to a kitchen myself, it has honestly been nice not having to cook... Instead I go upstairs where there is a kitchen and the residents can order food. It is reasonably priced and very delicious. The lady who cooks is very friendly too and sometimes she brings her son who is adorable!
el bañoThe view out of my window My bedroom panorama!
Overall it has been a great first week and I look forward to learning more about the city, the people, and the Guatemalan experiences overall and of course sharing next weeks adventures!
Everything looks so lovely in Coban!
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