Guatemala: Black Sheep House

We had booked our crash course in Spanish while still in Germany, with accommodation in a Guatemalan host family (Thilo thought one week was definitely enough ;-)). With the expectation of being able to navigate and communicate better in Spanish-speaking Central and South America after the week, we arrived. We left the very original village of San Pedro on Lake Atitlan with much more.

Upon our arrival, we were picked up from the bus stop by Julio, our 'host father' (at 37 years old). At that time, we were relatively silent due to lack of knowledge of Spanish. However, the family with Julio, Vila (34), and the two boys (9 and 13) made us feel welcome and part of the family from the beginning at the 'Casa oveja negra' ('House of the black sheep'). After the first Spanish lessons at the language school with a direct view of the lake, we gradually understood better and better Julio's (he is an elementary school teacher) fascinating explanations about the current situation in Guatemala, the country's history, and the customs and stories of the mountain village and its surroundings.

It was also interesting for us to learn how simply our family lives in San Pedro and how little is needed here to be content. Although our host family is by no means wealthy, they are dedicated to helping the poorer residents of the village. We were also able to benefit from this kindness and hospitality, as well as from the excellent typical food that Vila prepared diligently and 'picante'. We could easily overlook a non-functional shower or water in the room after a strong rain shower. ;-)

Thilo did not miss the opportunity to play soccer in the streets with the boys. And since European soccer is highly regarded in Guatemala, every Champions League match was shown on television in the family, much to our delight ;-).

With significantly improved Spanish (hola, gracias, una cerveza por favor...) and a great impression of the country and its people, we finally said goodbye to Guatemala and headed towards Mexico after this week.