Ruins, Casa, Antigua

I have been in Guatemala less only and I already love it! I spent the morning and most of the afternoon exploring the city. I toured through a restored 17th century home this morning (check photo bucket soon for pics). This house was amazing. It took them 20+ years to restore it to the condition it once was! The pluming in this house was so effective. On top of the roof the water was collected into cysterns were it was then piped into the house to be used in the kitchen, the bathtub the laundry and to water the garden! The bathtub was heated from the kitchen then pumped into several pipes in the tub. It was +a 17th century jazuzi. The house also had an area for them to keep messenger pidgedons and a beutiful view of the city.

I also spent about an hour exploring the ruins of this old monastary. (pictures on photobucket soon) This place is awash with ruins. In fact there are some jsut down the street from were I live.

My house mom, margarita is a very nice woman! She spent 10 years living in New York City before moving back here. We think that she moved to escape the civilwar/revolution that was taking place. She has two story house with a patio that was a wonderful view of the city. She and her friend are cooking for us and a very good at it. Breakfast consitent of fresh fruit, a toast and of corse coffe. Lunch is usally a bigger meal with meat. And dinner is usally just rice and vegetabels. i have a room by myself. It is very nice. I have a dresser and a armor to hang my clothes in and the goo thing is that is lock so i can keep all of my stuff in it. Currently there are 2 enlgish speaking house mates. Marios is from Germany and Rod is from the UK. Both are going to the same language school as me. Magarita has a son Jorge (George) he is 15 so him and I are getting to be quite good friends. He took me around Antigua this morning and helped me buy a phone and exchange money at the bank.

Right now i am sitting in an Internet cafe by the central park. It caust only $1.50 USD for an hour. So it is going to be very easy to keep in touch since these cafes are every where.

So that is all that I can think of, I will write more later.

Your Brother in Christ

-Justin