Adios U.S.A., Hola Guatemala!

Welcome to my blog! Bieviendos! My name is Michelle Stiles and for one month I'll be in Guatemala. I'm staying with a family friend Teresita Evertsz in her hostel Casa Gute. I'm very happy that I'm am able share my experiences on this website.

Yesterday was a very long day. I started my excursion when I took a plane from Newark New Jersey to Houston Texas.

 Only in Newark NJ is the Pizza, Stromboli, & Salad restaurant open before the Coffee Shop! LOL              





Here I am all bright-eyed & bushy tailed @ 5:00AM awaiting my plane.

 Off I go! "You all look like little ants from up here" -Heimlech from A Bug's Life

 Window seat

 After I arrived in Houston, I made it to the gate just in time to hear my name called for my passport inspection. I hopped on the plane & sat between two Guatemalans traveling back home who were very helpful & friendly.

I was super-excited but also quite nervous when I landed in Guatemala City. One of the Guatemalans (a middle-aged woman) helped me find my way to where I needed to go.

It took a long time for my luggage to come through & a very patient airport worker helped me find my bags. I gave him a 5 dollar tip & said "Gracias por tu' ayuda" He was very appreciative & after he helped pack up Teresita's car, I thanked him again & he gave me a hug.

Teresita greeted me with open-arms & was very friendly. We ran some errands. I was able to take this snapshot of a cool arch. She warned me that I have to subtle with my picture-taking because someone could try to steal my expensive camera.

I didn't take anymore pics but it was amazing & a lot to take in. Teresita & I went to a bakery, jewelry shop,  & got lunch at Pollo Campero. As I was walking out of the restaurant, some guys were whistling at me & "cat calling". I'm not gonna lie, it was kinda flattering but I've gotta be careful.

We arrived at Casa Gute & I got the grand tour (pics coming soon), met Teresita's adorable golden retriever puppies (pics coming soon) unpacked, went to the bank to for a currency exchange, & went to a classical concert by Orquesta Sinfonica Nacional Guatemala. It was beautiful music & a cool auditorium with murals of famous musicians. (Unfortunately, I didn't have my camera for that).

At the concert I met Terestita's family: her husband Gustavo, son Robert & his girlfriend. They were all very welcoming and nice to me.

There is so much to see & do here in Guatemala. Yesterday was a lot to take in but it is an experience that is once in a lifetime for me. Until next time, adios! :)