Hola! 

For the next seven weeks I am going to be participating in an anthropology-based research program in the Lake Atitlan region of Guatemala. During this time, I will be living in Santa Clara La Laguna, a small town located above the larger, more touristy towns of San Pedro and San Marcos. Although I will be taking two classes - one that deals with tourism and anthropology and one that focuses on the application of research methods - I will spend the majority of my time carrying out an independent research project. I have yet to determine the topic of my project but I will keep you posted and let you know when I do. 

I am attempting to keep a blog but - due to the rural location of my village - internet access will be limited. 

I arrived into Guatemala City, Guatemala late last night and I spent most of today bumming around the hotel and surrounding area. From what I have seen, Guatemala City is large, dirty, and polluted (like any large city); however, in betwixt and between the streets, buildings, cars, and motorcycles the city seems to be imbued with a plethora of color. 

Tonight we met for a brief orientation session and tomorrow morning we are leaving for Panajachel, one of the main towns located on the shores of Lake Atitlan. On the way we are stopping at the Mayan ruins of Iximche and grabbing lunch in the village of Tecpan. I will write another update next time I able to access the internet. For now...I am just trying to adjust to a new culture, recall my Spanish, and soak up as much Guatemala goodness as possible. 

adios para ahora,

Jen