i haven't updated this blog in a year? sorry to my way too many followers, sarcasm.
I went to Guatemala: this is from when we climbed to the top of Tikal (Old Mayan Ruins,
personal favorite). How did I feel about Guatemela? It was a little crowded and a little dirty. Overall, not my favorite country yet. Some of the views were amazing. Especially when we hiked to Tikal. The ruins were composed of 5 different sites, the biggest one is the pyramid we were pictured in to the left. We climbed in the POURING RAIN for most of it. We were only in Flores for two days so we had to hike that
day if we wanted to do it at all. We were soaking wet and freezing. When we got to the top, we realized it was perfect.I learned interesting things from Guatemala,like all about tourist traps and overpriced tourist prisons in general. I have never seen so many "guides" appear out of nowhere ready to show you where to go...but really telling you some kind of drawn out tidbit and taking your money while putting you on a 15 person taxi van. Although it may seem like it, I am not complaining or criticizing. There are plenty of other places that I have been to with the same problem and I think it comes down to the economy. I think it's a sign of the desperation in the people; which overall: is a little heartbreaking. So if you are even in Guatemala City or Flores just remember to be careful and don't fall for a scam. Eat local, the people will be beautiful to you. Even if it's a hole in the wall place , just go for it. Shop at the markets. People sell things every day. Don't forget to haggle and see the good in everything.
After leaving Guatemala, we went on bus into Belize. We arrived at Holy Cross School and got settled in and started working immediately. The school was in the middle of building new bathrooms for the children so we started to help put up sheet rock and install the toilets..all of that good stuff. On Sundays Eric volunteered in the road project. Belize homes in the lagoon aren't very developed. There are no roads for transportation. Ole Miss students have volunteered to help with the design and construction. It is a neighborhood project and a big self esteem boost for the community. I love that I got the chance to participate.The rest of the year was filled with the rest of my 2010 Accomplish List going into fruition. I got a "grown up job" in October. It's not a bad gig. I signed my first lease on my own. I live in a one bedroom apartment in Midtown that I have been furnishing from hand me downs and giveaways to thrift store bargains. Little by little it is finally taking shape 4 months later, ha. Just last night I added a little splurge item from Pier One...on SALE. I am quiet the budget queen, which was another thing I wanted to accomplish in 2010.
Frugal spending = More money for travel which brings me to my next accomplishment: NEW YORK CITY. My best friend and I flew into the city and saw the city highlights. Yeah we are wearing the same scarf because apparently it is FREEZING in New York in December so we went into the nearest Gap and bought the warmest scarf possible. New York in December was the coldest I have ever been. I would do it all over again though...maybe. We stayed in hostels near the park and also one in the city. Took the subway, had breakfast at Tiffany's, walked down 5th Avenue, through Strawberry Fields in Central Park, just the regular tourist things. FREEZING.My last 2010 accomplishment: C
HRISTMAS. My family decided to give Sara(my youngest sister) the most memorable Christmas ever. We usually celebrate just for her, bu this time we went all out which includes me going a little present overload at my apartment <---- I couldn't' help it. We usually make it a point to not focus on presents but this year I just WANTED to. It was great though. P.S. No I am NOT a Memphis fan. The ornaments were given to me from my mom because I decided to have a tree on December 14 and I didn't want to spend a million dollars on tree trimmings.
Accomplishments from 2011: so far I just want to stay on track with the frugal spending so that I can have enough money for school and solo living so I won't have to have roommate, go to a different country and another city on my list in the US. READ all of the books on my shelf and stop buying more. Go skydiving.
