Settling in Antigua

Jan. 16: After successfully getting Quetzals, the local currency, from a cooperative ATM, I have breakfast in a quiet cafe with a view of the central park. Afterward, in the park, I scan my Lonely Planet for something to do in the city before I leave the next day. While reading, a cordial, local man asks me the time. We get to talking and I eventually reveal I´ll be studying Spanish in Quetzeltenango. He asks me why there since there are so many great castellano programs in Antigua?. Turns out, he´s a Spanish intstructor and does a great job of sweet talking me into staying here for a week and studying under his tutelage. He´s Antonio, a middle aged bachelor and native of Antigua.

That night, I hang out in The Black Cat bar with some other guests including a bunkmate, Amanda, a very sweet and friendly young mom from Kansas city. It´s a fun athmosphere but turning into more and more of party scene, which is not why I´m here, so I head to bed.