Tortillando and Pacific Ocean Night-Swims

The last few days have been about relaxing and family bonding time. We decided that, since we didn’t get back until Tuesday, it would be best if we stayed here this weekend and gave ourselves more time to plan our next excursion. So, on Friday Silver and I went back to the beach at Tulate, but earlier in the morning this time. It was lovely; the waves were gently rolling instead of violently crashing onto the beach. The tide was still low, so we had miles of empty and clean morning beach to stroll along. We spent a few hours there and headed back for lunch.

A few hours after that, it was very clear that our backs were sunburned. Consequently, we took some time on Saturday to cruise up to Mazatenango to buy some lotion with aloe. I may or may not have stopped for another Oreo McFlurry.

In any case, Sunday was wonderful. Everybody ate breakfast and chilled; everybody works and/or is in school, so it was nice and different for everyone to be here just hanging out. Later, we went with Silver’s abuelita, aunt, uncle, and their three children (ages 14, 17, and 20) down winding rural roads to a small lake. We cooked out and laid in hammocks that were strung everywhere possible, chatting and relaxing. The five of us “kids” skipped rocks and lost a Frisbee. It was a beautiful afternoon.

Everybody wanted to stay out, so we drove down to the beach at Tulate to see if we could watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean. We went to an estuary-type spot, so even though it was too cloudy to see the sunset, we got to swim in the ocean-water without the rough waves. I was reminded of just how much I ADORE the water. We all spent a few hours splashing around and generally having a good time. The Pacific Ocean at night was fantastical. I was so comfortable and content that I managed a good burn on Silver—in Spanish!

In summary: progress. I had great opportunities to practice my Spanish, and took advantage of it. I’m proud of myself for yesterday.

In other news, Kata, one of the women who works at the house, taught me how to make tortillas today! I had my lesson as she prepared lunch, so Silver and I ate my first three tortillas this afternoon. There is a video, but it won't let me upload it :(

In any case though, here are my results: