Day 2: Guatemalans Do It Right

Today's Objective: Learn and continue to compile a list of helpful Spanish phrases to know. Research some Guatemalan history starting from the early settlers to today. Consider how this history has shaped Guatemalan culture and reflect.

Dear Reader,
        Someone did it. Someone wished me the luck I so desperately asked for, because somehow Spanish today became somewhat bearable. So whoever did it, whether it was the gods of language themselves or some kind, generous soul who read my desperate plea of a post and pitied me, I genuinely want to say thank you. I also want to ask if you can continue, because you might be the only thing keeping my Spanish afloat. On a more realistic note, yesterday was full of first day (it wasn't really my first day learning spanish, I've been preparing for a while) jitters and minor (actually major) confusion. As a result, like the behavior that is so typical of teenage girls, I freaked out A LOT. However, my freak out allowed me the unique opportunity to truly reflect on language and culture and what it would mean to me to be able to connect with Guatemalans on a linguistic level. Thus I began my Spanish studies today with a new found vigor and determination, easily finding the success I so desperately craved yesterday.
     
         A typical Spanish lesson for me includes 2-3 hours of duolingo lessons, while making sure to write down any new Spanish words or phrases introduced in the lesson. Today I was lucky enough to find another resource: a website that outlines basic phrases, grammar and vocabulary for each level of Spanish (i.e. Spanish 1, Spanish 2 etc.). The website has more than enough information for me as it goes through Spanish level 5. With the help of this website I was able to identify some basic phrases and vocabulary that I should know or would like myself to be familiar with by the time we leave next Monday. A few of the phrases are:
-Yo no como la cerdo y la carne de vaca. (I don't eat pork and beef) This actually a dietary concern for me so it is very important.
-Donde esta el baño? (Where is the bathroom?) 
-Buenos dias/noches (Good morning/night)
-Quantos años tiennes? (How old are you?)
-Como te llamas? (What is your name?)
While I am not fluent (and I definitely won't be by next Monday), I'm relieved to be taking a step in the right direction towards Spanish and away from Spench. 
          
          Today was also a culture day and thus I started my exploration into Guatemalan culture and history, or at least I attempted to. Unfortunately due to my wondering mind, what started off as an exploration of culture through history turned into an exploration of culture through food (it was lunch time and the hunger was beginning to settle in). In my own defense, food, similar to language, is also a reflection of a country's culture. Food evolves over time and has several different factors that influence it such as land and resources, cultural beliefs etc. Guatemala is a pretty diverse country and many of it's influences draw from the indigenous cultures, mostly the Mayas, as well as remnants of early colonization by the Spanish. Popular crops in Guatemala are both corn, beans, and chilies which are all very prominent in Guatemalan meals. During a typical day in Guatemala, people usually eat three full meals with lunch being the largest one. The typical Guatemalan breakfast includes black beans, fried plaintain slices, eggs and fresh cheese. The typical lunch may be a main dish along with various side items and the typical dinner would follow the same format. Some popular main dishes are Tapado (a seafood soup), Pollo a la cervecza (Chicken in beer sauce) and Pollo Guisado (Spanish chicken stew). These main dishes tend to be served with various side items such as fried plantains, rice and beans among other side items. Food was already one of the things I was most excited about, but after reading more my excitement has been multiplied ten times over. I've come to a very in depth conclusion that Guatemalans do it right in the food department and I can't wait to experience it for myself.

      Overall I'd rate  today's productivity at a 10/10. I feel as if I've made some real progress in both my research and my Spanish studies. I can only hope that tomorrow I continue to be just as successful as today.
Sincerely,
Journey