I spent my whole day in San Marcus today. This morning I decided to do my laundry. I’ve never really done laundry by hand before. It was an interesting concept. I didn’t do my short pants. I thought those would take too long to drive but I did my shorts, my underwear, handkerchiefs, sweatbands,  and shirts. 

One of my best things I’ve taken on this trip has been my clothesline. It’s a really great asset to traveling because there’s always something that needs to be hung up to help dry out.  It really worked great.  I took it up stairs to the third level which is just a big Terrace.  I hung that up between some rebar and got everything  dried out. I’m glad I did it because the rest of the day it’s been kind of rainy.

I went over to Casa de Juanita for breakfast/lunch but it was closed. I thought it might be because she said they were having problems getting gas because of all the roads being blocked. It’s a real hardship on the people here that’s for sure not just for the tourists.

I decided to go ahead and just cook my own breakfast this morning so went and bought a few eggs and some tomatoes and onions and also got some ears of corn and couple of apples and a banana. I fried up the tomato and onions and scrambled some eggs with it tasted good. And then I put the corn in the microwave that they have in the kitchen here at the hotel and cooked and ate that too. 

On my way home. I realized it looked like it was gonna start raining so I decided I just stay here at the house today. Had a good chat with Anthony in England. He’s there at his mom’s house right now taking care of her after she had open heart surgery.

Then I got in touch with Ashley and had a really good FaceTime with Penelope And Everly and Ashley. That made me feel a lot better. 

Also had a good talk with Nana today. We spoke for quite a long time as well. I know she was glad to hear from me. I know she’s been worried about me, but I’m OK. 

I really do think that this part of Guatemala is probably the safest. There’s really not been any violence at all. Just peaceful protests through these blocked roads. 

I talked with my hotel manager today about some places I was thinking about walking and she said one direction was real safe. The other one was not as safe, so better to stay on the one that had busier cars and stuff like that. It’s always good to get safety information. 

I asked about where the two girls that had been a couple of doors down from me in the hotel had gone and she said they had gone to the city across the lake and that she did not think they were having a good time. That’s a much bigger city than San Marcos and she said there was some problems there. But she assured me that San Marcos was super calm and not a problem at all here and you’re very secure so I was glad to hear that.

I’ve been in touch with my travel insurance people seeing what and how much is gonna be covered because what’s going on here. I wanted to see if they’re going to cover any ticket increase it might be to get my ticket from Guatemala City on into Atlanta. 

I still hope I’m gonna be able to come back on Thursday, but it’s seeming less and less likely. I’m trying to be optimistic . One thing’s for sure if I’m anywhere in the country I’d rather be here than in the big cities. This is way more beautiful and safer. Although there’s been no reports of any violence anywhere in the country.

I really appreciate getting to talk to all of y’all today. I even got to have a short FaceTime with Kathy at Young World. Enjoyed that a lot too. 

I sure do miss all you guys. I’ve been feeling kind of lonely. I get that way when I don’t have enough to do.  I walked about 12 miles yesterday that made me feel better. I have been sticking around the house because of the rain. 

I’m hearing a lot of thunder and seeing some lightning again. I think last night was the biggest and loudest thunder and lightning storm I’ve ever been in my life.  I saw big bolts of lightning strike the lake. It was crazy. Super loud booms.