Election Day November 4

(Written by my friend Katy Lynch) November 4th is a very special day in Guatemala. It is the presidential elections. The first elections this year held on Sept 16th, but since no candidate had a clear majority, the two top candidates now participate in runoffs, which are today. They are Otto Perez Molina of the Partido Patriota, who was active in the oppressive military regime of the civil war. His motto is "Mano Dura", rule with a hard first. Alvaro Colom of the Unidad Nacional de la Esperanza Guatemala, who is associated with narco-trafficing and also a total sell-out from the leftist party. So, much like in the US, there is not much of a choice. But tonight we should know the results. (Colom) won. An interesting fact about the election policy here is that yesterday, Saturday, the day before the election and today, the day of the election, the sale of alcohol is prohibited. We only realized this when we tried to go dancing last night and found EVERY bar and club closed. The law is designed to ensure that people are making clear decisions and to prevent violence.

Alicia Keys

So my favorite artist is coming out with a new album this week. who is gonna get it for me and send it? Kinda bummed i won´t be able to get it down here the day it comes out. it would be a great christmas gift...hint, hint!

La Cantante

This past week, I requested to study with the teacher that is also the school guitar player and singer. He is known for teaching students songs and he often helps students prepare music for graduation. I wanted to learn songs of protest. Not only did I learn songs but we sang together. He is the first person I have ever formally sang an entire song in front of. He said he would help me prepare a song to sing for my graduation in January (if i want). Can you believe it? I MAY actually sing for the first time in front of people (in Spanish ofcourse) and none of my friends or family will be there. Maybe it is better that way. He is a wonderful teacher and person. He made me laugh everday and I definately love a guy that can make me laugh. So inevitably I formed a slight crush. Not the kind of crush were you want to "make out" and have like ten thousand of his babies, but the kind that you just enjoy their presence and look forward to saying hello to them everyday. I found it pretty cool that he has a daughter my age that is studying medicine in Cuba on a scholarship. This program in Cuba is designed to graduate doctors that will go and work in poor communities all over Central and South America. Speaking of crushes, I have come to have an unspoken relationship with a family of kids I walk by everyday. Its so simple, I´m not sure how to explain it. It began with the eldest daughter (maybe about 13 or 14 years old?) She is Maya (i can tell by the traditional dress she wears) and everyday we smile at eachother. She has (i think) 3 siblings, if i were to guess...the next eldest girl is 9, another girl 4 and a boy age 2 or 3. Walking by the restaurant, smiling at the children and having them smile back at me, has been a high light of my daily routine for weeks now, especially with the eldest one. This past week the eldest was standing on the side walk close enough for me to say "Good morning, how are you?" and she replyed "Good and you?" After weeks of no talking we finally exchanged words. It was a special moment for me.

El Dia De Los Muertos

November 1st was the "The Day of The Dead" (or Saints) It is a day to remember and celebrate loved ones who have died. It is a pretty big deal here in Guatemala. Families go to cemetary and literally hang out. Some families bring food, there are vendors all over selling flowers, it is tradition for kids to fly kites, and i purchased a bag of cotton candy in the cemetary. There was laughter and kids playing everywhere. Here is a picture. The cemetary was beautiful and completely covered in fresh flowers. So many flowers you could barley see the graves. Most of the tombs are above ground.

Para Don Pedro

Go to my friends blog to read the story of a man that survived 15 days of torture by the army. The school sponsered a conference so he could tell his story.
http://kagisolechibuku.livejournal.com/