So, here we are in Antigua, Guatamala. Took 23 hours travelling on various buses from Cancun - only slightly stressful as Richard wanted to be here for the England-Portugal game.

Arrived 7am, 3 hours to spare. No sign of a bar, or anything open for that matter. All buildings look the same - brightly coloured, one-storey concrete blocks with wooden shutters and doors. We wander deserted streets lugging backpacks, looking for signs of life. Finally find cafe-bar with TV. Phew. Order breakfast - bizarrely our omelets turn up with refried beans (suprisingly tasty brown sludge) and fried bananas. Welcome to Guatemala...

Less said about the football the better.

Later we checked into our Spanish school. Secretary v. friendly but bit suprised we have no Spanish whatsoever. How have we survived so far in Central America? I wave trusty phrasebook. She doesn't seem particularly impressed.

We've signed up for 4 hours of tuition per day plus 'activities', which include salsa lessons on Monday evenings. Richard dubious. Potential for embarassment is high, us being English and therefore socially inept. Guatemalans are friendly, gregarious and like to party. We've already been invited to a birthday bash - the school director's son is one years old today and the whole extended family were putting out balloons and bunting at 10pm last night.


Adios for now,
J