Language and possible loneliness

Or maybe you never need to be lonely if you speak the language of the animals? :-)

Another reason that I have stayed for so long is probably that I like the fact that everyone speaks English. I remember from Mexico that it was not very easy to get in touch with the locals because of course I don’t speak Spanish, and I’m sure that I am subconsciously afraid the same thing will happen in Guatemala.

Originally you might remember that it was my plan to stay in Guatemala for two weeks or so to learn Spanish? Well that plan has now changed. For one thing, I have barely started the CD-ROM course I have on my computer, and on top of that everyone I talk to is saying that unless I take at least six seeks, there’s not much idea at all. A little bit depressing, but on the other hand it gives me great motivation to come back to the area sometime in the future!

My original plan for Central America was to come here from November to February, which would certainly have given me time to take Spanish. But I am glad that I came here now instead. The weather is not as hot (even though I can not really imagine how it could be any hotter!), but most of all there’s so few tourists. I seriously doubt that people here in Cayo (as San Ignacio is often called) would have taken the time to talk to me if there had been business waiting around the corner!

Oh, and going to Belize and hanging out with Raquel has improved my English a lot, which I am very happy about.

I am slightly worried that I will feel a little lonely again as I get to the Spanish areas, but that’s just something I need to deal with then. My friend Esteban tells me that I need to find myself a beautiful local girl that knows Spanish that can guide me, but he fails to tell me how I could pick her up when I don’t know the language! :-)