Living here in Guatemala is full of 1st-world obstacles. Choosing to make Lake Atitlan our homebase added another layer. It’s remote. Groceries are more challenging. Water can be a challenge. Just getting around can be seen as a challenge, we have no car and public transport options are a lancha across the lake or a local tuk tuk. But, none of that matters. It’s so beautiful. We wake up to the sight of two massive volcanos out our beautiful glass doors; so close you feel like you can touch them. We have no TV, yes our phones and iPad work via Wifi, but we don’t find ourselves spending much time on them.  It’s dark at night. It’s quiet outside of the occasional street dog barking or the cottage cat. It’s just different. It has taken us some time to unwire our brains. To be okay with not having a plan every day. To just slow down.

Luca has been reading in hammocks. The three boys are playing outside at all hours of the day. Playing with sticks. Climbing trees. Jumping off docks. Fishing. Swimming in the lake. The grown ups played games under the palapa in the middle of a massive rain storm.

We’re living luxurious by Guatemalan standards. We have electricity, running water and a flushing toilet. We do not have AC (but not needed because it rarely gets above 75 degrees). We have filtered water which is delivered by the local groundman in 5-gallon jugs. Our property is filled with beautiful flowers, mango and avocado trees, and a very steep hill.

Cheers to the next 5 weeks of enjoying the days, challenges and the unexpected opportunities to connect.