Daddy Went Shootin'

When in Guatemala, do as the....

I was invited by a good friend here to go shooting at a range in the mountains. I figured, well our case isn't going anywhere, let's get some frustrations out!! I have never shot a gun in my life let alone touched one. Holding a 45 for the first time, I kind of felt like McLovin messing around with the cops. I had to be an embarrassment. And yet, on my first round, I hit all 12 directly in the heart. The guys I was with said I was "a born killer". EXCELLENT! Uh, yeah, I was a little freaked out. And then they handed me the bad ass rifle. It was the kind Rambo used. I'm still not sure if I hit the target, but I keep remembering how cool I must have looked in my sunglasses, big airport headphones, and shaking hands. Overall, it was a little unsettling hearing gunfire all around me, especially when I see people with guns in front of most stores here. Being a person who is not a fan of guns, however, I appreciated the opportunity to understand what they are all about. Hmmm, I thought later. Is shooting guns in a foreign country a good thing for me to be doing? I let that go when I received the very cool knife as a souvenir.

Well, speaking of guns, it's Semana Santa here!! That's Easter related stuff. Again, more traffic, more processions, more incense, and more crazy and beautiful "carpets" on the streets. We knew that it had to be a big celebration when we saw a boy out today helping create a carpet. He was about 10-12 years old, and he had his zipper down, was holding his penis with one hand and drinking a 32 oz. Gallo with the other. God, I miss being young!! So, when in Guatemala... OK, I didn't go that far, but I did enjoy a Gallo. While most of the carpets are made of sawdust or pine needles, today we saw one made entirely of vegetables. Very cool (see pic). Not so cool when Max grabbed a turnip... mostly because I told him to go for a carrot.

New words for Max -- Mama, Daddy, Yes, Night Night, and Good Price

Max is still really friggin cute.

We MIGHT be in the PGN on the Monday after Easter. C'mon everybody!!! Make this happen!!!!

Chinese food in Guatemala = BAD

Meat cooked by street vendors = bed for 3 days

History lesson of the day -- (Refer to picture of church) It used to be that Mayans had to use the door at the side of the church if they were going to attend. Look at the size of the door just to the left of the column, and see where it is located. Yes, that's a door.

Gonna go eat the equivalent of Guatemalan shake and bake now. Gotta say this stuff is good. Bringing it home so we can cook for everyone!! Best to all!!

Mark, Jen and MAX xxxoooxoxoxoxoooooxxxxo