Day Twelve: Housemates Party!

In the afternoon in Antigua, I walked by some beggars on the street – there are many of them but the ones that disturb me the most are the ones with children.  I walked by one lady who had a child about 5 years old just rolling around next to her climbing a fence.  Another time, there was an old lady who had a child about 6 or 7 years old sleeping on her lap.  It reminded me of the one time I was in New York City with my then-wife and son – we walked past a family of beggars -  think there were 2 young children.  After a few steps, my son – I think he was about 4 years old - turned to my then-wife and asked what that was.  After explaining to him, he asked if we could go back and give them the snacks (granola bars) we had been carrying around.

Today was a simple day.  The childcare project was just the volunteers and the children – no Lesbi or Tino – so we were asked to just take the kids to go play soccer for 1.5 hours.  I’m always excited to play soccer, plus it’s a change to get some exercise while I’m away from home.  Hmmm – that sounded selfish.  Did I mention the kids are all pretty good at soccer (yes, some stand out more than the others)?  Some of the girls of course wanted me to just grab them and swing them around by their arms or their legs.  I think these were the girls who were 8-14 years old so they are heavier than what I’m used to.  At least this time, I was smart enough to remember to bring shorts and an extra shirt to change into after playing soccer in the warm weather.

When we got back to Antigua after the childcare project, I needed to go to the supermarket to get my “Secret Santa” present for the 9-year old boy that was assigned to me.  I was told to keep the cost down, since many of the kids weren’t going to be spending a lot of money on the presents they can afford to get.  I was suggested to find something around 20 Quetzals – about US$2.50.  My choices were limited to a basic ball, a plastic truck, a plastic bulldozer, and a transformer knock-off that I eventually picked – it was a plastic helicopter that changed to/from a robot.  I also bought a chocolate bar for Sandra’s last day with me, and ice cream for our “gathering” that the housemates had planned for tonight in Sue’s room.  I was volunteering to buy ice cream for everyone.  I also needed to buy some envelopes to leave “tips” for Lorena and Rosenda.  Dennis had mentioned that they make about US$10 a week. I know it’s their job but I’ve always felt guilty, just as I do with the people who come and clean/maintain your hotel room.

After dinner, at Sue's room for our “housemates social,” Deet brought popcorn and marshmallows (for the fireplace), and Chelsie brought hot chocolate.  Lorena later joined us.

(Left-to-Right: Me, Dennis, Sue, Sarah, Deet, Chelsie)

(Back: Left-to-Right: Lorena, Dennis, Sarah, Deet, Chelsie, Me; Front-Left: Sue)

I went back to my room, exhausted, but couldn’t fall asleep for a while as they had fireworks (“Bombas”) going off past midnight – some of them felt like they were going off outside my room!

I learned from Chelsie that she was paying $900 for 3 weeks of full day (7 hours) private Spanish one-on-one classes, plus 3 meals a day for 6 days a week (Sundays are excluded), and the room at Olga’s.  That’s just a crazy deal.
Dennis told me that the girls (Lorena and Rosenda) make about US$10 a week and that giving them a “tip” of $2-4 a day, although not necessary, would be good.  I plan on leaving them (cash) tips and getting flowers for Olga as a thank you gift before I leave on Saturday.