Guatemanada

Robyn and I arrived home late Monday night and we're happy to be back. In the last few days our excitement for returning to Canada eased into a bit of sentimentality for the beautiful country we were leaving. Guatemala provided stunning visuals and many lasting memories. At the same time it reminded us of how privileged we are to live in Canada and have access to the freedoms and opportunities in the Great White North. As a tribute to both countries I've compiled two lists - first, the things that we'll miss from Guatemala and secondly, the aspects of Canada that our time abroad has allowed us to gain a further appreciation for:

Things we'll miss from Guatemala:
- pineapple and all fruit in general
- the friendly people greeting each other (and us) each time they passed in the streets
- fresh coffee
- eating a full meal for two for $7
- looks of shock and admiration as we tower over the locals
- lush vegetation and magnificent natural surroundings
- Guatemalan 'First week of April' weather (although we've been missing this since the first week of April)
- Conversion rates giving the illusion of abundant wealth
- Watching Robyn pull a 'Dukes of Hazzard' out my bedroom window to use the bathroom in the evenings

Things we now appreciate more about Canada:
- Flushing toilet paper down the toilet (and not having to put it into the garbage can)
- Strict 'no chickens in the house' policies
- safe drinking water
- hot water/ showering daily
- organized policing
- public transportation adhering to seating capacities
- team sports, other than soccer
- our friends, who we can now see are distinctly not crazy
- roofing that is impervious to rain
- stationary street vendors who are not selling machetes or cashews
- no inclination to refried beans
- plantain scarcity
- beds that include a mattress and not just a box spring (although the moldy sheets provide a strange, calming aromatherapy experience)
- indoor washroom facilities, complete with door, toilet paper, and flushing mechanisms
- free will
- remote geographic proximity to volcanoes, hurricane alleys, and fault lines

...and there you have it; a complete, scientific, unbiased, balanced presentation of the two countries.

We're home now for three weeks, but that won't stop me from writing...