Ok, I lied. NOW it's game time.

So the first few days here I have really just been "easing into it" as I've been telling myself, mainly because I was still in transition. I knew I wasn't going to stay in the first place the entire time and I knew I needed to be closer to work, so I basically used the first few days to just mull over exactly what my life is going to entail the next six months.

Guatemala City is split into 15 zones. I was told specifically to only live in Zone 10, as it is the safest one and where I will be working. The first place I stayed was also in Zone 10, but it was in a more expat-friendly area. I was surrounded by large hotels like Holiday Inn, Radisson, Mercure, and other local chains. In the center of these hotels was a shopping complex which consisted of both local and American chain restaurants and all the essential stores travelers would need. It was convenient and a nice way to ease into the country. It was the ideal setting to "feel the city out" a little bit, get comfortable with my independence and surroundings, and of course... test my spanish out.

However, like I said, I knew I couldn't nor wanted to stay in that area. Though Zone 10, my office was still a little distance away and it was very expensive. Like I mentioned yesterday, Carla helped my find a place one block from the office- Hotel Gardenias, which is actually an "apart-hotel," not hotel. I moved in today and it is great. I like this area a lot. It is more local and less expat friendly, or international, or whatever word you want to describe the first place! It may be not as safe, but I think it's going to make my experience far better. Plus, my apartment has a security guard 24/7 who stands in front of our massive steel door locked every time we go in or out ;)

I feel like I am FINALLY here and ready to go- just waiting for work on Monday! I walked around a bit today, went grocery shopping, talked with the staff, practiced some spanish, and chatted with some family and friends. I don't think I have ever been so excited to see what the future brings. It's all going to be incredible-Guatemala, TechnoServe, Hotel Gardenias- everything. The only slight issue I am facing may or may not be a drainage issue involving me, my toilet, and my shower...yes, my shower as well- but let's not dive deeper into that subject!