Looking up and out

Today for the first time when I walked back to my host family´s house by myself, I looked up into the mountains and down some of the other streets. I had been so afraid previously after hearing all the stories of robbery that I walked head down, eyes moving around, and feet moving swiftly. I am still a bit frightened to venture further but once I can speak a bit better, I will feel more comfortable I am sure.

Yesterday, my school had an excursion to a nearby village called Salcahá. It has the oldest church in Central America... over 400 years old. Across the street, we knocked on a non-descript door (interesting that 20 minutes into our visit another small group knocked on the door for the same reason)and entered a black market brewery of a drink called "Líquido de Flores" or Salcahá ... which is illegal but the government knows that it is made. I bought a bottle which was poured from a big vat on the floor of their laundary room into previously used Johnnie Walker Whiskey bottles. I think I found the most enjoyment out of the fact that it is right across from a church.

While we were doing that a Finca (farm) on the coast was being raided by 800 soliders. The families working the Finca had been there for generations, and many had not received compensation for 36 months. They protested to the government and were ignored so they occupied the Finca. Upon their occupation the Padreno appealed to the government and received 800 troops with weapons to evict these families. Many died in the situation yesterday.

Quite the mix for just one day.