You came in at just the right
time. If I am being honest, I think Kailynn and I were becoming a bit bored of
just talking to each other, so when you and your friend waltzed into the bar,
we couldn’t have been more excited about the possibility of conversing with
someone else. You had a big smile on
your face and the cutest dog by your side, so to me, there was no question, we
were going to be friends.
After talking with you for just a
little bit, you asked if we would like to hang out for the day so you could
show us some of the local places. Since Kailynn and I were going to be staying
in town for three weeks while taking Spanish lessons, we readily agreed.
The first stop was your tattoo
and piercing shop, which was adorned with all things Bob Marley. The minute you opened up your shop,
people started to come in and buy earrings and other paraphernalia. While we
were waiting for one of your customers to come in to get a piercing, we sat on
your big comfy couch and listened to your story.
You had lived in the United
States for a while and enjoyed it, but while there, you had also become quite
accustomed to hearing constant racist remarks at work or by your friends’
parents. Some of the stories you told us were absolutely terrible, but what was
so amazing was that you dealt with this racism through humor. Every story you
told us had us laughing hysterically. Through your stories it was obvious that
you didn’t let the ignorance of others bring you down.
Unfortunately while in the United
States, ignorance got the best of you too, my friend, and you ended up in
prison for four years; however, it was while you were there that you were able
to master your skill of tattooing. You even showed us your first ink needle
which you made from a phone charger and a small piece of a Walkman player. I
have never seen anything like it and it was absolutely incredible. I might have
to make one myself…
After seeing your shop and your
house, the next stop was the secret local hangout spot to swim. It was
absolutely beautiful and it is probably one of my favorite places to go now. While
we just sat on the rocks, we could take in the entire view of the lake and the
volcanos around it. Sadly it began to rain so we had to end our Sunday Funday a
bit early, but Marley, I am sure we will hang out again, as we had such a great
time with you.
I just want to say thank you for
being so welcoming and sharing some local secrets with us. You, like many other
locals in this town, continue to confirm how friendly and hospitable the people
of Guatemala are. Instead of holding any resentment or anger towards us or anyone
else from the United States because of how you were wrongfully treated there,
you welcomed us into your country, your town, and your house without a second
thought.
Inspired por you,
Kristen
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