Thursday, September 19, 2013

Sunshine and Rain...... and Dogs.....

                                              Walking out into the sunshine of Antigua was a wonderful feeling after over a week in my house, the warmth of the sun on my face was enough to put on a smile, and the energy back into my body. First thing that happened was that I was whisked off to Guatemala City for lunch with some friends. Esperanza and Carlos had decided to collect Lesley and I and take us up to their lovely home in the city. Esperanza, a lawyer owns the dog parlor in Antigua and is responsible for bringing the dogs to the hospital for the children to play with, and Carlos her partner is also a lawyer and lectures at Guatemala University. It was a great  way to get back into feeling good again. Their apartment gave wonderful views of the city!!!


                                                                                                                                                                                             Back in Antigua, as in every part of the country, Election Fever is rife and everyday there are rallies and huge processions to encourage people to vote.  Market day is made more difficult with the mass of people who descend upon Antigua to spread the word and air the promises made by various candidates. Music and declarations resound round the city throughout  the day and night. Flat back trucks and bikes rumble along the  cobbled stoned streets every day as the rain descends and the clouds cover the volcanoes for another wet night. Rainy season in full swing!


This week Guatemala experienced an earth tremor of magnitude 4.8. While most people slept through it, I was shaken from my dreams to realise that I have yet to pack my emergency bag!


  


At the hospital, seeing the the excitement on the faces of the children at the prospect of seeing the dogs really made me feel so much better and further reinforce what a good idea it is. I am amazed by the things that are universal among children irrespective of their abilities…. they stroke the dogs, try to focus on them and feel their warmth and every now and again we get some squealing and apprehension as well as fear. But mostly we get a lot of joy and laughter from the more able children as they take the dogs for a walk.


                                                                                                                                                                                     THANK YOU  to everyone for your words, support, care and love over the past week or two.  I am back on form again and ready for another birthday party in the ward. More cake and ice cream washed down by fizzy coke!!!


Can I handle it ?? Of course!


Anuja here’s one for you… and one for me !!! Love xxxxxxxxxxxxxx


  



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