One of my favorite things about the trip to pick up Big Brother (aside from getting him, obviously) was the group that we traveled with. The agency had an incountry staff person who stayed at the hotel with us. We all stayed at the same hotel (the Marriot in Guatemala City). We ate breakfast and dinner together. The agency had a suite they paid for every day of the year just so we would all have someplcae to hang out and talk and enjoy ourselves. Tori, the in country liason, kept it stocked with typical American snacks like chips and candy bars. Tori was always available for whatever you needed. SHe even throuh an impromptu birthday part for one of the Dads the week we were there. She was awesome.
And so was the time with the other families. We all came from different states and different backgrounds but we were there to celebrate our new little additions together. We made friends. One family we still keep in touch with. They live in Ohio so we are not close but we send Christmas cards with update letters every year. And it is just nice.
I desperately wanted that for this trip. And so when the two other moms who are here (onejust got here, one has been here) decided on a different guest ouse we reluctantly agreed to move. "It is in a better part of town." we were told. "The room is beautiful and HUGE." we were told. We were also told that the room was the same price that we are paying here. ANd so packed up our things, sadly said good-bye to the staff here and took a taxi to the other guest house.
And no one was there when we got there. We waited a few minutes, stood around feeling lost and finally decided to move our things into the room we were told would be ours. As we were doing so the manager finally came around and introduced himself. He wisely made sure we knew the price - which was twice what we are paying now. Or we could have a tiny little dorm type room which shared a bathroom with two other rooms for what we are paying now. Hubby immediately called the guesthouse where we have been and asked if they could take us back. Which they did - even though they were, rightfully so, annoyed that we had bailed on them like we did.
I was so sad that we would not be with the other families but for two weeks there is no way I could afford twice what I am paying now. And the place was not nearly as nice. Here we have free internet, free breakfast, and a fabulously helpful staff. I mean yesterday I asked if they could tell me where to pick up a few loavces of bread and they gave me two from their storage room - for free!! I love it here and while I am embarrased that we left I am kind of glad that I saw the difference in the two places. I know have a whole new appreciation for how wonderful it is here. So, we moved and we moved back. And now that we are back we have even decided to move into one of the family suites with a few extra conveniences and a much larger room, including an eat in kitchen, for only a little bit more money (and less than the other place wanted for their "big" room). I have also heard that there is another family who will be sharing our embassy date who wil be staying here as well. So, I guess we are going to get that experience as well. And I am glad.
And so was the time with the other families. We all came from different states and different backgrounds but we were there to celebrate our new little additions together. We made friends. One family we still keep in touch with. They live in Ohio so we are not close but we send Christmas cards with update letters every year. And it is just nice.
I desperately wanted that for this trip. And so when the two other moms who are here (onejust got here, one has been here) decided on a different guest ouse we reluctantly agreed to move. "It is in a better part of town." we were told. "The room is beautiful and HUGE." we were told. We were also told that the room was the same price that we are paying here. ANd so packed up our things, sadly said good-bye to the staff here and took a taxi to the other guest house.
And no one was there when we got there. We waited a few minutes, stood around feeling lost and finally decided to move our things into the room we were told would be ours. As we were doing so the manager finally came around and introduced himself. He wisely made sure we knew the price - which was twice what we are paying now. Or we could have a tiny little dorm type room which shared a bathroom with two other rooms for what we are paying now. Hubby immediately called the guesthouse where we have been and asked if they could take us back. Which they did - even though they were, rightfully so, annoyed that we had bailed on them like we did.
I was so sad that we would not be with the other families but for two weeks there is no way I could afford twice what I am paying now. And the place was not nearly as nice. Here we have free internet, free breakfast, and a fabulously helpful staff. I mean yesterday I asked if they could tell me where to pick up a few loavces of bread and they gave me two from their storage room - for free!! I love it here and while I am embarrased that we left I am kind of glad that I saw the difference in the two places. I know have a whole new appreciation for how wonderful it is here. So, we moved and we moved back. And now that we are back we have even decided to move into one of the family suites with a few extra conveniences and a much larger room, including an eat in kitchen, for only a little bit more money (and less than the other place wanted for their "big" room). I have also heard that there is another family who will be sharing our embassy date who wil be staying here as well. So, I guess we are going to get that experience as well. And I am glad.
4 Comments:
Thanks for your kind words! I love hearing from you.