A look back in time I glance at my surroundings and cannot help but think I have traveled into the past. The houses around are built colonial style with black wood trims, decorative accents and large windowpanes. As I drive into the city of Antigua, I get a distinct feeling that this town is frozen in time. The cars look to be a bit out of place in a city that one would think used horses as means of transportation. Women are dressed in traditional huipils and skirts. The market is bustling with both residents of the city and nearby villages, as well as, tourists.

As I walk through the market I cannot help but smile at a group of tourists that are trying to bargain with a merchant. I do not think they realize that the jewelry they want to buy for 2 quetzals is equivalent to a quarter in American money. This would explain why the merchant is not wanting to sell a piece of his, handcrafted, jewelry for mere change.

I continue to walk and there in the corner is a woman working on a loom, intricately weaving a pattern from the threads. As I stop by her booth to glance at her work, she looks up and asks me if I am interested in any of her work. I take the opportunity to ask about a few things and noticing her outfit of traditional wear ask her what indigenous group she belongs to. After learning she speaks Kaqchikel, I take a moment to ask her a bit about her culture. It is always so nice to find an individual who is very friendly and willing to speak to me for bit. My vocabulary in Kaqchikel is limited to words such as, “Hello”, “How much does that cost?” and “Thank you”. However, after today I can definitively say my vocabulary has increased! Am I now fluent? Sadly, no but with each day I learn more and more. I like to say that any improvement is good!