You know you are in a good neighborhood when...

You know you are in a good neighborhood when all the doors and windows have bars on them, really makes you feel safe you know? And yes I did spend my afternoon waiting for a bus in Guatemala City because the shuttle I booked failed to pick me up, the bus later broke down an hour away from Coban, but in the end it was a good thing for two reasons:

1. I learned an appreciation for Spanish versions of oldies: like the spanish version of "Leader of the Pack" and "Killing me Softly". The help me learn the much needed Spanish and are so catchy. I found myself happily humming along to songs I would not listen to in English, but adore in Espanol.

2. I actually do think I want to get my M.P.H. and P.A. when I get back to the States, I really want to practice medicine and feel that I am helping people every day. What brought this on? I ended up sitting next to and making friends with a guy studying medicine in Guatemala City. I know what you are htinking, what´s with Tara and the Med-school students? He is only 20 but has been studying medicing for 5 years already and only has another 4 years. He got to deliver his first baby in November at age 20, can you believe that? Damn I thought I was cool to be able to lead trekking trips at that age, but he is really doing something with his life. The way he talked about his job and studies, so full of passion and intent, I love that, I want to be like that.

Ok I should head back to my hotel its getting late and there I have to try and find Pete tomorrow, but honestly I want to get to the coast so badly. I want to swim in the clear blue waters of the Carribean and feel the sun kiss my skin.