Guatemala Expat Forum

First trips

3/28/2022 12:43 EST

I'd like help with finding a language learning environment where I can live cheap and eat well for about two weeks...
Language is priority #1, I work on it every day at home.... I'm fifty, so, I don't learn anything easily anymore .

I'm looking at 1-2 month trips at first to get my toes wet, then winters, then perhaps full-time. I have extremely flexible schedule, so advice on when and where to go is welcome. I don't like high altitude, I'd rather be hot than cold.

My ideal flights would have me arriving at GUA at 8:30 pm, what are my priorities in Guatemala City at that time? Find a nearby hotel, or try to get to Antigua (or whatever final destination is)? Departing flight (for home) at midnight from GUA, bad Idea?

I need new eyeglasses, I have a complicated prescription, was thinking of getting glasses there. Thoughts.

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inky313

3/29/2022 14:25 EST

Google "San Pedro spanish school"
Or they also have a FB page.
Great teachers and it is absolutly the most beutiful location that you can imagine.
Right on the shore of lake atitlan.
I went in May and the weather was nice.

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FrancescaW

3/29/2022 10:05 EST

If you really want to immerse yourself in the language then definitely go to Xela for at least 1 week. Stay with a family, find a school that works w volunteer organisations in the afternoon.
Then travel around and use the language u have learnt and recce the potential areas you might want to live in. Antigua, Lake Atitlan, Xela, Rio Dulce etc. On Lake Atitlan for example every village is very different, so there is something for everyone.
Arriving in Guate. I suggest you find a nice hotel in Antigua that can help arrange transport for you.
Dont buy your glassed here I would say, especially if you have a complicated prescription.
Have a fantastic village.
Main thing is talk to as many locals and foreigners as you can to get the lay of the land! ??

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DeliaLopez

3/29/2022 09:48 EST

Hey Pete, If you want to see Lake Atitlan I'd hit San Juan and hire Elmer for Spanish lessons he is awesome!

If you prefer the beach, I'd head to Fernando's Bungalow Martita rent a bungalow for a month or so and hang out no one speaks English except Fernando and he is an excellent teacher. He doesn't let me speak English there or on what's app from here! Unless I'm stuck and don't know the words. As Hatman mentions there is a fast Spanish deal online most conversations use only 100 words so when you have those you should be good right? Not me, I know the words and reading where they are separate I do ok, short sentences... once people hear me speak spanish and start talking my old brain (I'm 60) is on the 3rd word of translating when they are on 5th word so... I usually get the jist but I want to actually understand. Fernando's 2 bedroom bungalow is $1000 for a month, may be less for one person. I'll be there in May. Feel free to ask questions we have permanent residency and will apply for citizenship thru Bety in May, may not qualify as we have been out of the country for 6 months but we'll know soon
D

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