The Journey Begins

After literally a 2 month hiatus of basically contemplating the adventure that beholds me, I am 12 days away from hopefully initalizing my plight to save the world. Yes, I've been told I am whimsical at times, and of course I don't doubt it a bit- after all my plans keep changing. So here I begin. I start my journey in the wonderful city of Antigua which is located in the southwestern corner of Guatemala. For 2 weeks, I have been set up to learn a little espanol de medicina. From what I hear about antigua, it's a very charming city although a bit touristy at times. From Antigua, I am off to Lago de Atitlan and will be working at the Hospitalito Atitlan. This hospital has a neat history as it was opened in the 1960's to provide healthcare for the people of Santiago Atitlan which is a small rural village that is home to one of the indigenous sect of the Mayan population. In 1990, fierce civil war struck and this hospital was abandoned after there was a massaccre of 13 citizens of the community, thus leaving the town without any access to medical services. In 2002, a grassroots organizatin decided to rebuild this hospital not knowing that in 2005, a hurricane by the name of Stan would bury it under 8 feet of mud. Since then this hospital has once again been constructed and through the help of various agencies among them the University of Pennsylvania, this hospital now provides services the members of the community.

For info about the hospital u can go to: http://www.puebloapueblo.org/ha.html


Well, the plane ticket has been purchased. I am leaving on July 26th. My return ticket is open (I didn't buy one), so I'll stay as long as I need to both working on my research project and also staffing the hospital. The vibe I get from these people, is that they'll make me similar to a resident gradually moving me up to first doctor on call. I'm totally stoked. From guatemala, I'm off to Africa most probably Botswana although there is a looming possiblity I'll be off to Zambia sometime in October instead !(the need there is more great).


That's all I can think of right now. Adios!