La independencia!!!!

This Friday, Guatemala celebrated their Independence Day. Think Cinco de Mayo on steroids. Parque Central was stuffed with people, food, flags, music, and fun. We went to see the big parade/flag raising and had a great time eating "pupusas" and watching Guatemalans in their element.

All week we've been hearing/waking up to the bands from different schools practice in the streets, and today, they were let loose in a frenzy of drums, bells, and fireworks. From all over the city, they marched to Parque Central, where thousands of Antiguenos cheered and watched with anticipation as the national anthem (it's like ten minutes long) played and the pledge of allegiance was said. I couldnt help but borrow some pride for this little country that has spent several decades in civil war. I also caught myself thinking about my country and home. We're glad to be going back next week, if only for a few days. Maybe, just maybe, we can catch some of the first breaths of the Nashville autumn.