July 2021 – Jessica O'Dwyer

Our front door

July 29, 2021

If you’ve known me for a while, you know I’m a total creature of habit. I’ve eaten the same breakfast for something like 40 years–crunchy cereal with yogurt, fruit and low-fat milk–do the same number of push-ups every morning (don’t be impressed; they’re bent-knee) and always pay my bills the day they land in my mailbox (mainly because I know they’ll get lost if I don’t). That kind of thing.

Something else I do is take a picture with Olivia in front of the door of the house where we lived together in Antigua in 2003 while her adoption was being finalized. We do this every time we visit Antigua. Here’s our latest and some others from years past. (You’ll notice several years are missing. Keeping track of photos is not my strong suit ;-)) xoxo

At the door of the house where we lived in 2003. Taken in July 2021

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Monterrico

July 26, 2021

In our 19 years of traveling to Guatemala, we’ve visited many places: Nebaj, Chajul, Cotzal, Acul, Salama, Rabinal, Tikal, Iximche, Rio Dulce, Livingston, Chichicastenango, Quetzaltenango, Totonicapan, Solola, Antigua and every village around Lake Atitlan. But one place we’d never been is Monterrico.

As you may know, Monterrico is known for its black sand volcanic beaches, turtle rescues and tropical vibe. Located on the Pacific coast in the department of Santa Rosa, it’s a prime vacation spot for Guatemalans with resorts and restaurants dotting the coastline.

My friend Susan Brady couldn’t believe we’d never been there. She and her twin sons moved from the Bay Area to Antigua four years ago. Monterrico is one of their favorite, go-to destinations.

A condo was rented and a driver hired—thank you, Susan!—and before we knew it, we were paddling around an enormous swimming pool, sipping cold drinks, and tooling along the beach in way-cool red ATV.

Monterrico. I’m a fan. Here are some photos.

Under the shade looking out at the ocean.

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Monterrico

July 25, 2021

In our 19 years of traveling to Guatemala, we’ve visited many places: Nebaj, Chajul, Cotzal, Acul, Baja and Alta Verapaz, Tikal, Iximche, Rio Dulce, Livingston, Chichicastenango, Quetzaltenango, Totonicapan, Solola, Antigua and every village around Lake Atitlan. But one place we’d never been is Monterrico.

Monterrico is known for its black sand volcanic beaches, turtle rescues and tropical vibe. Located on the Pacific coast in the department of Santa Rosa, it’s a prime vacation spot for Guatemalans with resorts and restaurants dotting the coastline.

My friend Susan Brady couldn’t believe we’d never been there. She and her twin sons have lived in Antigua for the past four years and Monterrico is one of their favorite, go-to destinations.

A road trip was planned—thank you, Susan!—and before we knew it, we were paddling around a gorgeous swimming pool, sipping cold drinks, and tooling along the beach in way-fast red ATV.

Monterrico. I’m a fan. Here are some photos.

Fourth of July with Brady family at beach

Sitting in the shade with a view toward the ocean

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Two new friends.

July 22, 2021

Melissa, Susan, Marisol, me, Mateo and Olivia

Last week in Antigua, we met two new friends from our global adoption community. Melissa is a Norwegian-Guatemalan political scientist and Carlos a German-Guatemalan historian. Both were generous with their time and insights, not to mention great role models to our kids. We loved spending time together and look forward to meeting again. ~

With Carlos and Susan

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Two new friends

July 22, 2021

During this trip to Antigua, we met two new friends from our global adoption community. Melissa is a Norwegian-Guatemalan political scientist and Carlos a German-Guatemalan historian. Both were generous with their time and insights, not to mention great role models to our kids. We loved spending time together and know our paths will cross again in the future.

Melissa, Susan, Marisol, Jess, Mateo, Olivia

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