La Aurora Airport in Guatemala City

Whenever I travel, I'm too self-conscious to film it but this guy had no problem! Sorry, this is Spanish only right now. Hopefully, someone will submit English subtitles soon. It's a good video showing some recent upgrades to the airport, including a small upper level food court right at the entrance (before going thru security) as well as a short portion at the very end about what the arrivals area looks like so you know what to expect if you're getting OFF a plane here in Guate for the first time. Enjoy!

Rainy Season Is So Dramatic

We've had quite a bit of rain over the last few days here in Panajachel due to tropical storms off of both coasts. You have to plan your outings carefully to not get caught in a downpour. But honestly, the rain is pretty warm and it's no big deal if you compare it to a blizzard in Canada! 😊

When I get a few spare dollars, I'm going to buy another webcam to replace the one that broke. I'm gonna get a weather-proof one this time! Then I will set up my live cam again with a view of Lake Atitlan so you all can see the storm clouds as they push their way around the volcanoes. It's quite mesmerizing.

Stay dry, my friends! ☔

Dog Rescue in Panajachel, Guatemala

If you've been following my expat adventures, you'll know that from the first day I set foot in Guatemala I have been helping street dogs and cats. It's tough work. No matter how many you help, there are always more and more and more. It's easy to become burned out and flat broke! But I can't stop, won't stop! 😊

Because Guatemala as a country is just starting to enforce animal welfare laws and create governmental organizations to address these issues, many small charities have been operating for years here on their own. These NGOs have different views on how best to assist street dogs and cats but they all were formed with the intention to do what's best for the animals.

Today I'd like to give a shout-out to Guatemala Hope for the Animals, which operates in Panajachel and around Lake Atitlan. They have a shelter which houses many dogs and cats available for adoption. They also assist with street dog injuries, which is so important here. If a dog gets hit by a car, no one helps it! People will literally walk right by a dog with a broken leg or one bleeding from the neck. Many Guatemalans love animals but their own lives are so hard and they are struggling with poverty themselves, they know they cannot spare anything for a dog. Luckily there are charities like Hope for the Animals that can step in and help -- with a bit of emergency fundraising to offset costs, of course.

Here are two puppies that are currently looking for homes either here in Guatemala or possibly the States or Canada.

Adorable Guatemalan street puppy for adoption.

Cutie pie puppy available for adoption in Guatemala

 Please take a moment to "like" their Facebook page here -- Guatemala Hope for the Animals. Liking their page creates more awareness!
If you can afford to donate, instructions for PayPal or bank transfer are on their page. Even a small donation can go a long way to helping street dogs and cats here in Guatemala. Food is cheap! And they always need to buy things like bleach, newspapers, blankets, dewormer medicine, and of course toys to amuse the doggies and kitties. 😀
They will soon be setting up an Instagram account to share more pictures. I will try to remember to edit this page later and link it for you all. Cheers!

Mystical Evening at Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

Lake Atitlan is still so beautiful! I've been here for over four years and I can't stop staring at the majestic volcanoes, the blue water, the amazing clouds. Sunset walks with the doggies are my favourite. 😊

I was thinking of doing a "Day In My Life" post but I figured it would be incredibly boring, ha ha! I sleep in, laze around, play with my pets, go for walks, and maybe work for a few hours. Livin' the dream!