I first tried to get my new passport yesterday at the US Embassy, however there was a plane crash where 8 Americans died so they were closed to all non-emergencies.

After being rejected by the Embassy, I decided to have an American day.  I figured after a month and a half I deserve a little US “culture” aka “American Corporate Multinationalism”.

I had breakfast at McDonald’s and dinner at Applebees.  The McDonalds in Zona 10 of Guatemala city is extremely nice.  The menu is quite simaliar as the United States, but the facilities were arms and legs better.  They even had an option of renting a more formal dining room for coporate events.

Applebees was a surreal experience.  The menu was identical in the US, even the advertising slogans were in English but the food descriptions were in Spanish.  I had the 8 oz house steak with sides of Mac-and-Cheese and Onion rings.  They even had free refills of coke!  It was expensive, but worth it mostly because I met two Guatemalecos who I ended up hanging out with most of the night.

Whats funny is that in the US, I’d never go to either restaurant by choice :).

Today I woke up early and went to the Embassy.  Word of advice to anyone who needs something done there:  Get there first thing!  I’m so glad I did.  The whole process only took 3 hours but I could see it taking all day if I was even 30 minutes later.  I met two girls from the United States who I told them I might mention them in the blog.  Ra(e)? (ray?) (rachael?) and Alice(Alicia?) (Sr. Gonzales?), HELLO FROM MY BLOG.  Now you two must leave a comment!  They had their bags stolen from them at Lake Atilan but fortunately didn’t have a direct confrontation with the thieves.  Unfortunately, they lost alot more in material value.  Anyway, it was nice to talk to some friendly folks.

I’m now back at the Universal Language School in Antigua.  While my passport processes, I’m going to hang out here and take two hours of Spanish a day for a week.  I need to make the best out of this waiting for papers game.

Update:  My credit cards are at Julio’s business in Guatemala City!!!!!!!!!!

I love Chase and WaMu!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Not only did they get it to me in 2 business days, but it was at no cost to me!!! Thanks Julio for helping me out again!!!! (I’m “!!!!”).