The secret garden, and a ray of hope?

This is going to be short because I am absolutely exhausted. One, because I could not fall asleep last night (was it the 5 o'clock expresso?). Two, because we took an excursion tothe Jardin Botánico (the Botanical Garden) which is a lot father away from my hotel than I realized.

Before heading out I finally called Central Records (RENAP). The contact there said our "notario" had been by and that the file should be ready Thursday. So I texted "Gina" this info, and she said she would have the birth certificate today and we can get L's new passport of Monday. Needless to say, I was confused so I texted her back. No reply.

I had read that the Jardin Botánico was the first of its kind in Central America and that it was definitely worthwhile to see. I don't dispute this. But if I had known I would be trekking in the heat for like 45 minutes or so, I would have taken a taxi!

It is a lovely place one inside. It is like a secret garden right there on the Avenida Reform amidst the non-ending hustle and bustle of Guatemala City.

Inside the walls is a lovely oasis from the dirt, dust, pollution and traffic all around you. Butterflies flit by, birds scratch in the trees, paths meander by lovely arbors in full purple bloom and a pond where turtles sun themselves.

It only costs 10 Quetzales (about $1.20 currently), so if I do decide to return I think we can splurge on the taxi ride.

The walk back was even more of an adventure. I decided not to walk back on Ave. Reforma to try an avoid traffic - hah! That's a good one. I of course had forgotten L's water thermos (the first time this whole trip). So finally we stopped a t a vendor to buy some cold bottled water.

I knew I couldn't make it all the way back to the hotel, so I decided to stop at Los Alpines for lunch. That was fine, but the waitress disappeared after we were done so we waited like 15 or 20 minutes to pay the bill.

By the time we were leaving, it was pouring rain. I don't have the "umbrella" part of the umbrella stroller, so I just had to hold my umbrella over L. I was soaking wet when we got back. Just her legs were a little wet.

There was time for a late nap. I dozed a little but I wanted to have my alone time for a bit. I talked with my friend Carm and with Glenn for a while. It was good to chat.

I was just too tired to make dinner, so we got some savory pastries from San Martin to bring home. I also bought a large dish bin to serve as a little bath tub for L. She totally loved her little bañerita. So glad I got it!

There was some nice dancing at dinner time because I had the "Backyardigans" on in the background. L. both danced in her seat and twirled around in the living room. Very fun!

Bed time was marathon - something like 1 hour 45 minutes. I nearly lost my mind and am now writing this through shear exhaustion because I just need to vent!. This is one of the most wonderful times of my life, I know that for sure. But it is one of the most difficult too.

During the evening, "Gina" called and said she was actually going Monday morning to get the birth certificate and Monday afternoon we would go get L's new passport. Is this the truth? I really hope so! She gets a "milestone" payment when the new BC is done, so I know that's a motivating factor for her.

Did she somehow get RENAP to release the file earlier? I have heard of other lawyers/facilitators doing such with some sweet talking. Who knows?

I really hope what she is saying is the truth, but I never know what to expect from her. If it is I will post ASAP that we have the BC and passport. Once we have those, it's to the US Embassy baby!