A Weekend of Mayan Culture, Good Food, and Gorgeous Landscapes

At Maximo Nivel there is a stand belonging to Carlos who owns and operates Guinness Travel. He offers several guided trips throughout Guatemala and surrounding Latin American countries. This weekend I was fortunate enough to join 8 other volunteers on the trip to Tikal. We left on Friday morning and made the long and winding 8 hour journey to Flores, Guatemala, arriving in time for some dinner and a walk around the island. The fact that Antigua is approximately 1 mile above sea-level quickly became obvious while in the lake-level town. Flores was balmy and warm. The next morning we woke early and grabbed our Mayan guide, Oliver, before entering the national park to explore the old Mayan ruins of Tikal. It was fascinating to explore the grounds while soaking in the history of Mayan culture and beliefs. The humidity and heat continued, which was a welcomed change from the cool winter temperatures we’ve been experiencing in Antigua. It only took 5 minutes before we had all sweated completely through our clothes, but I wasn’t about to complain! After about 4 hours we had seen and climbed most of the temples, palaces and residential areas. It is always fascinating for me to see such intricate and impressive architecture from so long ago. Most of the area is overgrown with rain forest and is being archeologically excavated and restored. Trudging through the rainforest was a bad idea in shorts… despite the copious amounts of bug spray I had been using I was completely eaten alive. 

There were SO many tarantulas!

Spider Monkeys!

Breathtaking! The view from Temple IV.

I haven't counted, but I'm probably up to about 60 bug bites. SO ITCHY!

 We enjoyed an incredible lunch and then headed back to Rio Dulce, where we had stopped for lunch the day prior. Again, we arrived near dark, quickly changed and headed to dinner. We took a boat to a water-access-only restaurant and hotel owned by an Australian/Mexican couple. I had some INCREDIBLE fish tacos. We had breakfast there the following morning as well. The river culture here is absolutely beautiful. I’ve decided that I’d like to retire in one of the bungalows lining the river (which will be lined with tiki torches, citronella candles and Off clips). It is so beautiful here. I just need to learn to sail (not to worry, it’s on the bucket list). We then headed to the natural hot springs and jumped into the river. The current made it into something similar to a never-ending pool, which would be great for triathlon training; from my labored breathing and burning arms I could quickly tell it’s been a while since I’ve been in the pool! Time to sign up for a race (eek!). Next we docked in the Amatique bay which allowed magnificent views of Belize across the ocean. The vastness of the ocean and majestic towering of the mountains never cease to amaze and humble me and remind me of my modest role in this world. We hiked about 15 minutes through beautiful forest flora and pools of cool water and smooth river rock. Finally we arrived at our cliff jumping spot. You know the terrifying feeling during a dream that you’re falling? Yep, that was real life today. Each of the 8 others jumped off into the cool, clear, blue water, and I stood shaking at the top. I climbed up fine and wasn’t fearful at first, but the longer I stood there the harder and faster my heart began to pound. I could literally feel the blood pulsing through my body and my hands were shaking like I had drunk 10 shots of espresso (had they been 10 shots of whiskey, I feel like I would have been more daring!). Again, the 8 jumped by and finally, FINALLY, I ran to the edge and jumped off. I’m certain that the entire village close by heard the ear-piercing scream that evacuated my body. I had to do it again. Masochist.

It's possible to fall in love with a place.

Some evening fishing

I would love to take this to work everyday instead of a chicken bus haha

Paradise

The hot springs

Did I mention falling in love?

Our hike to my eventual cliff jump, near-death experience.

After some time, we trudged our way back to the boat and made our way to the quaint town of Livingston, Guatemala. This town is unlike any other area of Guatemala in that the people there speak the Mayan language Q’eqchi’ and are darker skinned, looking more African than Latina or Central American. As per Guatemalan tradition, it was a beautiful and colorful town full of friendly people and delicious food. Our stay was short as we had to head back to Antigua, but I am so glad that we were able to stop. This weekend was jam-packed with lots of learning, adventure and fun and will be one that I will always remember. It is such a blessing to meet a local who knows these small, quaint and beautiful spots that are a bit off the map and allow for a better understanding of Guatemalan culture and life.

A Day in the Life of Delia

On Wednesday Delia, the first grade teacher at Los Gozosos, invited me to go to her home after school so that I could get a glimpse of “real-life” Guatemala and enjoy some traditional food. Christina, one of the girls from the world race, joined us as well. After school we waited for Delia’s sister to come pick us up and all 4 of us squeezed into her father’s old Isuzu pick-up truck. We rumbled and bumped down the road, passing through Chimaltenango and stopping about 10 minutes just outside of it. We pulled up to a large gate and were instructed to get out of the pick-up but leave our belongings behind. Doing as we were told, we followed Delia and lined up outside a small chamber. She explained that her dad works on a large chicken farm which has provided housing to her parents; in order to enter the property all persons and vehicles must first be disinfected so as not to transfer any diseases to the chickens. We passed single file through what looked like a gas chamber with small spouts  lining the sides and top and a square fluid-filled floor. It was odd, but I laughed and am just secretly hoping they don’t someday find this disinfectant to cause mutations haha. After being fully disinfected, we finally arrived at her parent’s home. They have 9 children, most of whom live with them in this small 2-bedroom home. They are a stone’s throw away from the large chicken sheds. Cats come and go through the door as they please, and the 2 new little puppies are trotting around the table. Her mom cooked us a beautiful spread of food: chicken (I found it difficult listening to the chickens out the door while attempting to eat one of them which had been fried. I know it’s good to know where your food comes from, but this was a little too close for me haha), salad, rice and the delicious tomato sauce which accompanies many entrées in Guatemala. We washed all of it down with fresh lemonade (which I later found out was not made with agua pura—cheers to amoebas!). From the state of their home, it is obvious that Delia’s family does not live in over-abundance. However, they were so happy to entertain and share their home and food with us. I continue to find that Guatemalan’s are so giving despite having so little themselves. Yet another wonderful lesson for me. 

After lunch we sat around chatting, most of which I understood or could at least piece together. Delia then gave us a tour around her neighborhood. We made a stop at their family’s original home where they lived before her father began working at the chicken farm. It’s empty now, but her brothers run a small welding and metal business out of the side shed. The back shed houses their few animals. They asked me if I wanted to go into the shed with the animals… I declined haha.

 In true Guatemalan style, my tour that was supposed to end at 4 lasted until 5:30. I saw her brothers, neighbors, grandfather, future brother-in-law, and even the “crazy lady from the street” (her words, not mine.) They dropped me off on a corner in Chimal so that I could catch a bus back to Antigua. We said our quick good-byes and muchas gracias. So thankful to them for giving me a glimpse into another aspect of Guatemalan life. The Guatemalan culture is so rich because of its people. People who continue to impress me with their kindness, generosity, hospitality and grace.  

At her future brother-in-law's house. It was so beautiful. He lived in the states for 5 years to make enough money to return to Guatemala and build it.

Delia's gorgeous little sister.

Joy-Filled Hearts

Last week was fun-filled at Los Gozosos. I was able to bring some of the generous donations which were received with complete joy, humility and gratitude. I allocated some of the donations to another orphanage about 45 minutes from Antigua; Hannah was nice enough to bring them to the children as that is where she is volunteering during her time here in Guatemala. She said that the children were absolutely ecstatic. It was the first time they had been able to play with a soccer ball! It’s incredible to think how a used puzzle or $1.00 bag of balloons can make such an impact. It is so simple to bring joy and show love to children. I can’t help but reflect on many of the children playrooms in the U.S. which are overflowing with various toys and gadgets… so many that it’s difficult to be thankful for the simple things in life. The children of Guatemala have continued to exemplify and teach me the lesson  that things do not bring us happiness and that the less we possess the more thankful we are about what we do have. Thanks to a couple generous dentists I was able to bring toothbrushes to all the children in the orphanage as well as give them to needy children in Antigua. You would have thought that I handed these children $1000.00; they were all squealing with joy and shaking their new cepillos in the air. Each carried them around for the remainder of the day, never letting it out of their sight. The teachers said that they had never seen such beautifully decorated toothbrushes in their lives, as each was adorned with princesses, Dora, Diego and various other cartoon characters.  May I begin to aware of and thankful for all the small blessings in life, like my toothbrush. 

This soccer ball is being kicked around in rural Guatemala. How cool is that?! Thank you for the donation!

Toothbrush distribution during clase de la Biblia

 I finally remembered to bring my camera with me but didn’t get a chance to capture all of the ninos. Here’s just a brief intro to those I was able to talk into taking a picture.

Racael: So full of energy, this little boy keeps the teacher in 1^st grade teacher on her toes. (And everyone else for that matter :))

Gabriel: You met him in my post from last week :)

Moseis and Daniel: Moseis is our soccer star. I brought a soccer ball to Los Gozosos and the next day he showed up with a uniform to show off his skills. Such a sweet boy. Daniel is shy but is beginning to warm up to me after I spent time in his classroom on Monday. He is the big brother of the group, and he so obviously loves his little brothers and sisters.

Mirna: You met her in last week’s post too. She is a perfectionist in her work and loves encouragement and praise. She is the mother hen of the group.

Nancy and Andrea: Nancy lives in the orphanage but doesn’t attend school. Andrea is in 3^rd grade and LOVES playdough.

Helen: Independent as ever. She loves music and dancing! She calls me mom.

Okay, Diana. That's enough!

Lyla: 4^th grader who loves coloring. Like a good little sister should, she’s great at irritating Daniel ;)

Israel: He has completely stolen my heart but also tests my patience. He has difficulty listening, but his hugs and kisses are something I look forward to every day.

Andres: So smiley. He loves when I take him out of his chair.

Candy: She craves physical contact, always grabbing your hand or trying to inch her way onto your lap. Her laugh is adorable.

 More introductions to come!