Hello everyone! Sorry we haven´t been able to blog as we have had an eventful start to our trip. We started orientation in Coban, Guatemala where we got the chance to get to know each other as well as immerse ourselves into the central american culture. We stayed at an excellent hostel that should be famous for their pancakes and coffee. Our stay there was a wonderful way to begin our journey as we all got to learn about each other as well as logistics for the trip.
After three days in Coban, we made the trip to the amazing Semuc Champey. We had seen pictures of it but no one was really prepared for what we were about to see. Semuc Champey was a natrual pool high up in the mountains. We made a very rigourous hike up the mountain. When we finally got to the top we were able to view the entire park. There are not enough words to describe how spectacular and beautiful it was. After taking a couple of pictures we then swam, went down water slides, and jumped off cliffs through the 5 natrual pools. The day then concluded and we all came to a consensus that we expierenced complete paradise today.
After Semuc Champey we drove 5 hours to the Mayan community Rocja Pomtila. The culture was completely different then anything we had ever expierenced. Our host families didn´t have much material wise but they still managed to give us love and hospitality during our stay. We also gave back to the community as we painted signs in English and Spanish for their tourist site. We even got the chance to explore the jungle through a hike. Everyone got very close to their families and the community. Our stay there was a very rewarding expierence and something our group will never forget. We wish we could post pictures but so far the internet cafes have been too slow to post any. But as soon as we get the oppurtunity we will post some awesome pictures.
-Kendall and Tina