Written By Hannah & Lucina
Hello friends and family! Here is a little update on what the group has been up to this past week!
To kick off this amazing week, we met our host families. We were divided into two groups. The first group included: Hannah, Lauren, and Lucina, who stayed with Araceli. The second group included Jackie and Cece, who stayed with Claudia. Later that night, after dinner, we all went on a sunset walk. Unfortunately we were caught in a storm and had to shift plans. But no fear, we found a very cozy cafe at the top of the mountain. We played group games while drinking a fun fizzy drink until the rain slowed.
On Monday, we had our first day of language school with our new teachers. While it was hard work, we all loved our teachers and enjoyed meeting new peers at school. After school we were given the opportunity to explore the city how we wanted before all meeting at Casa Seibel (our previous hostel the O.E’s were still staying at) for a surprise activity. Upon arriving at the hostel were discovered we’d be doing a blindfolded scavenger hunt with the reward of yummy treats at the finish line.
The next day was filled with more adventure around the city which was wrapped up with a student directed travel meeting. Wednesday afternoon we had the option to attend a salsa class and fútbol afterwards. Not only that, our night was spent all together practicing self care. We yet again gathered at the hostel for smoothies, friendship bracelets, and some deep conversations.
Unfortunately, Thursday was Mara’s last full day with us. Sad to see her go, we needed our time with her to go out with a bang, Karaoke night! Ending the night with our theme song “Man, I feel like a woman” was the perfect goodbye and a memory that will not be forgotten. Don’t fret because the festivities are far from over, we now have new character to unlock!
Friday was our last day of language classes which meant graduation! Graduation included speeches and songs perform by the graduating students followed by a feast for everyone. After graduation we sadly gave our final goodbyes to Mara, while emotional we knew it had to happen and are very excited for her new adventures to come. Shortly after we all met up to finally meet MARY! We promptly induced her as the new spice girl to our lively group, we took Mary to a dance party!! Well actually salsa class, but same thing. We closed off our first night all together with questions and fun, cool hot chocolate flavors.
Saturday was spent on the road – Off to Tzununa we went! We traveled through various forms of transportation such as a chicken bus and Tuk-tuks. That afternoon we gave up our phones to completely disconnect. Upon arriving in this beautiful rural town upon Lake Atitlan, we decided it was time to explore. We went around the small town checking out cute little shops and appreciating the beautiful nature. Our very first dinner there was nothing short of delicious, followed by a wondrous passion class filled with more friendship bracelets and hot seat! Not only did we laugh and cackle, but we got deep and learned a lot about each other.
It’s currently Sunday and the adventure of the Lake has just begun. The day started with a 50 minute walk to San Marcos with the task of questioning the locals and observing the town. We were able to learn so much about the town and the Lake in general, especially after talking to the manager of our hostel and getting a locals perceptive on how tourism has affected the community.
Reflecting on the last week, being separated at different homestays was hard, the independence was liberating. The trips to Xelapan will never be forgotten. With our fun conversations and our unique humor, we’ve grown not only as friends but as people. We are so excited to see what this next week has in store for us and all the adventures to come!
Peace OUT!
– Carpe Diem Guatemala 2025!!!!!!