Hola amigos y familia
We are writing from the San Marcos on the beautiful Lake Atitlan. After saying our goodbyes to Xela and all of our new acquaintances we headed off for our 3 day 28 mile trek to Lake Atitlan. On Saturday we all met at 6am with bags packed as light as we could and only what we needed for the trek. We headed off for our first day, mentally prepared, because we knew it was the hardest and longest, about 12 miles. The landscape was beautiful and we all found time to enjoy it during the struggles of going up and down the mountains with our extra weight. Our guide, David, was excellent. He had hiked that path 40+ times and was an expert on the terrain. Even though he probably could have done the trek with fewer breaks he had plenty of patience with us and when we wanted to stop regularly. We got to our camping destination next to the river. By the time we got there it was already getting dark so we had to get up our tents and start dinner started fast. David cooked us some delicious pasta with tomato sauce and after that we quickly got ready for bed and fell asleep… well, most of us. The girls tent and Andy, Alex, and Bobby´s tents were sounds fast asleep, while Max, Kaise, and I´s tent on the other hand was not so peaceful. Our zipper to our tent didn´t close and there were a blanket of mosquitos living and feasting on us. It was almost impossible to sleep for the 3 of us because we were swarmed and eaten up by the mosquitoes. We all woke up the next morning with a significant amount of blood loss and feeling reasonably rested, although I don´t know how, and started off for day two. Sunday was much shorter at around 7 miles, but it felt even more tough because of the soreness from the day before. The pace was a bit slower, but we ended up reaching our destination earlier than the day before, around 5. Our second night was in a ¨hotel¨ in a little town along the way. Our rooms consisted of 8 matresses on a floor in one room and 3 in the other. This was a lot more comfortable but reeked! If only you could imagine. We had restful night sleep but woke up at 5 am for our final so we could watch the sunrise over Lake Atitlan. Walking up to the viewpoint and seeing the jaw dropping view of the lake with a bright orange sun coming up over three volcanoes that surround the lake, one of which was smoking this was absolutely incredible a sight that could never be forgotten. Even though it was very early we were all revived and ready to go for our final day. The last day was the shortest, about 5 miles, and the most beautiful with expansive views of Lake Atitlan and the whole way down. We got to our first town of Lago Atitlan, San Pedro, then took a boat to our current destination, San Marcos. We said our goodbyes to our guide, David, and walked to our new hostel, La Paz (the peace). San Marcos is a beautiful little town that is very focused on spirituality and tranquility. Our group is split into 2 houses, one of the girls and one of guys. So far this week we have been participating in yoga, meditation classes, tarot readings, and much more. The yoga has been both challenging and revitalizing. A great way to start the day, which all of us have done at least once. Our 4 hour meditation class was also great. We learned 4 different types of meditation: moving meditation, writing meditation, a special breathing meditation, and and walking meditation. The object of learning the different types was to find one or more that worked particularly well for each person. We all left that class feeling refreshed and clear headed. The majority of our time here has been all about relaxing and self reflection. On Sunday we are off to Antigua to celebrate the Day of the Dead and Monday is our final day in Guatemala, then we are headed to Nicaragua. I collected thoughts and feelings from everyone about this week and here they are…
Max- grounded, open-minded, healthy, excited
Celia- refreshed, relieved, rested, excited, joyful, thankful
Kaise- excited, youthful, revived, zentastic, itchy
Bobby- has been looking at things incorrectly
Alex- Revived, inspired, happy, tranquil, contemplative and also wants to say… He has been loving the vibe in town and spending time thinking about his life and how to better himself. He has also made a vow to become a vegetarian for the rest of this trip.
Heidi- Refreshed, inspired, challenged, expanded, compassionate and also wants to say… I have enjoyed yoga every morning. Pushing myself athletically, mentally and providing a proper recovery for my legs, which loyally supported me our three day trek from Xela to Lake Atitlan. La Paz is the absolutely perfect place to rejuvenate our bodies and get our spiritual gears turning. We reside in a lush little town with much to offer, including a 4 hour meditation class, tarot readings, yoga, and many other fulfilling activities.
Dan- Thankful, inspired, proud, energetic, rejuvenated, and loving life and i also want to say thanks mom and dad for letting me have this incredible experience i can´t tell you how great it is for me and for my fellow CAM-goers.
Until next time,
Peace and Love from Dan, Alex and the rest of the CAM group.
