Having met the group after months of only knowing them over the internet has made this whole journey become real. It started as we sat in a circle on the ground in the airport playing games and getting to know eachother. After a 6 hourt flight to El Salvador and another half hour to Guatemala City we hopped on a 7 hour bus ride to Finca Ixobel. Alex managed to get the most sleep on the bus in the most uncomfortable awkward positions while everyone else struggled to get any sleep. After 7 hours we were shown around the beautiful Finca Ixobel grounds and to our rooms. Bobby, Dan, Max, Alex, and Kaise were all in the same dormitory while Celia and Heidi slept two doors down next to Andy and Karen. The boys were welcomed by a half foot long spider and a bat flying in their room. After eating a great dinner we ended the night with a few games of scattergories and after a long day of traveling for everyone and lots of heat and humidity everybody fell asleep with no problems. The next day was filled with activities, orientation, and group agreements to make these next 3 months go smoothly. In between group meetings some people decided to swim in the lagoon while other people relaxed and did what they wanted. We were lucky to have a ping pong table which everyone managed to spend plenty of time on throughout our stay there. Everyone decided to get a early nights sleep to prepare for a long and exciting day of caving and swimming. Everybody woke up ready to go except for Celia and Dan who unforunately came down with a slight stomach illness. Andy graciously stayed behind to make sure things went well for both of our sick companions (including but not limited too providing ginger ale). As for the remaining six, we enjoyed our breakfast, packed lunches and flashlights, applied sunscreen, filled up our water, and began our two hour trek through the Guatemalan jungle. Our guide Pilar, although not practiced in English was very experienced in navagating the jungle and got us to our destination with only a minor hiccup. Pilar and most of us heard a gun shot while no more than 100 yards from the cave entrance. Erring on the side of caution, the students sat and waited for Pilar and Karen to go ahead and examine the noise further. Our anxiety was for nothing, after seeing three jovial hunters walking towards us. The cave at first sight was a lot like many others, but upon further inspection it was rather unique. Flying bats and cool deep waters put smiles on all of our faces. The stark contrast between the heat of the jungle and the refreshing pools of the cave was welcomed by all. One of the many features inside the cave was a 20 foot jump which had the bravest of us showing signs of trepidation. Once out of the cave we enjoyed the quick lunch that we packed and scrambled back to Finca Ixobel as fast as the terrain would allow.
Betweem the great meals, plush accomodations, and some heated games of ping-pong, Finca Ixobel was a great place. We left it for the town of Poptun for our first homestays. Everyone seems to like their families so far, though most of us can´t tell what they´re saying. I am excited to be forced to improve my Spanish, because progress has been slow so far. Tuesday is Guatemalan Independence Day, and being part of the celebrations should be a great experience for all. Until next time, much love from Dan, Celia, Max, Heidi, Kaise, Bobby, Andy and Karen. Paz!
