At long last pictures are here! Special thanks to Kristen for being the photographer.
Jacob, Turner and Bjorn in their tradional clothing.
The group before we ventured up Volcano St. Thomas
The group in Pasac before we danced the night away!
The mines at San Mcguel, post mountain top removal
Abbie, Kristen, Amanada with the lovely nurses who dignosed us.
The mob Kristin encountered after the futball game. GO XELA!
CHOCOLATE!
Hola families and friends and those curious internet scavengers,
Los siento! It has been a while since you all have last heard anything from the group. But alas we are still alive and well. We are wrapping up our time Xela where we have been spoiling ourselves with warm showers, softer beds, frequent trips the the bakery. A handful of us got sick, but with a trip to the clinic and a handful of pills it was nothing we couldn’t handle. The host families here have provided great meals from banana pancakes & french toast to tamales and pizzas. Schools seam to be going great for all of us. Each day of school brings us a new adventure whether it be academic time or field trips & bananagrams with the teachers- Casa Xeleju has treated us well! The school has hosted many great activities after school and on the weekend consisting of salsa lessons, hikes, sticker factories, and at the very moment many of us our attending a chocolate class. This past weekend we went to the Georginas´s Natural Hot Springs where we all relaxed & cleansed our pores. We returned to Xela that afternoon a bit pruny and red. On one of our free days some of the group ventured to the Chi Chi Market. As those brave soldiers tell they were packed like sardines on a long 2 hour bus ride, but the market was well worth it. The rest of us attended a Xela futball game where we were surrounded by adoring fans and entertained by slightly sloppy but good futball game. Xela won the game 1-0.
Xela also celebrated le dia day los niños over the weekend. The entire parque central was crowded with rides, food vendors and a variety of different market stalls. The festivies were centered around the celebration of the children-los niños. Best explained as mother and fathers day but for the kids instead.
All in all Xela has treated us well before we head off on our 3 day trek that will take us to San Marcos located on the spectacular Lago Atitilan where will be spending 6 days before continuing on. Your bloggers,
Kristin and Charlotte
with love from the CAM 2011 group. We miss everyone and hope all is well.