Written By Gabriel & Michael
When our overseas educator Matt told us we’d be working on a farm and that the place we’d be staying would have a compost toilet, many of us expected a typical farm setting and all that entails. However, when we arrived at The Bambu midday Sunday we were all blown away by the stunning views of lake Atitlan, the local homes and village, and a gorgeous tree-covered mountain encircled by clouds. After our long trek we were thrilled to have the rest of Sunday to relax in our comfortable rooms and enjoy the temescal. Despite a few extra roommates around bedtime (some spiders and a scorpion) we delighted in the comfort of our own beds and blankets.
Feeling sore and tired following three days of trekking through Guatemalan mountains, we were thrilled to have a day solely devoted to healing ourselves and our sore muscles. Led by a local instructor, we discovered that yoga is as much about exertion as it is relaxation, with many of us pushing our bodies to their limits one moment and nearly trancing into a sleep the next. Fueled by three hearty vegetarian meals cooked by the wonderful kitchen staff of the Bambu, we regained enough energy to end our night with a thrilling and emotionally conflicting game of Mafia (Deluxe).
The following day we were brought to the amazing Atitlan Organics, a local permaculture farm growing over a hundred different plants, including vegetables, fruits and wonderful medicinal plants, all of which were grown using permaculture, a way of living that emphasizes the importance of humans positively interacting with their environment. After a fascinating tour of the farm led by permaculture teacher and practitioner Shad (with one or two bitcoin discussions here and there), we started work across the farm. A normal day this week might’ve involved clearing overgrown bamboo, shoveling rocks bigger than our heads, planting native aquatic plants in waist deep water, discussing sustainable building, and learning hands-on the principles of permaculture and plant propagation all before dinner! Some students even took the opportunity to harvest and eat their own chickens
As exhausting as a lot of the work may have been, the days didn’t come without their fair share of relaxation! Bathing under waterfalls, swimming in natural springs with the community of Quixaya on our excursion, and watching Back to the Future while lounging on beautiful hand-woven couches and cushions were just a few of the ways we were able to unwind. Some nights even featured student led swing dancing classes and dance parties, featuring music from the likes of Goody Goody by Frankie Lymon to Twerkulator by City Girls!
While we’re a little bummed to leave the wonderful Bambu, our communal living space, and our permaculture education behind, we are excited to continue our stay around Atitlan, albeit on the other side of the lake, where we’ll be staying in again in separate home stays. Until next time!
