Hey everyone!
A week ago as our time at Casa Xelaju was drawing to a close, we began to prepare ourselves for a 42 kilometer trek. But before we could embark on our epic journey across mountains and rivers, we expressed our gratitude and bid farewell to our amazing Spanish teachers and local contacts. We each gave our thanks in Spanish, and the group sang our go to tune Ayuahiya (a song of gratitude that honors our inner playfulness).
We set out Saturday on what would be a great challenge for many of us. Our feet carried us 20 kilometers the first day, passing through Tolkenesc landscapes of steep mountain passes, charming hillside farms, and fast flowing rivers. At the end of our first day we made camp next to a river. We ate, built fire, and grew out our facial hair. That first day we endured the hardships of blisters and tight calves.
The next morning, after a slow start, we ascended into the clouds. Along the way one of our good men was lost to a stomach bug and had to return to Xela with our self-less leader Jaquin. Through torrential down pour the group carried on to the lunch stop in rain jackets and pack covers. At lunch we escaped into the warmth of a Guatemalan kitchen for well-deserved comida tipica served hot. We waited out the rain there, grateful for the roof above our heads and a warm fire. When the storm calmed we descended into Santa Clara, a Mayan city with a remarkable mural depicting the history of Guatemala. We spent that night in a home stay which was culturally enriched by the presence of a temescal. A temescal is an ancient Mayan tradition of sweat lodging as a form of bathing during which you rid your body of all things bad.
The final morning of the Trek was an early one as we had to hike into the clouds to see the sunrise over Lake Atitlan from the Mayan sacred ground El Nariz de Indio. It was an amazing feeling to finally set our eyes on the gorgeous lake that signified the end of our journey. We spent the rest of the morning descending to the lake to reunite with the full group. From there we took a short boat ride to our new home, The Mystical Yoga Farm, an ideal place for recovery from the trek. With morning meditations, afternoon yoga classes, and a beautiful lake at our disposal, the possibilities for activities seem endless.
Today is Wednesday and the group has decided to spend the day in silence to further explore our thoughts. Here I sit on the edge of Lake Atitlan landscaped with volcanoes and mountain ridges, reflecting on the past two months where the group was challenged, overcame everything that was thrown at them, and grew closer to become the family that we are.
Much Love,
-Jordan
P.S. Hi Mommy, Dad, and everyone else! I miss you all and hope everything is well back home.
