Hello everyone! Maddie here from an internet cafe in Xela, Guatemala. Why am I here do you ask? Well, I had a minor setback while on the trek. Heres how the story goes…
After waking up in the wee hours of early morning( 4 am), we got all our stuff and got ready to set out on our trekk. We all took a van out to the area where we will start to walk. (All expect poor Jack who was too sick to attend, and Mac who stayed with him) We started up the mountain. It was steep and long and slippery and a little scary, and the elevation was not our lungs’ friends (especially Elle) that day. But it was fun and full of laughter and the views were breathtaking when we could look up without losing our footing, and full of jokes and general type 2 fun. Big Sam even decided to have an imaginary baby, who we named Annakin Maya Jjeelmmsjerms. (at least i think thats spelled correctly.) the last name is a combination of the first letters of all our names. lol. It was amazing. Then we finally came out of the woods and saw some beautiful fields.
Thennnnn…. on our way through a small village, on a small incline, having survived the massive 90 degree angle trekk up the mountain, I stepped on a rock that wasnt stable, and my foot rolled underneath it. I tried every combination of tape and compression sleeves and socks and shoes and sandels that i could think of, but every situation ended the same. I couldnt put weight on my foot. I would have to leave the trekk. Super sad, Mac came to meet me and I headed out. A van ride, a long wait at a bus stop, a crazy chicken bus, a taxi and three hours later, I was back in Xela, checking into a hostel where Mac and Jack are staying. After a hospital visit and some xrays (that i got to keep!!) we found out that my foot isnt broken! (HOW NEAT IS THAT?) Just a foot sprain thing. they prescribed me some RICE and send me on my way. (REST, ICE, COMPRESSION, and ELEVATION) Already 24 hours Im able to put weight on it without someone helping me. Whoo hoo!
Tomorrow we will be meeting up with the rest of the group up at Lake Atitlan, for our time at the Yoga retreet. (hopefully I will be able to do some yoga!)
I know the rest of the group is having a great time, and I wish them luck on the trekk and on their sore bodies. I bet they will all be excited to stretch out with some yoga and relax the week away. I know that after this week of Spanish Language and homestays, we were all feeling a little homesick for our Carpe family. It was definitely different with everyone living in different houses, some further than others. It will be nice to all be together again. As for Me, Jack and Mac, we are super excited to see our little Carpe family tomorrow.
We miss you all at home, and Im going to help emma out and upload some pictures I was able to take before leaving. I left my camera with the group so hopefully I will have alot more soon to upload!
thanks everyone for all your support! And thank you to my mom and dad and family! Sorry that the first call you get from me is me telling you Im at the hospital, then running out of minutes and not being able to tell you how I am until the next day! you guys are troopers, and you are the best. love youuu.
-Madison Steward
Carpe Diem Neeture lover
