Buenos Tardes Todos!
Thanks for the emails and postings. It is great to hear from everyone at home.
This weekend we took part in a three day (45 km) hike from Queztaltenengo (Xela) to Lago Atitlan. Lago Atitlan is quite famous as it is a very beautiful lake surrounded by volcanoes, as well as home to numerous hippies who arrived in the 70´s and never left. Makes for an interesting destination.
Our trip started on Saturday leaving Xela early in the morning. We hiked up hill, through fields and towns to arrive in the small town of Santa Catarina. Here we visited a tezmacal - a traditional type of sweat lodge-bath to help clean off some of the dust from the hike. Imagine James, myself, an Israeli guy and an Irish guy in a small hut (about 3.5 feet tall and 5 feet wide) trying to clean ourselves!!!!
The next day we hiked through more corn fields, towns and crossed the river 20 times. It was great to meet local people who use the trails every day to gather and carry wood, walk to the river to wash their clothes or work in their fields. Everyone, including the children, are walking steep hills with loads of wood or other items. That evening we stayed with a family which was a nice treat as the father and sons played the accordian and guitar for us. They even sang a song in Kíche, their local language.
The third day we woke early to watch the sun rise over the lake. We were lucky to see one volcano errupting numerous times and even shooting off lava. I know ... I can hardly believe it myself!!! We swam in the lake and relaxed in San Pedro for a while in the afternoon. The ride home was a 2.5 hour ride in a pickup truck. I luckily got to sit in the front, however James had to ride in the back through all kinds of road construction and horrible road conditions!
Unfortunately James and I have been feeling pretty under the weather and hiking did not help. James had stomach issues all week and on Sunday I woke up with some issues myself. I got fairly aquainted with the ´shit kit´on the hike and checked out quite a few corn fields and coffee plantations along the way. Yesterday James was feeling so bad he couldn´t make it to school. Pedro, his really great teacher, went to our house to check on him. When James answered the door he got really dizzy and ended up throwing up. Pedro got James a doctor´s appointment and the doctor determined that he has amoebas (that would be little bugs living in his stomach). Hopefully the medication works and hopefully I don´t have them!!!!!!!
Anyway, last but not least just a plug for the group we hiked with (on both trips). They are a non profit organization called Quetzaltrekkers. All the profits go to support the Escuela de la Calle which is a school and a dorm for street kids. They are well run, a lot of fun and do a lot of great work in the community. If ever in Guatemala, it is worth checking them out.
Anyway, we hope all is well at home. We are missing everyone this Christmas season. Keep in touch.
M & J
5 comments:
Good Morning!
You both never cease to amaze us! The long trek back and forth through the river along the pathway of survival is so powerful. I can't help but think about us - jump in the car, crank the stereo and head to Sobey's - lights on, tree light, house is warm. God knows what I'd do if I had no washer and dryer. Your journal, particularly at this time of year, is a good reminder of how fortunate we all are.
So sorry to hear that you are both unwell. It is good to know that there is medication.
Imagine all of the penpals you will have when you return.
Take care,
Love,
C & G
Here I am out with the map tracing your footsteps. I feel like I am traveling along with you on this journey. Why not see these places through someones elses eyes. The pictures are absolutely breath taking.
My first thought on seeing James with his Cerveza is he is starting to look like the Mexicans. When you left you probably never thought you would be talking about your bathroom visits on your blog. LOL Hopefully this is short lived and James will be feeling on top of the world soon.
I have been thinking of the two of you alot lately with Christmas approaching. As you know we will miss you, but there is no better present than to experience the lives of your new acquaitances over the holiday season.
Take care and enjoy as we trudge through the malls, frantically hauling our packages about.
Love from the Hayward's
Hope both of you are starting to feel better, nothing like being sick and away from your home.
You two are so amazing!!! Pictures are truly beautiful. For us to experience your trip daily is outstanding.
Missing you a bunch and sending you all my love
MOM
Hey Meighan and James!
Hope you guys start to feel better! Your pictures are so amazing and make me want to travel the world, if only I could win the lottery.
I am leaving for Australia in 9 days and will keep you updated as much as possible.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! xoxo
Andrea
Hello from cold Saskatchewan!(-28 when I flew into Regina)
Well, I have made it to Midale for Christmas!! The parents and I are doing fine but we miss you lots. We will be thinking of you over Christmas. Call when you get a chance. We love you!!
Merry Christmas!!
Love,
Patti
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