Hello all,
Today we will be leaving for San Pedro la Laguna which is on Lake Atitlan. Right now we are enjoying our last morning in Xela and waiting for our laundry to be completed so I have time to give you a brief update.
Yesterday (Feb 25) we woke up at 5am, got ready and made our way to the foot of Volcan Santa Maria. This volcano is 3,677 metres above sea level and is dormant right now. Its last eruption was in 1902 and created a volcano beside it called Santiaguito which erupts approximately every hour.
We began our hike at 6:45am and met a stray dog who began to follow us. The trek up the mountain was extremely steep, rocky and at parts, quite dusty. Unfortunately, the volcano was very wooded and the sun rose on the opposite of the mountain so we could not enjoy the sunrise. On the way up, we ran into a guide who was taking his group down the mountain and he noticed the dog who was following us. Apparently her name is Maria and she frequently follows people up the volcano. After 3.5 hours of strenuous hiking we made it to the summit of the volcano where there was a very large religious ceremony happening with all locals. We found out today that the ceremony was a celebration of the new Mayan Calendar.
At the summit, with our dog friend Maria, we were a bit disappointed to realize how cloudy it was so we could not really enjoy the view. We ate our lunch at the top of the volcano which consisted of avacadoes, mangoes, bananas and peanut butter sandwiches, which were all much needed after using so much energy to get to the summit. At one point, some of the clouds cleared and we think we saw Santiaguito (the volcano which erupts every hour). After spending about an hour at the summit, we decided to make our way back down with Maria in tow. The way down was much more difficult than expected and it took 2.5 hours just to descend. Once we got to the bottom we were extremely exhausted and made our way back to Xela for a shower and a nap. Maria left us at the bottom of the mountain.
Once we finally woke up we were starving and we found a TexMex restaurant in downtown Xela where we ate a ton of food. After dinner, I was completely spent so I returned to the hostel for a much needed night's sleep.
That's about all I have to update you on right now so I will keep you posted on what we do next when I can. Adios,
Scott
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Quetzaltenango
Hello all,
I have a lot to update you on. First and foremost, we have arrived in Quetzaltenango (Xela), Guatemala and are safe and sound. Our plan as of right now is to stay here for two more nights then go to Lake Atitlan where we will stay for the duration of our time in Guatemala.
The last I updated you, with the exception of yesterday, we were on our way into the Lacandon Jungle. Feb 17 (Carrie's birthday) was our travel day to the jungle. It was a rather uneventful and long bus trip which saw us arriving in the jungle at dark. Our cabins were made out of wood with a blanket for a door and bugnets over the bunkbeds. The only other point of note was seeing a scorpion in the bathroom on the first night.
The next day (Feb18) we were up early and on our way to see Yaxchilan (Mayan ruins). Prior to departure, a few of us had a morning swim in a pristine, beautiful jungle river that flowed right by our cabins. To get to Yaxchilan, we had to take a boat up a river that borders Guatemala because there are no roads to the ruins.At its widest point the river was about 50m wide and technically we were on the Guatemala side for a lot of the trip. The ruins themselves were interesting but not overly special, but the best part was on the boat trip back we saw a massive crocodile sunning itself on the riverbank.
The next day (Feb19) the large group split off into two smaller groups. One group was going to more mayan ruins at Bonampak and the other was going for a hike through the jungle. The day after, the groups would switch activities. I was part of the group who went for a hike through the jungle. The hike was very interesting but we could not get as much out of it because our guide was speaking Spanish and we did not have a translator. However, about halfway through we found ourselves at a beautiful waterfall where we were to swim on our way back from unexcavated ruins which we were on our way to. After the waterfall, the hike got much more intense and we eventually made our way to the unexcavated mayan ruins. After seeing the waterfall and knowing that we would be swimming there, it was hard to enjoy the ruins or hike to their full extent since we were soaked in sweat and really looking forward to a swim.When we got back to the waterfall, we swam for a good hour or so and got a mudbath from the mud at the river. It was an absolutely amazing swim!
The next day (Feb 20) was our day to go to Bonampak (more Mayan ruins) while the other group went for a hike. Bonampak is much smaller than Yaxchilan and it did not take us much time to finish at the ruins. After Bonampak we went to a different swimming hole in the jungle with crystal clear water (literally some of the clearest water I have ever seen) and had yet another amazing swim. The water was so clear that it looked like I could stand in the middle no problem, yet when I went to stand I found the water to be well above my head.
The next day (Feb 21) was another travel day on our way to Palenque. On our way we stopped at Agua Azul which is another beautiful waterfall and an area of recent conflict between the government and other people. The waterfall was amazing and we swam around for a little while before leaving for yet another waterfall swimming hole called Misol-Ha. Misol-Ha is where the movie Predator with Arnold Schwarzenegger was filmed. After a full day of swimming at beautiful waterfalls we arrived at our hotel in Palenque ready for a good night's sleep.
The next day (Feb 22) we did a tour of the ruins at Palenque before departing for San Cristobal where the group portion of the trip would officically end. It felt good to be back in San Cristobal even for a short time and it was bitter-sweet to have the group portion of the trip come to an end.
Yesterday (Feb 23) we woke up bright and early in San Cristobal for our travel day to Guatemala. We got to Xela around 4pm and found a cheap hostel called Casa Argentina. Our accomodations, though not luxurious, are only Q35 a night (approx. $5 Canadian)!
We decided that today (Feb 24) will be our orientation day with no plans other than getting to know the city. We plan on staying in Xela for 2 more nights before heading to Lake Atitlan. Tomorrow, we are going to have to get up bright and early because we plan on hiking Volcan Santa Maria which is a volcano that rises to 3,677 metres above sea level. The hike it supposed to take about 4 hours to the summit so we will be in for a very active day tomorrow. Anyways, I am off for now and I will update you guys next chance I get. Adios.
Scott
I have a lot to update you on. First and foremost, we have arrived in Quetzaltenango (Xela), Guatemala and are safe and sound. Our plan as of right now is to stay here for two more nights then go to Lake Atitlan where we will stay for the duration of our time in Guatemala.
The last I updated you, with the exception of yesterday, we were on our way into the Lacandon Jungle. Feb 17 (Carrie's birthday) was our travel day to the jungle. It was a rather uneventful and long bus trip which saw us arriving in the jungle at dark. Our cabins were made out of wood with a blanket for a door and bugnets over the bunkbeds. The only other point of note was seeing a scorpion in the bathroom on the first night.
The next day (Feb18) we were up early and on our way to see Yaxchilan (Mayan ruins). Prior to departure, a few of us had a morning swim in a pristine, beautiful jungle river that flowed right by our cabins. To get to Yaxchilan, we had to take a boat up a river that borders Guatemala because there are no roads to the ruins.At its widest point the river was about 50m wide and technically we were on the Guatemala side for a lot of the trip. The ruins themselves were interesting but not overly special, but the best part was on the boat trip back we saw a massive crocodile sunning itself on the riverbank.
The next day (Feb19) the large group split off into two smaller groups. One group was going to more mayan ruins at Bonampak and the other was going for a hike through the jungle. The day after, the groups would switch activities. I was part of the group who went for a hike through the jungle. The hike was very interesting but we could not get as much out of it because our guide was speaking Spanish and we did not have a translator. However, about halfway through we found ourselves at a beautiful waterfall where we were to swim on our way back from unexcavated ruins which we were on our way to. After the waterfall, the hike got much more intense and we eventually made our way to the unexcavated mayan ruins. After seeing the waterfall and knowing that we would be swimming there, it was hard to enjoy the ruins or hike to their full extent since we were soaked in sweat and really looking forward to a swim.When we got back to the waterfall, we swam for a good hour or so and got a mudbath from the mud at the river. It was an absolutely amazing swim!
The next day (Feb 20) was our day to go to Bonampak (more Mayan ruins) while the other group went for a hike. Bonampak is much smaller than Yaxchilan and it did not take us much time to finish at the ruins. After Bonampak we went to a different swimming hole in the jungle with crystal clear water (literally some of the clearest water I have ever seen) and had yet another amazing swim. The water was so clear that it looked like I could stand in the middle no problem, yet when I went to stand I found the water to be well above my head.
The next day (Feb 21) was another travel day on our way to Palenque. On our way we stopped at Agua Azul which is another beautiful waterfall and an area of recent conflict between the government and other people. The waterfall was amazing and we swam around for a little while before leaving for yet another waterfall swimming hole called Misol-Ha. Misol-Ha is where the movie Predator with Arnold Schwarzenegger was filmed. After a full day of swimming at beautiful waterfalls we arrived at our hotel in Palenque ready for a good night's sleep.
The next day (Feb 22) we did a tour of the ruins at Palenque before departing for San Cristobal where the group portion of the trip would officically end. It felt good to be back in San Cristobal even for a short time and it was bitter-sweet to have the group portion of the trip come to an end.
Yesterday (Feb 23) we woke up bright and early in San Cristobal for our travel day to Guatemala. We got to Xela around 4pm and found a cheap hostel called Casa Argentina. Our accomodations, though not luxurious, are only Q35 a night (approx. $5 Canadian)!
We decided that today (Feb 24) will be our orientation day with no plans other than getting to know the city. We plan on staying in Xela for 2 more nights before heading to Lake Atitlan. Tomorrow, we are going to have to get up bright and early because we plan on hiking Volcan Santa Maria which is a volcano that rises to 3,677 metres above sea level. The hike it supposed to take about 4 hours to the summit so we will be in for a very active day tomorrow. Anyways, I am off for now and I will update you guys next chance I get. Adios.
Scott
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Guatemala
Hello all,
I do not have time right now to tell you what happened in the jungle but I just want to give you a brief update as to what I am doing at this point. The group phase of the trip has come to an end and everyone is heading their separate ways. Even though the group part of the trip was fun and I learned a lot, it is going to be extremely nice travelling with less people. Currently it is 6:30am local time and I am waiting in my hotel lobby for our bus to Guatemala which is picking us up at 7am. I am really looking forward to seeing a new country and having new experiences. Next chance I have I will update everyone on what we did in the jungle and what I will be doing in Guatemala. I will talk to everyone next chance I get.
Scott
I do not have time right now to tell you what happened in the jungle but I just want to give you a brief update as to what I am doing at this point. The group phase of the trip has come to an end and everyone is heading their separate ways. Even though the group part of the trip was fun and I learned a lot, it is going to be extremely nice travelling with less people. Currently it is 6:30am local time and I am waiting in my hotel lobby for our bus to Guatemala which is picking us up at 7am. I am really looking forward to seeing a new country and having new experiences. Next chance I have I will update everyone on what we did in the jungle and what I will be doing in Guatemala. I will talk to everyone next chance I get.
Scott
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Lacandon Jungle
Hello all,
I am going to be very brief here because I have caught a bad cold and don't feel like writing much. Yesterday, we finished up with Natate and debreifed with them to give our feedback on their projects. It was nice working with them but I am happy that we are now done and on our way to other things.
Today we had a morning meeting with the group then had the huge honour of being invited to a Chamula village where the Arthur Frederick Community Builders had several projects on the go for lunch. The lunch consisted of a really good chicken soup.Afterwards, we talked more with the community members about their lives.
Tomorrow we are going to the Lancandon jungle for a while then onto Palenque. For the jungle I will have no internet access whatsoever and I am not sure about Palenque. As a result, I will be out of contact for an undetermined period. It will be sad leaving our Mexican families tomorrow because it seems like most people have bonded really well with them. A few minutes some of our group made going to Guatemala official by booking our bus tickets for reading week. Anyways, I will update everyone when I can.
Scott
P.S. I know today is the 16th but since I will be out of touch for a while I want to wish Carrie a Happy Birthday tomorrow and I love you!
I am going to be very brief here because I have caught a bad cold and don't feel like writing much. Yesterday, we finished up with Natate and debreifed with them to give our feedback on their projects. It was nice working with them but I am happy that we are now done and on our way to other things.
Today we had a morning meeting with the group then had the huge honour of being invited to a Chamula village where the Arthur Frederick Community Builders had several projects on the go for lunch. The lunch consisted of a really good chicken soup.Afterwards, we talked more with the community members about their lives.
Tomorrow we are going to the Lancandon jungle for a while then onto Palenque. For the jungle I will have no internet access whatsoever and I am not sure about Palenque. As a result, I will be out of contact for an undetermined period. It will be sad leaving our Mexican families tomorrow because it seems like most people have bonded really well with them. A few minutes some of our group made going to Guatemala official by booking our bus tickets for reading week. Anyways, I will update everyone when I can.
Scott
P.S. I know today is the 16th but since I will be out of touch for a while I want to wish Carrie a Happy Birthday tomorrow and I love you!
Monday, February 14, 2011
Hola
Hello all,
I am just going to give a brief update as to what I have been up to the last few days. On Friday (Feb 11) we were back at the park picking up garbage again, this time it wasn't raining and we were hiking along the river. Saturday (Feb 12) was a very interesting day. We went to a Natate project near the town of Teopisca which is attempting to become completely self sustainable. The building was built mostly out of adobe (mud) right from the property. They also have a green house, chicken coop, stream for water and a dry toilet which makes the project very eco-friendly. There were three projects for the day: working on the chicken coop, working on a garden or making adobe bricks. I chose adobe and I feel that I made the right decision. The work was very hard and it took about 9 of us two hours to make 20 adobe bricks. After the work was done, the Natate people cooked us a very nice lunch on site.
Sunday (Feb 13) was a free day where I spent most of my time relaxing and not doing much. I should mention, however, that Sunday was the first time I ate something other than Mexican food because we went out for a pizza dinner.
Today we were back with our Natate projects, however, instead of working at the park, I showed up and they decided to take me to a botanican garden in Tuxla Gutierrez while everyone else had to stay behind and rake leaves. At the botanical garden our task was to clear debris and brush which was hard work but still fun. Before working, however, I got to witness the ribbon cutting ceremony for a local palentological museum. The best part of the day though was the drive to Tuxla and the drive home where I was in the back of a pick-up truck looking at the beautiful scenery.
Anyways, I look forward to updating everyone again soon, but for now I am off.
Scott
P.S. Happy Valentine's Day to my love Caroline!
P.P.S. Happy Birthday Chris Dionne!
I am just going to give a brief update as to what I have been up to the last few days. On Friday (Feb 11) we were back at the park picking up garbage again, this time it wasn't raining and we were hiking along the river. Saturday (Feb 12) was a very interesting day. We went to a Natate project near the town of Teopisca which is attempting to become completely self sustainable. The building was built mostly out of adobe (mud) right from the property. They also have a green house, chicken coop, stream for water and a dry toilet which makes the project very eco-friendly. There were three projects for the day: working on the chicken coop, working on a garden or making adobe bricks. I chose adobe and I feel that I made the right decision. The work was very hard and it took about 9 of us two hours to make 20 adobe bricks. After the work was done, the Natate people cooked us a very nice lunch on site.
Sunday (Feb 13) was a free day where I spent most of my time relaxing and not doing much. I should mention, however, that Sunday was the first time I ate something other than Mexican food because we went out for a pizza dinner.
Today we were back with our Natate projects, however, instead of working at the park, I showed up and they decided to take me to a botanican garden in Tuxla Gutierrez while everyone else had to stay behind and rake leaves. At the botanical garden our task was to clear debris and brush which was hard work but still fun. Before working, however, I got to witness the ribbon cutting ceremony for a local palentological museum. The best part of the day though was the drive to Tuxla and the drive home where I was in the back of a pick-up truck looking at the beautiful scenery.
Anyways, I look forward to updating everyone again soon, but for now I am off.
Scott
P.S. Happy Valentine's Day to my love Caroline!
P.P.S. Happy Birthday Chris Dionne!
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Long Time no Talk
Hello all,
Sorry about the lack of updates, the last few days have been very busy. Over the last couple of days we have met with many organizations and started our work with Natate (an organization based out of San Cristobal). On Tuesday (Feb 8) we went to a presentation by a human rights organization called Frayba that operates out of San Cristobal. This organization is really busy so we didn't have a presentation specifically for our group, we had to sit in on one where they were training international observers. It was really informative but we couldn't get involved much since the presentation was not intended for us.
In the afternoon we met with Natate and got a presentation from them about their organization and about what we will be doing while we are volunteering with them for the next few days. We also got to meet a bunch of their volunteers and a couple of the people that we will be working with on our projects. It turns out that there are three projects they are currently working on: renovating the Mayan Medicine Museum, planting a botanical garden and working at an educational park. I am working at the educational park.
The next morning we went to our respective job sites to meet the locals working with us and to get an idea of what we will be doing. The park is a conservation area that covers 16 hectares. There is a zoo, walking trails and a bike path. Overall, it is a very nice place. After seeing where we will all be working we met up with the larger group and had a meeting with staff from the Canadian Embassy who were in town for other reasons. It was a good chance to network and meet people who work at the embassy.
This morning (Feb 10) we started our work at the park. Our job for the day was picking up garbage along the bike path. I should also mention that the terrain of the park is mountainous and that it was raining this morning. However, in spite of the rain and hills, it was a good time and we all got a really good workout hiking through beautiful paths in the mountains. It felt good to put in some labour and get out of the classroom. Anyways, I will update you guys again soon.
Scott
Sorry about the lack of updates, the last few days have been very busy. Over the last couple of days we have met with many organizations and started our work with Natate (an organization based out of San Cristobal). On Tuesday (Feb 8) we went to a presentation by a human rights organization called Frayba that operates out of San Cristobal. This organization is really busy so we didn't have a presentation specifically for our group, we had to sit in on one where they were training international observers. It was really informative but we couldn't get involved much since the presentation was not intended for us.
In the afternoon we met with Natate and got a presentation from them about their organization and about what we will be doing while we are volunteering with them for the next few days. We also got to meet a bunch of their volunteers and a couple of the people that we will be working with on our projects. It turns out that there are three projects they are currently working on: renovating the Mayan Medicine Museum, planting a botanical garden and working at an educational park. I am working at the educational park.
The next morning we went to our respective job sites to meet the locals working with us and to get an idea of what we will be doing. The park is a conservation area that covers 16 hectares. There is a zoo, walking trails and a bike path. Overall, it is a very nice place. After seeing where we will all be working we met up with the larger group and had a meeting with staff from the Canadian Embassy who were in town for other reasons. It was a good chance to network and meet people who work at the embassy.
This morning (Feb 10) we started our work at the park. Our job for the day was picking up garbage along the bike path. I should also mention that the terrain of the park is mountainous and that it was raining this morning. However, in spite of the rain and hills, it was a good time and we all got a really good workout hiking through beautiful paths in the mountains. It felt good to put in some labour and get out of the classroom. Anyways, I will update you guys again soon.
Scott
Monday, February 7, 2011
Update
Hello all,
I don't have much to update you guys on because yesterday was a free day and today is a Mexican holiday so we have yet another free day! Saturday our class went to the Na Bolom museum in San Cristobal which is dedicated to the Lancandon jungle and the indigenous people living there. It is a very interesting place and I wish I had paid more attention to the tour, yet my attention span was short at the time. It was beneficial though to learn more about the jungle and its people because we will be spending a week there at the end of our time in Mexico.
Yesterday, as mentioned, was a free day, however, our group took a trip to a park just outside the city which has really scenic caves. The park we went to is a place where the locals spend Sundays with their families, and we basically just relaxead for half of the day there. After we got back, the fun started and we found a place to watch the Superbowl (in Spanish). I feel that I should mention how terrible the Black Eyed Peas were at half time. Anyways I don't feel like writing more so I will talk to you later.
Scott
I don't have much to update you guys on because yesterday was a free day and today is a Mexican holiday so we have yet another free day! Saturday our class went to the Na Bolom museum in San Cristobal which is dedicated to the Lancandon jungle and the indigenous people living there. It is a very interesting place and I wish I had paid more attention to the tour, yet my attention span was short at the time. It was beneficial though to learn more about the jungle and its people because we will be spending a week there at the end of our time in Mexico.
Yesterday, as mentioned, was a free day, however, our group took a trip to a park just outside the city which has really scenic caves. The park we went to is a place where the locals spend Sundays with their families, and we basically just relaxead for half of the day there. After we got back, the fun started and we found a place to watch the Superbowl (in Spanish). I feel that I should mention how terrible the Black Eyed Peas were at half time. Anyways I don't feel like writing more so I will talk to you later.
Scott
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