Semana Santa/Semuc Champey

We went to Semuc Champey in Alta Verapaz for Easter break.  It is a man made bridge made of limestone.  It has many different pools with crystal clear water.  Absolutely beautiful.  We decided to take the hike up the mountain so we could get the full view before jumping in the water.  It was harder than I imagined.  The hike was basically straight up, no railings (welcome to guate), and dead heat.  After a sweaty hike up, and 45 minutes later, we were at the top.  It was an incredible view and def worth getting dehydrated. After that we basically ran down the mountain to jump in that beautiful water.  Its worth going if you travel to Guatemala.

Alta Verapaz is absolutely amazing. It is green and lush.  The mosquitos are a little ridiculous though.  We stayed in a hostel, El Retiro Lodge.  It's located on a river and has huts and hammocks.  I ended the trip with 57 mosquito bites. The hostel had a tour to swim and walk through these beautiful caves off of the river.  We signed up for the 1 pm tour and had no idea what to expect... We arived and were given a long white candle.  We were with a Guatemalan family and the tour guide.  Within 5 minutes we realized that we were with an obnoxious family and only hoped for the best.  We lit our candles and entered the cave.  It was beautifuly lit by the candles but soon we could see nothing.  The candles didn't help much and we were in darkness, unable to see anything around us.  We had to swim through parts of the cave with one hand in the air carrying our candles and the other hand trying to keep a float (don't forget our heavy chacos pulling us down).  There were latters we had to climb that were sucured with duct tape. After two hours we arrive at the end of the tour.  By this point half the people's candles had gone out and we were losing light, quickly.  People (not me of course...) were jumping off part of the cave into a pool of water.  We were having a good time despite the circumstances.  After this was done we were GOING to return back to civilization.  BUT NOPE, the Guatemalan family wanted to continue through the cave.  Needless to say, we ended up in the middle of a cave, nowhere near civilization or light, fighting with this family for 30 MINUTES!  We were screaming back and forth while peoples candles were dripping to nothing.  There were three of us and we were only had one candle.  We finally convinced the family we had to return or we would be stuck in that cave in complete darkness.  At this point we started to freak out a bit.  The family took forever to get off their asses and leave, and we had half the light we had before.  I was leading the way, behind the tour guide, and I was all of the sudden in a small crevas about to jump down into a pool in complete darkness with no people and no light.  I jumped and realized I was alone, in a cave, with no light, in deep water.  I would like to state here that I have never had a panic attack, but at this point I could not hold it in any longer.  This was not what we paid 50 Q for and I was ready to get the fuck out.  After a few long minutes my friends joined me with a candle.  A few minutes later we safely arrived to day light.  This is just one example of how Guatemala amazes me.  It amazes me that this was legal, that this was a tour that people went on every day.  What would have happened if someone would have gotten hurt?  What would have happened if our candles would have gone out in that cave? In the United States this tour would never be legal due to regulations and laws...apparently such things don't exist here.

All in all, the trip to Semuc was amazing.  We met some amazing people and saw a bit of paradise.  We are back in site now and spending our Easter afternoon in an internet café.  Its a bit depressing.  The strike is over and were starting work on Tuesday!! I have never been so excited to start work.  We have so much work to do and I'm ready to get goin'.   I can't wait to start meeting the teachers and seeing our schools. 

The rainy season started a few days ago.  I have already learned a valuable lesson.  Last night I was watching Friends in my room while it was raining.  I had the door open because Bear had walked in and there was a nice breeze.  I got up to look for something and I saw this dark figure fly through the air, I immediately started screaming.  I then realized that there was a huge frog in my room.  I frantically got a broom and swept it away and slammed the door.  I imagine this is just the beginning to the crazyness that comes with the rainy season. 

I hope everyone is having a happy Easter!  I cannot believe its almost May.  Time is flying by.  I'm starting to paint my new home and move stuff in in the next few weeks.  I'm very excited to start my life here and get things going.  I'm expecting things to get easier and when they do, I presume I will love it here.

Love you all so very much, and thanks for reading!!!