Adventure and Discovery

This month already has been a month of pure adventure and discovery. I have seen parts of Guatemala that I haven’t seen before, discovered hidden gems, made friends, and gone to work meetings! December is slow in regards to work because the schools are closed, however, I am working on a departmental level as well and I have been able to show my face and help out in that sector in the three weeks that I have been at site. Meeting new people in a new country is difficult. It’s difficult to get out and introduce yourself to people in another language AND it’s difficult to get people to meet with you during their vacation. So far, I have met some really motivated, hardworking people that I am excited to start working with in January and I am slowly showing people that I am here to stay and I am taking this work seriously.

In the meantime, it’s easy to stay cooped up in my room, but I have been trying hard to get out, attend social events, and explore Guatemala. Currently it is “feria” around Guatemala, a celebration that individual towns have to enjoy the holidays. There is plenty of street food, fireworks, games, and rides. My town currently is celebrating feria so it has been very loud, but it has also been a great opportunity to get out in the community and enjoy the festivities (minus the street food).

Last week I went on two wonderful adventures. The first: I hiked an active volcano. Almost gave my grandmother in the states a heart attack, but oh boy was the adventure incredible. I’m from Oregon, and the closest I got was seeing Mount Hood covered in snow every day. Or, during college, I hiked Mount Rainier and went snowshoeing a couple of times. But seeing an active volcano *not* covered in snow spewing rocks in the air and hearing the sound of the lava moving deep within was a whole new experience.

The hike itself wasn’t super difficult, but since my body and lungs aren’t used to the altitude change, I felt like I was breathing through a straw the entire time. Which did make it that much more difficult. But once I got near the top, I knew it was worth it for the view and for the sensation of feeling the heat roll off the dried lava at the base of the top.

The very next day I went somewhere a little less extreme, but also quite fascinating: Hobbitenango. Yes, you read that right. Hobbit-enango. A joke and play off of Lord of The Rings. IN GUATEMALA. It’s a little park with restaurants, cafes, games, music, and a fantastic view (surprise). And everything is Lord of The Rings themed. It was awesome.

Guatemala is full of hidden gems. I have learned that nothing is what it seems. You can find the coolest bar or the coolest cafe that from the outside looks like a very small building. Things are hidden and you have to search for them a little bit. It’s helpful having friends from the area that know some of these special places, but I guarantee that throughout my two years I am going to find lots of magical places in this land.