We went on a tripto Zunil, a small city 10 miles outside of Xela that we biked to earlier in the week. However given the rains the roads we closed and we had to walk the last 2 miles into Zunil. Along the way we saw a bit of the problems that Tropical Storm Agetha has caused on the Guate highlands.
Justin and I and the rest of the group finally managed to fit in the hike up Volcano de Santa Maria. We started good and early (4am) and hit the top at 8:30. It was a great hike with fantastic weather. The guides were great and humored me by entertaining my spanish. Mike, my bad brother, I forgot to snag you a volcanic rock...
Hay un volcon activio abajo de Santa Maria
Este perrito nosotros segio arriba el volcon. Ella sube el volcon cada dia!
After two weeks at the Hotel Modelo it was quite sad saying good by to the staff. They were great people and we will certainly miss them...
They friended all the fellas in our group on facebook... no big deal
Mi desayuno cada dia en el Hotel Modelo
The drive to Chichi this morning was awesome. Steep climbs and windy roads... Very neat. When we arrived I dropped off my stuff and checked out the city. Dodging the most common form of transportation in Chichi, three wheeled taxis, I swung by la Iglesia de Santo Tomas and caught the tail end of a wedding. I went to mass this evening. A great mass but it started 30 min late beacuse the priest was blessing thirteen families that lost thier homes during the rain storm...
La Iglesia de Santo Tomas
I ran into a fella named Tomas. He owns a cloting shop and was eager to show me his shop then he showed me his home. His home is perched on a steep cliff. Given its location, Tomas's home is at great risk during rain storms. He showed me the problems that the most recent rain has left on his house. I then met his son and grandchildren who live next door. I spent the better part of two hours talking to his son, Sebastian, about his work, his past, and the struggles he has had to deal with post Agetha. Ma and dad, Tomas asked for you two to pray for his family...
Tomas y su casa.
Gracias todos...
Andrew, you are getting the most out of this trip - good for you! I love how you are relating first-hand to the people - that is sooo YOU!!! Loving and missing you
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Thank you for putting all these pictures on. I am saving all of them for you. I can't get over all that you are seeing and doing!
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Oh - those little three wheelers remind me of Iquitos!
ReplyDeleteno worries about the rock andy, those pictures are pretty awesome though! you are doing some awesome things for the people and seeing some amazing sights!
ReplyDeleteQue tal Andrew! These posts are amazing! I have really enjoied reading them, espically when accompanied by the pics. Keep up the good work my man and stay safe. Say hi to your group for me!
ReplyDeleteAdios!
Andrew no worries on the volcanic rocks...I happen to grab around 4 so Mike can have one of those! This has been a great trip I am glad we are on this trip together :)
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