Saturday, 11th of January
Well, day one of our R&R was exciting to say the least. The morning started off calm and relaxing. Many of us tried to sleep in and individually made it down to a hearty breakfast of eggs, potatoes, toast, and smoothies all in which were enjoyed with a spectacular view of the crystal clear Lake Atitlán and the surrounding volcanos. There was a wide variety of excursions we chose from, some decided to kayak others decided to take a boat ride to the nearest city, Santa Cruz, where a local market was. I was in the market group, but there was no market. We journeyed up a very steep hill (very doesn’t even begin to justify the steepness) for about a mile and a half thinking the entire time that the market must just be around the corner…we were wrong each time. We’d finally had enough and decided to ask a local in the broken Spanish we know and lucky us, there’s no market in Santa Cruz. The day was looking much better now because we were lucky enough to make it to another city, Panachel, to do some shopping. Whoops, I spoke too soon. The boat ride back…Nothing like being placed at the front of boat made to fit 25 at most with nearly 40 people on a VERY choppy lake. After our tremendous boat ride getting drenched due to the fact that the only thing blocking the water from hitting us was a tarp FULL OF HOLES! We made it back in one solid wet piece. The remainder of the day we sat around playing games and enjoying the company of each other and eventually making it down to the lake side hot tub. Overall, who could ask for a better day than a day full of mistakes, successes, laughter, and great company? So I’m going to leave with a thought that I have been thinking about all day…what did I do and who did I spend my time with to make the most out go my life today. I can honestly say we succeeded at living life to the fullest today. Now it’s bedtime, have to get up early to see what this kayaking is all about.
Until next time friends…
Drew
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