Mission Accomplished

Yes, I made it! It was a grueling day and a half - I honestly can't say it was all fun and lovely - but I did make it to the top - at times fearing for my life - but it was definitely worth it. This picture was taken pretty early on in the hike, which is why I look pretty happy and am not bundled in layer upon layer of clothing. There were ten of us that went - from the US, Canada, Sweden, and Australia - plus our great guide, Juan, from here in Guatemala. Some of us were experienced hikers...and then there was me. No, honestly, I was not the only novice, but they did have to stop and wait for me more than once. (Lo siento!!)
I enjoy hiking quite a bit - even though I haven't been too often in the past - but this was no normal hike. The altitude made it really hard to go very far very fast. I was out of breath about ten steps after each break. It was a bit frustrating, but you kinda get used to it. We climbed for about 5 hours on Saturday and then we camped at about 4000 meters. The remaining 200 meters were climbed the next morning - in the dark. It was rough. There was frost on the ground and the rocks and we couldn't see and it was oh so steep. I was just slightly terrified. When we finally got to the summit, it was about 20 minutes before the sunrise and there were at least 100-150 people already up at the top. Apparently, this is the time of the year when there are big fiestas atop this volcano. And many of these people were prepared with bonfires and blankets - our guide boiled some water for us for coffee and tea, but it didn't help the freezing fingers and toes too much.
When the sunrise finally did come, it was pretty amazing. (understatement!) Here's just one of the many spectacular views we had...

We headed back down 30 minutes or so later , walking around the crater, which was pretty interesting. People have made words out of rocks, which you may or may not be able to see in this picture. There was a circle of people praying down there when we were walking by.

We got back to our campsite for breakfast a little while later and Juan prepared some "mush" for us. Not bad. : ) Here's a couple of mis compadres showing their excitement for the mush.

And then we headed back down, for the part of the hike that made me feel old...my knees, my hips, my feet, you name it - it hurt. And I slipped and fell no less than 5 times. I was told every time how graceful my falls were, though. : )

So, all in all, it was an amazing and satisfying adventure. To be able to see Mexico, Guatemala and El Salvador from up there (or at least I'm told - what do I know?!) is pretty cool. It's nice to be able to say that I completed things in which some where along the way I felt like crying and/or giving up. I'm working on this whole fear of heights thing, too - for sure. Not going sky diving anytime soon, but I think I'm making progress.

So, here I am - back in Xela. Only two more days of Spanish classes to go...how sad. I had a great two hour conversation with my teacher this morning about my weekend. I was impressed with myself. Speaking of my teacher, here's a picture of us taken last week. (sidenote - I had not slept or showered in quite a while when this and many of these pictures were taken!)
She and I may go to Chichicastenango on Thursday, which is my last day of classes. If she is able to, we're going to have a little field trip there so I can check out the biggest markets in Guatemala. If not, I will have to make do with some more local souvenirs to bring home. It'll be interesting cramming it all into my luggage...

I can't believe it's New Year's Eve already! We are having a party with a bonfire at the school tonight. Apparently the discotecas are a little too crazy on NYE here, so we're making a party of our own and for that, I am thankful! We have no classes tomorrow, so I'll probably spend a large portion of the morning sleeping and then will do some studying. I'm thinking I will go to Antigua for just Thursday night and then head over to Guatemala City for my flight home Friday night. (The airport is apparently the only place you want to go in Guatemala City)

I hope you all have a safe and happy celebration tonight!

Feliz Ano Nuevo!

Kim : )