Wednesday in Guatemala

After day 2 of the STEM activity, the children left an even deeper impact on me. They are so happy to learn, and help each other, and in general, are super happy. It is very astonishing to see children running around with holes in their shoes, and flies buzzing around them. It was really cool though, to see the children dressed in traditional Mayan clothing. I am very grateful that we got to interact with the children on this level, and that the teachers are so welcoming. The school buildings are very well constructed, but simple. The classrooms don’t have a lot, but are fairly well supplied. The decorations are all very cute and educational, and they have a lot of fun with them as well. The teachers do a lot of physical activities with the kids, like jumping and singing and dancing, and it is very cute to see. It is also a nice way for the kids to get energy out. I am excited for the other group to present their activity, so that I can just participate and help the children.

Building the onil stoves is a lot easier than I thought it would be. I was under the impression that the pieces would be a lot heavier. However, we did not have to take them to the houses; we just put them together from the pieces already in the houses. The process is very simple, and you shouldn’t be intimidated by it. The homes here are very different from homes in the US, and what I am used to seeing. The people are also very different, they are extremely welcoming and grateful. Even though they do not have much, they still found ways to show gratitude, with bread or soda.

The scenery of Pana is absolutely breathtaking. The natural beauty of the lake and the volcanos make for incredible views. I especially love seeing all the gardens and crops growing, as well as the flowers that grow naturally everywhere. I have not seen many birds, but there are tons of dogs in the street. Views like this are hard to find back home.
Thanks,
Maya

Tuesday in Guatemala

Today we did our first STEM presentation. I was super nervous to lead the activity in Spanish. Everyone on my team did a great job preparing the supplies, and working with the children. It was much less scary when I actually did it. I love working with the children. Aside from our STEM project, I have really enjoyed Guatemala. The smells are so enticing, and it is hard to not eat the street food. I love the hustle and bustle of Panajachel. I think my favorite part is watching everyone drive around on motorcycles. Men, women, and children drive motorcycles, and I have seen up to four people on one. There were street vendors everywhere too. People were selling everything from pottery to bracelets, even knives and shot glasses. The first day I was very sick, and missed the trip to the market. Luckily, I still got to go wander a bit and buy some things to take home. I thought it would be a lot hotter, but the weather wasn’t so bad. I am fairly comfortable in light long sleeve shirts, and light pants. I recommend wearing linen.

The first night, we had dinner at a pizza place. It was good pizza, but not the traditional food I have been looking forward to. The drinks, however, were amazing, and I had a sort of smoothie drink called a Licaudo, with papaya and yoghurt. That was the highlight of the meal, and many other people grew to like them. The day I was sick I had a simple chicken soup with avocado, and it was delicious, it tasted like something my papi would make.

The hotel is nicer than I thought it would be. I love that it is open air, and the pool area is really nice. It reminds me of an oasis. There are also a lot of plants and flowers in the hotel, which I enjoy a lot. Our rooms are very basic, and we don’t really have hot water, but it feels nice after working all day. The hotel does have really good breakfast, and I look forward to the plantains every morning. So far, I am very grateful I have had the opportunity to come to Guatemala, and I look forward to all the other things we are going to do this year, and in future years.

Thanks,
Maya