Sunrise hikes and kayaking with my Valentine

      Before my last class on Friday, we returned to Indian's nose to catch the sunrise on the gopro (Youtube Video). We didn't think we would need a guide since we had just gone on Sunday. However, we realize the benefit of a guide is also to prevent trouble on the trail at 5 am. A younger guy was following us and trying to tell us we needed him for safety and that we were going the wrong way. When another group came, on the same correct path we were on, he finally left. The views and breath-taking sunrise were again beautiful and I was only a little late to class.

 

    We treated Alejandra, Pedro and their son Rony to dinner Friday as a thank you. Alejandra has joked all week that she is trying to get me 'gorda' (fat) so that I'll be a lil gordita. Her amazing food is probably doing that so while it will be sad to leave, it's probably the best for our waistlines!

The waitress cut Mark out, oops.  Jack from London was our new roommate who arrived that morning.   

      We also had a heck of a time sending stuff to the States.  Mark took 4 trips to the sometimes open post office, wrapped and re-wrapped everything and it was still pretty pricey.  Let's see how long "2 weeks" really takes!  Erika and my package from Thailand to Germany took 2 months instead of 2 weeks!  The only other bummer for the weekend was realizing my swimsuit never made it back from one of our laundry services.  Hopefully it was unintentional but I'm going to start making a list of what we drop off and make sure we get it all back each time!  Now I'll have to shop for one in Antigua.

     On Saturday, we shared a boat ride to Santiago with 6 pasteles de boda (wedding cakes) that were off to feed up to a 1,000 people at the 2 day wedding.  We jokingly asked if we were invited too.

    After 3 weeks of lukewarm showers, spiders and cockroaches and dog parties at 1 am, we are splurging on a beautiful hotel right on the lake (all for a little bit more than a Motel 6 in Denver).  Mark had the hotel surprise me with beautiful blue flowers, chocolate and wine in the room!  Very sweet :) 

Unbeknownst to the other, we each brought Valentine's treats for each other from the States.

      After relaxing by the pool for a while, we ventured in to town to visit Saint Maximon, an important saint/devil that is a strong remnant from native philosophy that Theresa recommended (more info here: Saint Maximon).  It was very interesting to see him and all the people around praying and watching (and tour groups going through taking photos so I didn't feel bad snapping a quick photo).

Maximom likes offerings of beer, smokes and Quetzales!  He always has a lit cigarette in his mouth too!

     Back at the hotel, we kayaked to a nearby island and past the dozens of women doing their laundry in the lake.  The colors and commotion was beautiful.

    An amazing dinner of wine and pizza wrapped up a very fun and special Valentine's Day in Guatemala! Cheesy as this holiday may be for some, I always thought it was special since Loveland loves their holiday and my parents (40 years!) and both sets of grandparents share anniversaries on this day. And I have great memories of friend love on this day (like paragliding the Alps with Erika and dancing on the Cabin's bar for Stef's birthday). Excited to see where we'll spend next year's Valentine's Day!  Hope everyone had a fun weekend with their loved ones of all kinds!