Rainy season – should I go?

When the program first started, I was extremely nervous because I hardly talked to anyone in class and now I was going to be stuck with them for a month in a foreign country. I contemplated just dropping from the program because what was I doing going to a foreign country with people I hardly knew. I’m so glad that I didn’t since it ended up being one of the most memorable experiences of my life. I couldn’t have asked for a better group to experience all of this with.

Being able to stand at the archaeological sites and learn about even the tiniest of details about their architecture and background was incredible. It’s hard to visualize an ancient city when reading about them but once you’re at the site there are no words to describe it. The place just sort of comes alive and you can’t help but imagine what life must have been like back then. The research aspect of this program allowed me to connect with some of the locals in a way that I would have never imagined. They were so open about many controversial topics like religion, identity, and gender roles. I was able to learn more about them in one sitting than I would have reading about them.

I didn’t think that I would get so attached to a place that I’d only be living in for less than three weeks, but that is exactly what happened with Antigua. I started missing it as soon as we left. I couldn’t help but think about my homestay family and all the amazing people I met there. Waking up to the sight of volcanoes and the sound of the birds outside my window is something that I’ll never forget. Antigua is a small city that holds a special place in my heart. I hope to someday return and fully experience everything that this city has to offer.

A piece of advice that I’d give future students of this program is to bring rain boots 🙂 If you’re going during the rainy season your shoes will get wet and they will stay wet for days!

IMG_5136

(Photo: Hayley is prepared!)

IMG_5247

(Photo: Skipping in the rain – go Cheyenne!)

Guatemala more like GuateBUENA

Gaby, Ali, Lauren, and Frenchfry (dog) here! Volcanyou believe that we are in Guatemala?! This trip rocks and the hike was fire! We all LAVA good hike! Pacayeah we hiked up that! Sorry for the puns, they just keep erupting out of us. But on a more serious note, we’ve had an unbelavable first week here just blowing off steam and going with the flow.

18920482_10209239143838563_2339984364077515535_n

One of the most interesting things we’ve learned about here is Maximón or San Simón. Maximón is a very controversial Maya deity. People visit his shrine and bring offerings, like tobacco and alcohol, in exchange for good health and other favors. Our homestay mom and her boyfriend, like many others, aren’t very fond of him. Many people believe that he is some sort of demon due to rumors that Maximón hurts those who stop bringing him sacrifices. Others see him as a symbol of health and prosperity and have a lot of respect for him.

Another Maximón offering site at a local store

We were able to visit one of his shrines here in Antigua. Located inside of a shack-like structure tucked behind a local store, there were candles lit all around him, and offerings near and on him. Inside the store they were essentially selling Maximón starter packs (for lack of a better term). These included candles and other little things that one can offer him at the shrine.

Maximón smoking a cig

Puffin’ a cig

A shaman leading the ritual offering to Maximón

The second shrine we visited was at Santiago Atitlan. This shrine, called a Cofradía, was located inside a house with a shaman, Cofrade, and a Jesus statue. We got to see the actual ritual take place, which is why the shaman was there. There was also a bowl of incense with lots of candles and flowers. This Maximón was also a lot bigger and older than the first one we saw. This specific statue is rotated yearly between the twelve Cofradías of Santiago Atitlan, always accompanied by a parade of dancers and festivities to guide him from location to location.

Offerings being given to Maximón

Guatagood time we’ve had so far!