Tag: Santa Maria de Jesus

All the Firsts, but (fingers crossed) not the Lasts

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I tried to quantify this trip:
• 28 days
• 2 countries
• 16 students
• 1 professor
• 1 earthquake
• 10+ excursions
• Countless smiles

And yet, this doesn’t even come close to capturing what this trip truly encompassed. It was memorable to say the least. Most of the 28 days were spent in Antigua, a picturesque and vibrant city. The cobblestone streets, although deadly when wet, only perpetuated the charm of the brightly colored buildings. Every turn of the corner was greeted by a warm “Buenos dias!” or “Buenas noches!” or even a simple smile. Life moves at a slower rate with people taking time to sit in el Parque Central and soak up the sun and the day. Such little things that made a world of difference.

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Apart from these details I can’t even imagine what this experience would’ve been like without all the people I got to know better on this trip. Would anyone else laugh as much as Rylie and Rebecca did come 6 AM every day when, shocking, the bread was YET AGAIN ready? Would any other group of people agree to “vote people off the island” in a friendly-yet-incredibly-competitive game of Survivor (Guatemala Edition)? So with that I would like to send a virtual thank you to everyone who came on this trip and contributed to this incredible experience. Thank you Ali, Armando, Cheyenne, Felicia, Gabe, Gaby, Hayley, JJ, Kelly, Lauren, Quinn, Rebecca, Rylie, Sofia, and Vero—wouldn’t have wanted to do this with anyone else

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On a side note: When was the last time you did/experienced for the first time? Before this trip I honestly couldn’t remember. Here came Guatemala and Belize to end that streak. Things were definitely new, for the first time I—saw/climbed a volcano, witnessed one erupting, experienced an earthquake, saw a tapir, swam with a manatee, participated in a Maya ceremony and climbed temples at various Maya archaeological sites. Not to brag, but I think that’s a pretty impressive list for the 28 days!!

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I cannot speak for everyone on this trip, however, every experience felt truly unique. I felt lucky to have participated, because while Europe (and other places) is charming in its own right I don’t think I could have ever found and experienced many of the activities I did on this trip if I were to have gone to Guatemala by myself.

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Let me just say, if you’re considering study abroad, DO IT. You will not regret it, the things I was able to learn on this trip while immersing myself in the culture and ambiance of Guatemala have been unforgettable.

Ceremony through Senses

We had the honor of experiencing a traditional Maya Day Keeper ceremony while in Antigua. His name was Kawoq and he provided us with an unforgettable opportunity. The ceremony encompassed so many elements that we feel it will be best described by working through the five senses of our experience.

Sight: Traditional textiles were wrapped around his head, his way of dawning the role of Day Keeper. His family was present; they were an intimate part of the ceremony. The candles he used as offerings were all different colors, each symbolizing a part of the environment and cardinal directions. White symbolized the North, wind, and air. Red illustrated the rising sun and the East. Yellow represented Earth and the South. Black stood for the setting sun and the West. Lakota tribe ceremonial feathers were beside the fire. A tribe member had asked Kawoq to have them present for each ceremony.

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Sound: Kawoq speaking in kaqchikel as he orchestrated the ceremony. Kawoq thanked each Nawal, explaining the meaning of our unique Nawales and how each of them embodied us in different ways. The fire crackled with each offering he added to the mound.

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Feel: The heat of the fire against our open hands, accepting the energy from the flames. Emotionally feeling at ease, tranquil, and peaceful. However, the journey of the ceremony encompassed a roller coaster of emotions as we gave thanks to our Nawales and our ancestors. We felt the sacred water, which had been blessed with herbs, that he gave us to put on our hands and face for protection and wellness.

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Smell: Incense burning, pine needle offerings, and sugar melting. Kawoq flung strong smelling liquid with a bushel of leaves at each of us, ensuring our safety in travel. The liquid we put directly on our skin smelled of herbs.

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Taste: The bitterness of a ripeningSanta peach, a sweet sign of gratitude from Kawoq’s young daughter Xochitl.

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Our experience with this ceremony was a little overwhelming. This is why we wanted to break it down into how we felt the experience. It truly was an authentic and intimate opportunity that people rarely get to take part in. We feel humbled and privileged to have witnessed such a significant part of traditional Maya culture that has stood the test of time.

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Rebecca (Kawoq)

Andrea (Aq’ab’al)

Rylie (B’aatz)

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