Today was the day I have been counting down to since this past fall semester. I barely slept last night awaiting my journey to start my study abroad experience today! I woke up around 6 am to enjoy my last morning and coffee with my parents and pets. I also had to finish up some last-minute packing to make sure I had everything I need for the next 3 and 1/2 weeks! After enjoying my last few hours in the States, I departed for the airport with my mom and dad at 9 AM for my flight at 12:30 departing from Atlanta. Getting through security was pretty easy for me as I’ve flown internationally from Atlanta a few times before this. Once I was on the plane I fell asleep for most of the flight but woke up here and there to see the changing landscapes. Once I landed in Guatemala City, I met up with one of my classmates, Kelly, and we went through customs together and walked to meet the rest of our class at the entrance of the airport. Shortly after meeting everyone, we departed for our homestays in Antigua which was about an hour-long drive. Once we arrived, we had a few hours to settle in and meet our new families for the next 2 and 1/2 weeks! It was some much-needed decompression time as the full day of traveling exhausted me. Around 5 o’clock we went over to Casa Herrera, the UT building in Antigua, to tour the facility and have our welcome dinner. I really enjoyed the tour and the amazing view from the roof of the beautiful city and surrounding landscape (pictured below). For dinner, we had Pepián which is one of the national dishes of Guatemala. It was absolutely delicious and a great way to start a month of great food to come! After dinner, we walked back to our homestays and enjoyed a relaxing night to prepare for the journey ahead of us! I am so excited to start this program and learn more about the Maya!
-Kat Clauson