Day 4: San Juan la Laguna

Day 3: San Juan la Laguna

Today was the second full day in San Juan La Laguna. We woke up, had breakfast with our host families, and met at the Dragons center at 8:30. We set off to a farm where we worked at getting rid of weeds with tools and our hands until noon, at which point we returned to our host families for lunch. There was intense rain in the morning and beginning of the afternoon, so we all came home wet and dirty. After, we went to the Eco Spanish School for the second day of Spanish lessons. We have been split into small groups of 2 or 3 for our lessons. We were going to play soccer this evening, but it got rained out. Everyone is enjoying our stay.

Alexandre

Day 2: San Juan la Laguna

On the morning of our second day in San Juan La Laguna, we ate breakfast ranging from pancakes to eggs to frijoles with our homestay families, then met with the rest of the group at Lema at 7:30. After doing a quick check-in, we did a voice and body warm up which involved standing in a circle, flailing our arms, and shrieking at the top of our lungs at eachother. Next, we did an activity with a local group of girls to compare women's empowerment in our cultures. Later, at 12:30 we all went to our homestays to have lunch and relax. After a restful few hours, we met at the eco Spanish school where we took a "quick and easy" quiz to determine our level, and then had a short Spanish lesson in groups of 2-3 which were organized by level. - Alicia .

First Day in San Juan la Laguna

We are settled into San Juan la Laguna! After pancakes and empanadas at Ijatz for our last breakfast in San Lucas Tolimán, the teachers checked in with students individually about how they felt to be starting homestays - they expressed some nerves, but were mostly excited and pleasantly surprised by how ready they felt. Then we took a boat across the lake under sunny skies, looking up at the surrounding volcanoes and villages. Upon arriving in stunning San Juan we lugged our bags up the impressive hills that hold this beautiful, colorful little enclave. After lunch at the Dragons program house  the students embarked on a 3 hour scavenger hunt during which they got their bearings and interacted with the locals (and bought a lot of mangos). The teachers then judged who would win the scavenger hunt. After much debate and 45 minutes of very logical and not at all maddening or random tie breakers, all teams were awarded 12,000 points apiece and given Guatemalan chocolate bars. After that we walked to Lema, the women’s weaving collective (and ice cream shop) where students were picked up by their homestay mothers (and a few siblings). One at a time the students were introduced, got a hug, grabbed their bags, and headed off for the first night with their homestay families. Ms. Vann already misses them terribly. They do not necessarily feel the same way about Ms. Vann. We meet back early in the morning to start our work in the community and our Spanish lessons!

Progress update

Tonight the Guaté trip leaders are driving the blog to report on the progress of the cohort and individual students.

As we come to the end of our final day in San Lucas Toliman, we are completing the first part of our journey, our introduction to Guatemala through the investigation of permaculture. We spent the day at IMAP, the permaculture institute, learning more about innovative permacultural techniques that are redressing a host of challenges Guatemala faces (e.g., environmental degradation, waste management, health) and then engaging in hands-on work including plant bed design and composting. The investigation of permaculture has provided a unique way to understand relationships between Guatemalan society and the larger world of political, economic, and cultural phenomena. In meetings, lectures, and hikes with Spanish-speakers, the students have had many hours of practice listening, speaking, and translating Spanish.

As to our impressions of the group to date, here's what comes to our minds: We see the cohort as better able to both understand permacultural concepts and to articulate connections among different global phenomena such as the banana blight and monoculture. They are growing in confidence in their translation and interpreting work, eagerly practicing Spanish language and learning about Guatemalan culture. The group is even-keeled, egalitarian, warm, united, and bonded. We notice no obvious cliques or exclusiveness: they enjoy a transparent camaraderie, laugh easily and often, enjoy each other’s company, seeming to delight in their collective journey.

ALEXANDRE: Alex has been a high-level interpreter / translator for the group and often the main back-up support-translator for other students during our long lessons in Maya history, culture, permaculture, and during hikes with Spanish speaking guides, teachers, and lecturers. We noticed that after his initial reluctance to jump up on the transport truck because he had left his raincoat at home ( it was raining) he jumped aboard anyway: he really enjoys being part of the group.

SOPHIA: Sophia is our group’s history nerd, or perhaps just nerd in general, avid reader, fascinated with the history and politics of Guatemala. On several occasions she has graciously volunteered to translate for the group. We noticed that she patiently taught our cohort to count to ten in German and that she is conducting research on politics in Guaté for the Coat of Arms.

LINDSEY: Open, easy-going, and eager for adventure, Lindsey always seems to be smiling, even when she’s not. She’s enjoying learning about Guaté, surprised at the beauty she sees around her, the ingenuity she has witnessed at IMAP, and her time with the cohort. She’s a kind friend to everyone and a natural leader.

JASON: Jason has commented on the signs of mutual respect he’s seen in relationships he's he’s witnessed in Guaté. Understated and perceptive, Jason has a keen sense of humor: He came up with the following “X-factor” question one morning during check ins: if you could be the protagonist of any book, who would you be?  Then, he added, to everyone’s laughter: But I really don’t read much. Also, on the drive to San Lucas Toliman, as a chicken crossed the road, he shouted after it Why’d you do it bro!? Today he won the Whoosh-bang competition due both to his ability and stunning hair -- ask him about this.

DYLAN: Dylan is a gentleman, a natural ambassador, and makes easy connections with people. He’s engaged in the Guaté curriculum and the life of the group. He commented today on the cemetery in San Lucas Toliman and how it is in the most colorful part of the town, making a connection between this and what it suggests about life and death in this community. We also noticed that he looks guilty going back for repeated helpings of tortillas and that he generously lent his rain jacket to another student, setting a trend that the others now follow.

BRYNN: Brynn is small stature, young in age, and big in heart. She was nominated by her peers to lead them and has been a frequent translator for the entire group on our hikes. We notice that she fearlessly guarded the Guatemalan "Steph Curry" in a pick-up game of basketball with the locals that the students organized during their free time.

TRENT: Trent has been a steady interpreter for the group and consistently focused during our daily activities and curricula. He is a natural ambassador, confident with locals, connecting them with the group. We notice that he’s always willing to help and seems to have found his love for tortillas and his food culture here. We appreciate that he willingly volunteers to carry the medical kit, something that is a genuine pain.

JULIA: Julia has been actively and consistently engaged. She was impressed by the economical use of resources she witnessed at IMAP and has demonstrated particular interest in the IMAP reforestation project (especially the reuse of plastic bags as planters and the strategic use of plastic waste bottles for various agricultural needs). She’s happily engaged in our activities and is enjoying her time with the cohort.

BELLA: Bella is the oldest student in the group, the only junior, and a natural leader, respected and well-liked by all. She is in her element here in Guaté and at IMAP, fascinated with permaculture, speaking with one of the permaculturalist for an extended time after the first lesson, which itself was several hours long. She has also enjoyed her interactions with local children and has spoken about her gratitude for this experience.

MAYA: Maya is engaged and interested in our activities and all aspects of the curriculum and trip. Highly social, and extroverted, she has a loving, accepting presence, and lights up when talking about many things, including her family and pets. She is keenly aware of group dynamics, and a friend to everyone. Shhh... the kids will be planning some kind of surprise for her upcoming birthday.

KAMRAN: Kamran enjoyed Quixaya, the diversity of plants he saw there, the close proximity of its various parts, and its natural beauty. He also relished the swimming pool. He tried interpreting today for the first time at the encouragement of his peers. Similarly, his peers admiringly watched him do 500 pushups.

PARINA: Parina is enjoying learning about permaculture and Guatemalan culture in general. She has asked good questions and shown particular interest in native fashions. We noticed that she has shown an active interest in the course, reading one of the recommended books on the plane, and -- once we were here in San Lucas Toliman -- jumping right into a conversation, using her Spanish, asking various sellers about traditional dress, and taking pains to act in culturally appropriate ways.

SUTTON: Sutton has become increasingly comfortable in the Guatemalan context, making connections and appearing motivated to make more. She loved the day she got to swim in the pool in the rain. We've enjoyed talking with her about her dogs and noticed that she made tangible connections between what she has been learning here in Guaté and life back in the USA, especially around working conditions and consumerism.  

CAMILLE: Camille has been inspired by the beauty and ingenuity she has witnessed at IMAP, such as the clever design of the bathrooms -- she's challenged herself and a peer to build a compost pile when the group returns -- and eagerly diving into the composting activity. Usually equanimous and even-keeled, Camille is also eagerly engaged and loves to laugh: today she was laughing uproariously on several occasions. When asked why she replied, I find my own laughter funny.

ALICIA: Alicia has grown already a lot during this trip. Enjoying the lessons and the learning and her time in Guaté, she has risen to challenges continually: she was our first interpreter, our first scribe, and is also the cohort’s designated artist, sketching everyone’s portrait. Alicia excels at humility.

Day 3: San Lucas Toliman

Today, we took a truck ride into the forest where we got to hike and learn about permaculture and the way a natural forest works as one coherent ecosystem. We each got to take turns drinking water from inside a special kind of tree that purifies water, which turned out pretty messy. Then we took a food tour of the forest, where we tasted blackberries, melon-cucumber-tomatoes, and more. Several students had to help translate what our tour guide said (who only spoke Spanish) into English. My favorite part of the day was walking around the plaza and buying pastries that cost about 13 cents each. We enjoyed immersing ourselves in the culture and spending time in environments that the average Guatemalan would find themselves in daily. Then we had pizza for dinner and watched a documentary about banana farming, which motivated all the students to buy organic bananas and rethink our food choices. 

Text by: Maya

Photos by: Camille

Day 2 in San Lucas Toliman

Last time you heard from Menlo Guatemala was last night before we went to play basketball with the local kids of San Lucas Toliman. Although there was a language barrier we were still able to play a good game of pick up basketball. One thing I did notice though was that only Guatemalan guys were playing and many of the Guatemalans looked at the Menlo girls weirdly for playing basketball. Day 2 in San Lucas Toliman started at 7:30 am since we had a day ahead of us of learning about permaculture at IMAP. We were given a tour of the property, where we learned of how they sell seeds and repurpose them. One interesting thing we learned about at IMAP was how the Maya consider the moon, seasons, and what they call the four elements of life to all be connected. After an exciting morning at IMAP we rode on pickup trucks to Quixaya. The drive to Quixaya was stunning since you felt as though you were driving into a tropical rainforest as the wind blew on your face. At Quixaya, after lunch and a nature walk and learning more about Permaculture, we were able to go for a refreshing swim in their pools. As we swam it started to pour, yet we stayed in the pool and enjoyed the feeling of being in the rain. All together it was a great day filled with beautiful views and friendly people.

Text by Sutton and Photos by Camille

First Day in San Lucas Toliman

We drove to San Lucas Toliman at around 9:30; it took about four hours. We spent the time during the drive sleeping and playing "Mafia" and other card games. I think the best part of the drive was when we saw the lake from above because it was beautiful. After arriving to San Lucas, we immediately dropped our bags at the hotel and went to IMAP (permaculture institute), standing on the beds of pick-up trucks. IMAP is where we will be learning about permaculture for the next two days. While we were there, we ate lunch and spent three hours learning about the history of American influence on Guatemala. Then we drove to a community center where we had dinner. As we walked back to the hotel, Ms. Vann was walking backwards to remind us to be careful and fell in a gutter which was knee-deep. It took us only 10 seconds before everyone (including Ms. Vann) started laughing about it.

Copy: Parina Photos: Bella

We started the day with an orientation of Guatemala. We did so through skits of cultural dos and don’ts, group check-ins, and lessons on the history of Guatemala. Although today was more of an informative day, we went on a 30-minute hike behind the hotel and had some downtime which was used for card games and soccer. We ended the night with a bonfire and a very intense game of Pictionary which my team managed to win. Tomorrow we leave to San Lucas Toliman where we will be for four nights.

Saludos,

Parina with pictures by Bella

Bueños días!

After a long day of travel and a great first meal, we have arrived in San Lucas! We are all so excited for more plantains and making new relationships. Guatemala day one: stay tuned.

Good Morning.  From Peter Brown.  The group has arrived in Guate and had a late dinner at a lovely hostel in San Lucas Sacatepequez.  All is well.

Tony

Houston, we have arrived...

Just a quick note: Flight to Houston was fine. We are exploring the shops, foods, and accents of IAH and will ready to board for Guatemala City in about ninety minutes.

Taking off...

We're in the boarding area, snacking happily, readying to fly the friendly skies to Houston and then on to Guatemala. All is well. We'll be in touch via this blog and see you in three weeks!

Pre-launch

Today was our prelaunch meeting day - which started out in the Middle School Garage with all the Abroad groups. We got on our feet a bit, conducted an exercise to start to get at how clashing cultural norms can feel, and discussed different intentions and mentalities when traveling. Then we broke off into our Guatemala group where we learned a new game called "Three Things," set goals and intentions, discussed expectations, and group agreements (proudly displayed by Nicola and Kamran) and identified areas of interest and inquiry. The group did some initial research to create a foundation for the cultural observations we'll continue to make when in Guatemala. Bella helped Ms. Vann figure out what the mysterious animal was she'd seen whilst googling Guatemala (a Coati, apparently). We also reviewed our itinerary in greater detail, especially for the initial part of the trip, and answered questions, largely about packing. The group seems a little nervous, but mostly excited. We wish you all the best packing tonight - be sure to get some rest - and look forward to seeing everyone at SFO, United Terminal 3, at 8:00 am. Please double check you have your passport & wear your Dragons t-shirt.

Hola hola Dragones!!

We are beyond excited to present an outline of our coming adventures. Keep in mind that our itineraries are always fluid. Dragons courses are tailored to their time and place, as well as to the interests that you as students will develop over the course of the program. That being said, here’s an idea of what’s in store.

We will begin near Guatemala City, in a rural area called las Hortensias. There, we’ll get to know each other and set out goals for our program.

On May 24, we will travel to Lake Atitlan, one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, surrounded by mountains and volcanos. We will stay a few days in the community of San Lucas Toliman. We will work and learn at IMAP (Instituto Mesoamericano de Permacultura). There we will get to start learning about Guatemala customs and traditions as we are going to stay on the main town.

Do you like boats? We will take one in our way to San Juan la Laguna, on the other side of the lake. In San Juan we will start Spanish lessons and homestays. We will be learning from different collectives and how they involve the youth of San Juan and how they contribute to their community. We will spend a little bit more than a week there before we go up to the Guatemalan western highlands.

After San Juan we will spend a day in Quetzaltenango better known as Xela, the second largest city in Guatemala and the place that our instructor Teto lives and was born. Near Xela, we will do our second homestay, in Pachaj, a rural community where Chico Mendes is. Chico Mendes runs a reforestation project that we will be fortune enough to collaborate with.

After Chico Mendes, we will spend our final days near Antigua, a small city founded in 1542 as Guatemala’s colonial capital. Its renowned colonial-era architecture and cobblestone streets offer insight into the culture of the conquerors of 16th century Guatemala. We will be in Antigua a few hours, exploring this amazing colonial place.

We can’t wait to welcome you to the Land of Eternal Spring, to Iximuleu, to Guatemágica. We will be far from the beaten path.

Hello dear family and students,

I am writing you with a foggy view of the mountains of Xela and the rumble
of thunder as my backdrop, rainy season has begun! Xela, or Quetzaltenango,
is Guatemala’s second largest city and home to many of the mountains in the
country as well as my home for the last several months. I moved here for a while
to be closer to my partner who is Guatemalan. I am somewhat of a nomad as
I have lived most of my growing up years in Argentina, went to high-school and
college in Indiana, and after living in California for about a decade made my
way back South.

Ever since I was a small child I have been marveled and awed by the power
of mountains. Having grown up in the Global South, mostly Bolivia and
Argentina, I was surrounded by a different kind of mountain, but the countryside
here in Guatemala is one of verdant landscapes (especially during the rainy
season in which you all will arrive), profound histories, and welcoming environments
(people and landscapes). I am excited to be able to journey with you through these
fertile soils made from the volcanoes both active and inactive that give the people here
a kind story and a sustenance that may be unimaginable in the Global North.

This course will be my second in Guatemala and I am excited to share my experiences
and learn alongside intrepid travelers such as yourselves. I have instructed with Dragons
for two years now in Guatemala, Perú and Bolivia and I am eager to learn more about
the environments, people, and histories that I am always coming into contact with in
my life, especially through this kind of work. Besides being immersed in the natural world,
what brings me the most joy is being an active learner and listener and figuring out
solutions to complex questions that affect us on a daily basis. These solutions are
sometimes very simple like living with a smaller footprint and practicing compassion
and understanding with people that you may encounter on your daily routine.

My formation is as an English teacher but I have felt my calling outside of the walls of
a traditional classroom and immersed in the trees, the cornfields, and houses of
sometimes complete strangers who become close acquaintances through sharing
together what we have and who we are. I wish this kind of learning for you all as well
as we embark on our month-long adventure in the lowlands and highlands of Guatemala.
I am wishing you all the best during the final days you have at school and as you prepare
for our journey together both mentally and physically.

If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to Teto or me.
My email is raquel.wigginton@gmail.com. Following is also a link to my bio if you’d
like to know more about me: https://www.wheretherebedragons.com/staff/raquel-wigginton/

¡¡Un abrazo fuerte y hasta pronto!!

Raquel

Welcome to Guatemaya!

Hola Guatemalan Dragons!

My name is Hector Morales, A.K.A. “Teto”

I am very excited to meet you all. Together, we will share and enjoy experiences

and adventures, but most importantly, we will learn from each other.

Our adventure is just around the corner. I hope you all are as happy as

I am about this coming trip.

A little bit about myself: I was born and raised in the Guatemalan western highlands,

one of the most beautiful places in the world and one of the places we'll be

fortunate enough to visit. I am a Software Engineer/Systems Engineer with

specialization in Software, Databases, Informatics, and Computer Science.

I am also a Spanish Instructor and experiential educator.

Teaching Spanish was the key that aroused my interest in multi-cultural exchange.

I have been a Spanish educator the last 9 years of my life and I really love

what I do. I have been working and traveling with groups in Guatemala and Belize

as a Team Leader, Medical Fellow for clinical activities, and Homestay coordinator,

supervising and coordinating program activities while preparing and planning

Spanish classes for participants.

Over these years working with international students, I have learned the value

of building bridges between cultures and the exchange of histories and perspective

that takes places between my students and I. I believe these exchanges are essential

to building a more united and compassionate world.

For this coming course, I will share with you all of my knowledge about this

amazing country, its history, its rich culture, its wonderful and diverse people,

our customs and traditions. This adventure will change us forever. Every trip that

I have been a part of has changed my life perspective and I’m sure it will for you too.  

Raquel and I are prepared for having you here and we are looking forward to meeting you.

I am really excited to get to know you all. If you want to reach me before we start,

send me a message at diezdelveinte@gmail.com.  I am more than happy to answer

any questions you may have.

Here is a link to my bio too.

https://www.wheretherebedragons.com/staff/hector-tetox-morales/

Nos vemos pronto!

Teto

Hello families and students of Menlo!

We are excited to be embarking on a journey with you in just a couple of days. We wanted to provide you all with a glimpse into who we are--your Dragons Instructors. So, without further ado, we would like to give you some background on Teto and Raquel.

Welcome to Guatemala Abroad!

Hi Everyone!

Can you believe we're just a week from departure...