After my hike, I tried to nap but figured that I wouldn't be able to sleep later if I took a nap too late, so I took some ibuprofen for my headache, drank some water and coffee, and talked with the other volunteers that got back from the day trip. A couple of the volunteers went to the Olmec ruin site a couple hours from here. The Olmecs are said to have predated the Mayans. The pictures that they have are really neat, and it got all of us excited for Tikal this weekend! (We're up to 5 people going to Tikal, and possibly more, if the new volunteers are able to take off work on their first week) The other volunteers went to a water park, Xocomil, for the day and enjoyed the slides.
Five of us went out to dinner after the new volunteers arrived. I don't know the name of the place, but it was a cute restaurant that was on the upper level of a building with windows that overlooked the street and a balcony and candles on each table. I had a delicious sandwhich. I'm not sure of all it contained but it was toasted bread with olive oil and oregono, tomatoes and different kind of cheeses in kind of a hot panini style. It was absolutely delicious...possibly because I was so hungry after the long day's hike. We thought we were going dancing after, but one of the girls wasn't feeling well, and I was eager to go home, so the other three decided to return home as well.
I didn't sleep well again last night, again. I went to sleep fine, but was up at 6 and could not go back to sleep, so it did make for a short night. I hope tonight's a little better. I was able to read and journal though which was really helpful and it was really fun to reflect on some of the things that I've learned so far! The two new girl volunteers were up early as well so I ended up getting to drink coffee and chat with them. They seem to add to the dynamic of the group, and so it is really nice to have more people in the house! The one girl, Chloe, is only staying 2 weeks, and the other two volunteers, Eva and Justin, are staying for a month. Chloe and Justin may try to come to Tikal this weekend.
Hannah and I had talked about going to church before, and so at breakfast we were able to ask Nayo where we could/should go. He called Angelica, the director, and we found a service that started at 9. Nayo dropped us off and we walked the 20 minutes home after the service. I understood absolutely nothing of the service. In part because I couldn't hear the priest, and mostly because I didn't understand the Spanish. I'm still glad we went though. It was an absolutely beautful church that was semi-open. The back doors were stain glass with really large pieces of colored glass in geometric shapes. Te doors were open and the windows at the front were open so there was a nice breeze throughout the church. It was definitely an experience, but I'm glad that Hannah was interested in going as well. I continue to enjoy the time that I spend with her and am really thankful that she is here!
After church we went downtown to the market and walked around a bit. I felt very accomplished because I am finally able to figure out where I am when we drive around town. We took the bus to Central Park, and back home again, which is something new. Normally we take a taxi home because it is easier, but it is a lot more expensive! I'm excited to know that taking the bus is possible! A bus ride is 1.25 Q (about 15 cents) compared to the 40 Q taxi ride (about $5). If you're in a group the taxi isn't horrible, but it definitely adds up a lot quicker than the bus ride.
The buses are so funny to me. They're a bunch of vans with a driver and then a side kick who stands with the door open hanging out as the van drives by yelling the route. They pack in about 17 people into the vans, which are really supposed to be for 13.
This is an example of the vans, although the buses that run through the city don't typically have the roof rack and don't have Turismo on the front. After the market I enjoyed a relaxing day of movie watching and eating, and am now ready for bed and ready for another week at work. I'm excited because tomorrow I get to work in the kitchen with Paula!
I'd bet money you were dehydrated, thus the headache. Altitude makes you lose more water than you realize. Thanks for sharing the details of the local culture, like the van. You'd never know or think of differences like that unless you visit a place. Goodnight, and have a great week. _B
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