DAY ONE REFLECTION

17(ish) hours later, we’re still awake! We can’t believe it’s only day one, but we’re so excited to see what this trip will bring after our much awaited night’s rest.  Our day began at a modest 3 a.m., when we loaded our luggage on our own personal DOTS bus after waking up sleepers with a roaring stampede of luggage.  The smooth jazz served as our pump up music as we arrived to the airport and waited in line.  Then we proceeded to groggily stumble through TSA lines and on to our first flight (aka nap time).  We had a quick connection and we were off for nap number two.  This time we were excited because when we woke up it would be to step foot on volcanic Guatemalan soil.

                We were greeted by Olga our soon to be host mother in Los Andes, and Hector, our Guatemalan Mrs. Frizzle. With our luggage strapped on the roof and the rest jammed in the trunk we rode off to our first Guatemalan adventure; our food was fresh tortillas complemented a spicy sinus cleansing green sauce for our first course. Served next was rice, corn on the cob, and a chicken piece marinated in a flavorful potato tomato soup. It was delicious. To finish our first meal we were served a sweet mystery fruit medley that was also delicious. Hector arrived right on time to take us to our home for the next two days; Donde Monica in Antigua.

                Around 3, about 12 hours from when we left College Park, we saw just how different our stay in Guatemala would be.  The temperature is a perfect, breezy warm-cool.  Surrounding Donde Monica are the buildings of Antigua, which are painted an array of warm hues.  Inside the walls of Donde Monica is a kind of haven including a big breezy porch and a beautiful yard with a lemon tree that appears to also grow limes and oranges.  After arriving at our little haven, we briefly scoped out the city in our anticipation for our stay.  Beautiful architecture surrounded by mountains and volcanoes painted a picturesque view of Antigua. We returned back to Donde Monica for a gourmet dinner of pb & j’s and wrapped up a long day with reflections, showers, and complicated card games. We are looking forward to starting our service adventures tomorrow after a well-deserved sleep.