Hola to all my friends and family back home!!!When I last wrote I was having a rather difficult week of Spanish lessons (I know, that's expected) but this week and the last have been a whole different experience. Maybe it's because I'm much more relaxed in my home of Antigua or maybe it's that I am finally learning and speaking Spanish (I'm talking stories here, not sentences anymore). Like I said before, it has been an interesting journey so far. I came here a confident English speaker who, I think, felt comfortable in my own skin. But everything changes when you enter a new country, try to speak a new language, meet new friends, and also make sure people see the real you throughout the whole process. It's a very difficult task but I'm happy to feel a bit of relief finally.

On another great note, mi amiga, Taylor, who I met in New Zealand, arrived to continue this Spanish journey with me, as well as her friend, Courtney (or as the Guatemalans call her, Corny). I didn't realize until they showed up just how wonderful it feels to have friends to share this experience with. Although we have been diligently spending our mornings and afternoons studying Spanish we've managed to explore the surroundings of Antigua while laughing and crying (happy tears, that is) along the way.

Last weekend I returned to el Lago de Atitlan but this time with the girls. If you recall from my last post, this place is as close to heaven as a person could get. I must admit though, we didn't do a lot at the lake this time around. We basically spent our time eating, relaxing, laughing (until we cried) and lounging in the hotel jacuzzi.

I followed the weekend with my fourth week of classes with Judith. I'm still taking 5 hour classes per day with the Antiguena Spanish School. By this time, she's taught me everything from Spanish grammar (Present, Preterite, Imperfect, Future, Conditional, and Present Participle tenses) to tons of vocab to basic knowledge on how to speak the language. My "Ah-Ha" Spanish moment finally happened one evening when the girls and I decided to grab a glass of wine at a cozy place near the famous Antigua Arch. We were welcomed immediately by other warm travelers and sat down at the one and only square table in the joint. We began chatting with the couples and as the wine started to take effect on my brain (and mouth), the Spanish words easily flowed out. It was not a lengthy conversation by any means but I will never forget this local women that took the time to speak with me in SPANISH! This moment felt monumental for me because I was no longer relying on my host mother, a friend, or my teacher. I was actually conversing in Spanish with a stranger...how cool is that?!

Enough about Spanish, on to our latest and greatest adventure in all of Guatemala!! One day, while walking to McDonald's for our daily ice cream cone fix, we stumbled upon a few guys that were trying to sell an overnight trip up to Acatenango Volcano. This specific volcano stands proudly overlooking Antigua (along with its sister, Fuego Volcano) at 3,976 meters or 13,040 feet high. We had a few apprehensions but we thought 'screw it, when else will we get to hike a volcano while getting up close and personal (a.k.a. views and lava!) with another active volcano?' So Saturday morning at 6 am quickly approached and our group of 14 headed via shuttle an hour outside of Antigua to begin our hike. The company we chose to go with (OX Excursions for anyone out there thinking about going) did a fantastic job guiding us up the very steep volcano ascent. After 6 hours of hiking we rounded a corner and suddenly Fuego Volcano impressively came in to view. The whole group stopped in unison to stare at this active beast of a volcano. After a few minutes our guide said 'What are you waiting for? Drop your bags...this is where we're camping for the night!' At this very moment, I was wondering how it could possibly get any better...but it did!

We set up camp, drank some wine, ate dinner (all that boring uneventful stuff) and now I'll cut straight to the good stuff. The skies darkened, the sun set, millions of stars hung over our heads and Volcan de Fuego was alive and in action (as the crow flies, we were only 1-2 km away). Not only that but a huge lightening storm just beyond the volcano was forming. With each strike of lightening we could see the ominous clouds, the silhouette of the volcano, and best of all, the deep red color of the lava lingering near the crater opening. It honestly felt similar to the omni theater that I used to go to when I was younger, only this was real life. It was as if everything was in high definition including the explosive sounds from the volcano (similar to fireworks going off). I would have to say, along with my and Chip's kiwi-spotting experience in New Zealand, that this moment has been added to my list of top 5 favorite nights ever! Being that close to an active volcano definitely sends your heart racing and blood pressure rising. The following morning we woke up to cloudy skies and made our way down the mountain in half the time basically because the loose lava rock threw us to the bottom unwillingly. Our bodies felt fresh after the hike but little did we know our leg muscles would be suffering for 4 days after! Our hike up Acatenango was definitely the highlight of our trip in Guatemala thus far!

Well, things are winding down for me and soon my 6 weeks of Spanish-learning, volcano-climbing, and Antigua-living will be over. I'm already starting to reflect on my time here and have to admit that Guatemala has exceeded my expectations. More about that in my next blog post...

Now, I must share my favorite two things about Antigua from this week and last:
1. Spanish Yoga!!
After taking a yoga class in English I was introduced to a gal (from Colorado of all places) who teaches a Spanish yoga class at the gym here in town. It's been great practice for me and I ended up knowing much more than I thought...'levanta los manos,' 'cierra los ojos,' and 'el perro con the cara hacia abajo' (downward facing dog!). Not too bad, eh? I love it!

2. Cheapest Accommodation Around
I'm honestly surprised at how cheap EVERYTHING is here, mainly the hotels. Not only are the hotels nice but they literally cost between $6 and $15 a night. And these aren't crappy, thin-walled, cockroaches-running-around type of places. They are tastefully decorated with comfy beds, delicious restaurants, and they have good service. I've been very impressed!

In close, thanks to all for taking the time to read about my adventure and lifelong dream to learn Spanish. I honestly couldn't have asked for a better journey. The support and encouragement from family and friends has been incredible so thank you for all the "you can do its!"

Hasta Luego!
Lindsay

Volcano Girls

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