Here we go:
Holy crap, I'm on the plane and going. ...This will be interesting.
The group when we arrived.
Unfortunately, we were originally not allowed to take photos of the orphanage that we were working in. Because of the stigma that goes along with being HIV+, they were afraid that these pictures might be used against the children in the future. The orphanage, though, is amazing. They are being supported by UNICEF, and not only does the organization provide care and anti-retroviral (ARV) treatment to the orphans, but they also provide free treatment to those in the area whom are too poor to afford the medicines themselves. Additionally, the patients are provided free dental care, and other medical services.
So, for now, lots of pictures of us having fun in Guatemala.
Antigua. Antigua is an amazingly tourist-y place. Still, the architecture and the culture of the natives were able to shine through. Personally, I was torn. I was amazed and awed by the richness of the culture--the bright colors, the beautiful people, amazing handicrafts, the breath-taking architecture--and I wanted to take pictures to document everything, but at the same time, I felt horrible watching people live in poverty and subjecting themselves to be just a display for rich tourists. Still, I suppose I still have some pictures.
When we first arrived in Antigua:
Inside a hotel.
On the streets.
The famous Volcan de Agua (Volcano of Water) overlooking Antigua.
A... city hall type thing...?
We had lunch somewhere. They had an amazing jalapeno turkey noodle soup.
The beer in Guatemala.
And more pictures...
Probably one of my favorite pictures from Guatemala.
Mangos on a stick!
Le Merced Church. It had amazing architecture and engravings. We arrived during some ceremony or festival... I unfortunately cannot remember. I believe it might have something to do with Easter...?
They had really creepy looking statues inside depicting the saints, Jesus Christ, etc.
Inside was this beautiful artwork made of dyed maize flour.
Walking around Antigua some more.
They had this really intense procession. Unfortunately, I was unable to capture more pictures since my camera ran out of batteries. :(
Then, after playing with the orphans for a bit, we went to the new location that the orphanage was going to move to. It was amazing. It went from what looked like a very small elementary school to a vast, expansive land with new beautiful buildings. We went there to check the place out, and finally to sort the most ridiculous bundle of donated clothes.
The shanty-towns we passed on the way home.
I think some of them might hate Americans. ...Who can blame them?
And it turns out, during that car-ride home, there was a large protest going on the streets. Instead of 20 minutes to get back to the CCS shelter, it took possibly up to three hours. I have never seen traffic so ridiculously backed up before.
Our pet parrot at the place. :)
We went to visit a famous castle/battlement, but I unfortunately cannot, for the life of me, remember what it was called. (This is what happens when you realize a year and a half later, that you should document everything.)
Some of the girls.
More sorting!
The mold and the dust became unbearable, so wore these dorky masks.
The pile of clothes we sorted!
Then we went to a coffee plantation thing! It was aewsome.
Coffee berries.
Back exploring Antigua.
Then we went to a museum, where they had amazing chocolate (just cocoa powder, sugar, and a tad of cinnamon.) The artifacts inside were amazing. No pictures allowed, unfortunately.
Oh, and we also were able to make our own "artifacts" out of clay. Mine is now sitting on my "travel shelf" in my room.
Then it was our final night out in Zone 10, the party zone of Guatemala! (Oh yes, Guatemala City is broken up into different zones. The center one, is the original site of Guatemala City, and each zone that is added on grows in a spiral formation around that center.)
Dinner!
...in a place that had the oddest collection of... things?
It was our final day in the orphanage. We played with the children all day, and took them out for a walk around the area. They were awesome. I managed to start something by taking the kids on my back, swinging them around, etc. I don't know if the doctors would have approved, but the kids sure did. Unfortunately, I cannot remember most of their names anymore. I had them documented somewhere, but I think it might have accidentally been deleted.
This was probably one of the favorites. She was adorable, but extremely shy.
Personally, she was my favorite:
The cutest picture ever:
This little guy was Christopher.
Soon, it was time to leave, and everybody put their hand prints with a name and a year on the wall.
One more night of fun and dance.
...There was a creepy guy who asked me to dance. But hey, it was dancing, and it was in Guatemala. How could I refuse?
The morning of departure...
The parrot!
The wall.
Of course, being the tallest chick ever, I needed to be the tallest hand-print.
Our awesome driver:
On the flight home.
I've decided that I am going to submit this for an Airline or flight magazine. ...Just kidding.
We had an awesome lightning show on the way back.
And that was all.
