Today was amazing. AMAZING. Absolutely amazing. We expected so little out of today because we thought we would just be touring and learning about the rehabilitation center we visited. In reality it was so, so much more. Today I got to journey to San Lucas Toliman which is on the south side of Lake Atitlan. The journey there was part of what made it so amazing; I rode in the back of the pick up truck all the way there. It was about an hour and a half ride and it was totally worth it. We got to see the scenery in a 360 and I am so glad I did it. Although it was a bit uncomfortable we had a blast singing songs, taking photos, and just goofing around. The clouds were on the mountain tops and we so badly wanted to touch one. As I rode along the bumpy, windy roads out to Casa Tat Loy the rehabilitation center, we got to see the lake for the first time. It is stunning. Like absolutely, incredibly, out of this world stunning. We couldn't tell it was the lake at first because it so perfectly reflected the sky. At points they simply were the same. Once we arrived in San Lucas we went straight to Tat Loy, a rehabilitation center for male addicts. We learned about their story and also got to meet a lot of the guys there. I sat on the floor and created some art with one of them and then also learned some of the techniques they use to create things they're known for. They were inspiring to be around because they were so invested in their projects and wanted to be there. After hanging out with them for a while we went up onto a rooftop patio area to eat lunch and I got to make guacamole. The avocados came fresh and we prepared them, oranges, and had some onions and cilantro already ready. The guacamole was delicious and not just because I made it.
After our lunch spread we got to explore San Lucas's market and areas. We looked for examples of art that we had been thinking about for the men to create as well as of course shopping for us. After some market wandering we walked to the church they have there and then down to the lake. I put my feet in because how often does one have the chance to stand in Lake Atitlan? The water was nice and cold and super refreshing compared to my sweaty, sun beating down on self. We took group photos and tried for jumping photos. Some turned out and the jumping ones did not. I wandered around the lake shore and took a lot of photos and just enjoyed the amazing view. The lake is gorgeous near and far away. Luckily it was a beautiful, sunny somewhat hot day to explore and I did. Then we went back to Tat Loy to get ready to leave and finish up talking with the men. A little girl across the way was watching us and trying to mime to us across some houses. It was adorable and super entertaining. We left and of course I picked the back of the truck to get home. The drive to get back to Pana was totally amazing again. One other student fell asleep in the bed of the truck, one was singing cow songs, and one was struggling to stay up front and enjoy the inside of the vehicles.
Once back to the river house a small group of us went into Pana to work for art supplies. We found the stores we needed and then got onto a tuc tuc and was ready to go home. The tuc tucs are a little scary but totally worth it. After our into town run we got a nice assistant and hope that they start before.
I have to go to sleep now. I cannot keep my eyes open or in other stores.
Time to sleep for days.
(This is from yesterday the 8th, I just fell asleep as I tried to post it.)
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