Welcome to the Jungle

I ate cow feet for lunch today. The tendons are like whale blubber.

We went to the jungle this past weekend.

Driving and driving and driving on bumpy rock roads through the color green, watching rays of sunlight slice the white fog, until we finally arrived at an isolated pueblo. I dont remember the name and doubt I could find the way back - it was like entering another world!

The only electricity there is used to light the Evangelical church. The fireflies aren't strong enough to get you around at night, so you must use candles. We went to the Saturday service where they spoke primarly in Ki'che, one of the 26 indigenous Mayan languages. I couldn't understand a thing they were saying so I read a song book in Spanish. After the service, I stuck around and played drums with the church band. I've never played drums in a church...with strangers...in the middle of absolute nowhere. Far out!

We took a morning boat ride on the river Icboli to some precious waterfalls. On the hike, I stuck my face in a geyser and got pounded by intense waterfalls. On the walk back to the boat, I proceeded to get stung by a bajillion mosquitos. You should see my feet! After a breakfast of corn and mush, we split town and drove to a spot where we had to walk...I'd estimate 4 kilometers through jungle to a laguna. Apparently, there are pumas and juguars in that jungle, but I only saw lines of red ants and heard monkey cries. Theres a theory that a meteor crashed in the spot millions of years ago and has been filled with water ever since. The hike there and back was extremely tiresome but the water was worth it.

We picked up two gorgeous Guatemalan hitchhikers and stopped for beer and snacks, talked a bunch and hit the road. We eventually stopped in Chisec where Carlos and I ate Tezechuan (spelling?). What we thought was a giant jungle rat was actually a wild jungle pig that eats fruit...it tasted like chicken and looked like steak.

After we dropped off the ladies in Coban, I slept in the back of the pickup truck, sang to the moon, and huddled for warmth. Today, I have been preparing my things for Argentina. My time in Guatemala is finally coming to a close...and until then, embrace the moment! When it comes, embrace the moment! This trip has been extremely eye opening, stomach filling, culturally explosive, educative and overall threaded with happy spirits. I feel much more connected to this country and I know there is a lot more to see and do here. I have made an imprint on this big family and I know I'll be back for more. What a ride!

David Julio