Day 4: Antigua and more

Our journey to Antigua started off amazingly. We first picked up two students from the local school with whom we will be working for the week (Zone Three). The students' names were Antonio and Anthony. They did not speak any English, but they were very kind to us all, and not to mention protective of us! We later ventured to a mountain top over looking Antigua. You could see the entire city and many volcanoes, some of which were still active. Our guide Andrés told us some history of Antigua while we were taking in the breathtaking views. He told us Antigua was the original capital of Guatemala, and that the city was destroyed by a natural disaster in the past.

We then attended a mass in the local Cathedral. It was very intimidating at first becuase this mass was entirely said in Spanish. Though we could not understand anything said by the priest, we still felt God's presence in the peoples' hearts as well as our own. 

Following the mass, we walked to the local Jade museum of Antigua.  A local symbol of pride, jade was a characteristic luxury and resource for the Mayans; we delved into the rich history of Guatemalan Jade and its importance to the nation. Soon after a tour of ancient Mayan art, we found ourselves in the streets of Antigua.

Almost as quickly as we emerged, we found ourselves back inside at the local chocolate factory. This factory, also housing an interesting museum about chocolate production, offered some of the world's best chocolates and unique uses of cocoa.   The team had a bit of chocolate fever while we sampled chocolate teas and delicacies.  Most of the team bought something at the store, such as chocolate covered caramel or gummi bears, but we fear delicious treats won't make it back to the States with us.

Fortunately for us, we saved room for lunch. We arrived at a local restaurant that offered authentic Guatemalan food. We ordered meals like chiles rellenos, rooster stew, and hearty beef and tomato soup.  After we finished our meal, we made our way to the artisans' markets. There you could buy anything from a machete to a soccer jersey. Half the fun was bargaining the prices with the merchants.  

Tomorrow will be a big day for us all. We will be heading to Zona Tres, the dump site and poorest location in Guatemala City. This day will reveal our inner Jesuit identity and beliefs. Wish us luck and we will keep you posted! 

The Tan Brothers (Andrew Melick and Mario Markho)