The End

well we are back and the blog seemed unfinished so here is the final post (there will be one more just for team members about where to put you photos so they can be accessed by everyone)

but we would all like to once again like to say a big thank you to Neil, Rob and Sonia

i hope i speak for everyone when i say we had an amazing time and experiances that could probly never be relived in the same way.

Also thanks to all the parents and sponcers who helped make this trip happen

Our last day in the jungle was dominated by this river walk. The water levels had been so high earlier in the summer that previous groups had not been able to make it and had had to go around. This is why we had expected to be in the jungle for 4 days, but we pushed on and completed it in 3.

This was quite a challenge, possibly more so when we actually emerged from the jungle, because we still had a long way to got to get to the main road and the bus back to Monkey Bay. We were all extremely tired and we were now in full sun. Our guide, Mitch, was brilliant, but not so good at estimating time or distance. As a result, some of the group were running out of water, but we passed through a citrus orchard where we were able to pick the fruit straight from the trees. We ate Washington Navel oranges that were the size of grapefruit and grapefruit that were the size of melons. They were so delicious! They almost rivaled the mangos we ate on the first day in the jungle, but not quite.

We went a little further and were able to cool off in the river, as you were able to see in the photo previously published.

The following day we set off early for our R&R. We decided to go to the island of Cuay Caulker, a tiny place that you can walk around in about 30mins. I have only seen one pick up truck on the whole island. All other vehicles are golf trolleys or bikes.

There was a problem with our accommodation when we got there so we spent much of the remaining part of the afternoon finding somewhere to sleep, but we were glad of that pick-up as it belonged to the China Town Hotel, where we finally booked for the first 2 nights of our stay.

We arranged to go snorkeling the following day and had a fantastic time. We swam with sharks, rays, sea turtles and moray eels, but the manatees were not to be found. Later we went to a deserted beach for a bbq.

Yesterday we had a quiet day. We chilled. We shopped. We ate. It was tough!

Today was our last day and a great way to finish. We went fishing and then cooked what we caught. Emily caught the most. Haris caught the biggest, a barracuda. Neil caught the greatest weight, 4 snappers and 3 barracuda.

We are signing out now as the video has finally uploaded and everyone is at the restaurant for our last evening meal – except me!

Leaving the island by water taxi at 6.30 am tomorrow (that’s 1.30pm your time). See you all at Alderbrook lunchtime on Monday.

Monday 19th - Day 25

All up between 5 and 5.30. Porridge for breakfast, made with unfiltered river water. Stuck to the bottom of the pan too. Not a good start to the day, but a dose of local 'jungle' honey helped the medicine go down.

Set off about 8. Have to say that one bit of jungle looks pretty much like any other and, as previously mentioned, disappointing wildlife. None of us were, or are complaining, however, as this was what we came for and I think we all enjoyed the challenge. Having said that, 2 of the macho boys tried to tell the rest that it wasn't a challenge at all! Irritating little bleeders.

I think we should all be really proud of the team, because this WAS difficult. We had previously been told that the river levels were quite high, so we had extended the trek to 4 days, but the level had fallen again, just enough for us to make it in 3 if we pushed hard. This is what we decided to do so we committed ourselves by ignoring the first campsite.

Despite the limited sightings of critters, there were some memorable moments. At one point Emily spotted a snake next to the trail. Mitch confirmed that it was a furdilance snake, one of the most dangerous in Central America. As he moved it to one side we spotted a scorpion. Everyone was so calm. We were all careful, but relaxed at the same time. We were curious rather than scared.

Later, some of the group saw monkeys, but they generally avoided us. Possibly the most thrilling event, though, wasnt a sighting at all really, but we found fresh jaguar tracks in the soft mud. It was using the same trail as us and we all hoped to see the real thing, but it wasnt to be.

Generally, the walking itself was relatively straightforward at this time. The ground was relatively level and the trees provided some shade. The problem, apart from the weight of the packs, was that you didn't know whether to look down for the creepy crawlies and tree roots, or up to ensure you didnt bang your head. If you stumble you have to watch where you grab cos there are bastard palms and give and take palms. The spines of both can be very painful for up to 36 hours.

I said that the heat wasnt so bad, but everything is relative. It was still so sticky that our clothes were soaking wet and the smell was getting worse. We had to trudge through muddy creeks that oozed over our boots and filled them so that we squelched as we walked.

Arrived at our second and last camp. As we had bought supplies for 4 days we decided to pig out and get rid of some weight. We also had marshmallows toasted over the campfire. It all seamed so surreal.

Final wildlife report: saw a spider with a 12inch leg span on our cave wall and the place is alive with tiny frogs. Poor Britney!

Britney's question of the day:

'Why don't mosquitos bite you on your teeth?'

Sunday 17 - Day 24

We were all up at 5 on Sunday, looking forward, but also a little apprehensive about our day ahead. Rucksacks were the heaviest they have been all trip as we had to carry the tents and all the food for 4 days in the jungle.

The centre's chicken bus dropped us off and we started walking at about 8.30. It was already blazing hot and the first hour of the trek was in the open as we followed an old logging trail. It was hard going and the sweat literally pored off us. The mozzies weren't too much of a problem at this stage, but the sand-flies were.

We followed the sometimes muddy trail until finally we turned into the trees and blessed shade. After about 20 mins we came to a creek. This needed wading and we had to use our poles to support us in the slippery rocked water. It was quite cool, however, and gave us much needed respite from the heat of the sun.

We reached the other side and continued on for a little longer before stopping for 11'ses. Anna, from the centre, had picked us some mangos. These were the most beautiful of fruits that many of us had ever tasted. They were absolutely fantastic!

We moved on through the trees. This was real jungle, though the trail was well trodden. There was little wildlife as most of it comes out at night, but Mitch, our guide, found a snake and moved it to one side.

We walked through some fantastic limestone caverns, stopping in one of them for lunch. Some were so dark that you couldn't see the way out the other side, but again, Mitch guided our every step. Mitch is brilliant: a wonderfully gentle and warm Rasta who knows the trails so well.

The afternoon session was not so long and we reached our campsite under another deep overhanging limestone outcrop. The site bordered a fairly fast flowing creek and this provided welcome fresh(ish) water for refilling bottles, cooking and washing, but also for just soaking in. We were all beginning to smell (worse than usual) so many of us simply got in with our clothes on and tried to wash away the sweat and grime. I can't say it really helped, but it felt good.

The staff cooked stew followed by walmed pineapple with sugar. Not a bad effort for a trio so out of practice!

Retired early as another early start the following day.

We have placed some photos on a seperate entry. These cover several days in the jungle, but we shall try to add some others, plus another video. Images are taking a long time to upload and we have a busy day tomorrow.

Jungle Photos

Nat and Vinita Chilling on the rocks on a much needed break.












Lunch stop on the first day us chilling on the rocks again














Grace H, Nat and Grace J chilling out in the stream after a hard days work











Water Fight on the final day which was really refeshing for all of us!!

Day 18 - Travel Day

Hi all it me again Grace H no one else wants to write the blog.

Well we woke up andit was anothers day to travel and this time it was to Florence from Coban.
It was an early wake up call at 7:30 and their was the usually fight for the ceral never be last otherwise you end up getting the disicusting fruit loops which thankfull rob agrees with me thankfully you can not get them in England. We then started rushing around trying to leave the road asap so Pedro our driver could get us their for 3pm, but while packing the bus we had pre-made tuna sandwichs but unlucky i dropped the pot with the tuna in on the floor of the bus and ended up cleaning the mess up, thank god all of it did not go on the floor. Well i had to improvise seeing as Gutamala do not have wet clothes at quick action.

Once i cleaned up the mess on the bus floor, Pedro our driver set off for the road to Florence we all chilled our on the bus listing to the i-pod speakings blearing out the music while reading when the driver showed us a picture of a female we had saw in advance one of the previous world challge groups the one who lost their passport. Which creeped Miss Woodbridge out because she was often getting lots of hugs off Pedro. We think he likes any think that is a young female. We then got a random phone call saying someone called Grace had left their passport back to the hotel well it gave me a heart attack literally because they are 2 grace which is not funny. Only to find out it was the other one. We then got back on the road and carried on chilling to the music.

While watching the beautiful scenery of the roads passing by and other things we then had lunch on the back of the bus. Thank god their was still anought tuna for all of us lot to have 3rds. Then Rob asked what the name of the company that made the tuna was it was "Fannys" which made Rob crack up loads of joke and him laugh like hell. The only time we stopped was to cross the stream which was on a very unique because it did not look very safe and i am pretty sure it would not pass as heath and safty in the U.K.

We then had a little bit futher to go on the bus journey, when we final reached florence we planned to go over to the ARCUS centre for prepartion for our community project. While waiting for the orthers to get back from the island to see weather we could or not stay their, we cleaned out Pedro bus, when they final arrived back about an hour later Ant cracked up a joke about us not being allowed to go to the island because it had an outbreak of Malira and unlukly Britney belived him.

Once we got to the island from a long boat journey we had to get all the bags up to the accomidation block, which took a while we then all had to sign in and had quite an uneventful night having dinner and going to bed final.

since the travel day to now

we sadly we have not been updating the blog for a while. But even sadder is the fact we still arent for another 4 days. currently we are sat at the only computer in monkey bay packing bags ready to start our rainfo0rest trek at 7 tommorrow morning.

since the travel day to flores from coban we have done a variety of things as some of the pictures will show. we did 2 days at ARCAS the wildlife rescue centre and everyone had a great time and got to see the animals and even better we saw a actual jaguar.

we left there for tikal were we spent 2 days veiwing the lovely mayan ruins. we got up at 4 for on the second morning to watch the sunrise from the biggest temple there it was an amazing sight and we are all glad we got to do this to.

we then crossed the border into belize this was eventful as you had to sign out of guatemala to be able to sign into belize. but luckily none of the bags were searched which most people were worried about due to it taking a little while to repack them.

from tikal we have travelled to monkey bay were we trek with our bouynacy aid and helmets due to high rivers as it is rainy season.

everyone is looking forward to doing this and it will be one of the best experiances of the whole trip.

travel day

Hola!

i have finally been allowed to write the blog after many days of asking so this is going to be quite detailed =)

ok so we begin at a very early morning - 6.00 am, to finish packing our rucksacks because we were off to Coban baby! Our breakfast consisted of bimbo toast and pancackes (made by Grace and Vinita) with honey and this pineapple sauce stuff ooooo and an apple.

so most people were up on time, including me suprizingly, to catch the mini bus at 7.00am but the trusty Adrenalina tour buses didnt arrive on time, so after about a million phone calls and Robs firm voice, to the manager of Adrenalina, a small pathetic excuse for a minibus turned up with no air conditioning, no roof racks and rather uncomfortable seating arrangements. so because the minibus had no roof rack we also got an old banger to take all our bags and our very own old banger, Neil =)

Our journey wasnt actually all that bad considering the state of the minibus and at about 2.00pm we stopped for a pasta salad ( also made by Vinita and Grace) which was a bit of a difference from the usual jamon y queso sandwiches! - Also id just like to point out that at this point i swapped seats with Rob at the front of the minibus because he was being a big baby and needed more leg room and his arse was hurting, (so that was my heroic moment of the day) by the end of the journey i slightly wished i hadnt offered to swap!

So whilst singing " Its raining men!" in the back with the music from Graces ipod, we bumpily carried on our journey with the odd stop now and again for Tom who was feeling a bit ill, and then we hit a slight problemo! Our driver, thinking that our small minibus was a 4x4, drove straight into a large muddy quarry thing and got stuck in the mud. So sat there for 20 mins with the locals pointing and staring at us as if we were zoo animals, was most amusing and we finally got pushed out by a Bob the builder wannabe in a JCB!

The journey took about 8 hours in total but with a mixture of mole facts from Robert, sleeping, our wee pitstops, our lively singing and our sugary snacks it went quite quickly and we finally arrived in Coban. We arrived at our hostel for about 6.15pm and we split up into groups to phone up other hostles to book up places where we could stay later in our trip, and to search for supermarkets and restaraunts. We all ended up in a small cafe and had the all time favourite hamburgers and then retreated for an early night at 10.00pm to our simple rooms ( complete with wandering cockroaches of course).

And that is all that happened today, that is really of interest everyone says hello and we shall see you all when we get back!

love Britney =D x.x

Apologies

Hi All

Sorry we are so far behind with our entries, but we have been on an island for the last few days and have not had access to the internet. Its frustrating because we have so much to tell you. More so, because we are now heading to Tecal and then the jungle, therefore, we may not be able to add any more entries for up to a week.

We´ll do our best.

Day 16

Hi all this is Grace H writing it for today sorry it's a little late.

It was a very early rise for the team at 4:00 am because we had to be out by 4:30 to climb santa Maria which was going to be a hard and diffucult challege for all of us. We then traveled to the drop off point were it was still night and we would get to watch the sunrise a little later which would be an amazing sight.

We then began the treak in the countious rain so we all put the waterproofs on and began walking with the 2 guides one of them being the same person as the Cerro Quemado climb which was extream fun by the way!! Any way we started the climb with one naste hill which quite easly took my breat away (literaly). Sone after a quick rest stop were we had a little bit of breakfast becuase my energy was quite low and i did moan a little for it (no change really then). We then carried on a little future before final telling rob that i was not feeling at all well but their is no need to worry i am perfectly fine now we think it was because of a lack of sleep and rubbish food, can't wait to have a decent meal lol. It was soon desiced by Rob that it would be stupid to carry on strggling up the mountain and keeping the team behind so i was heading back the hostel a little dishearted when the leader John desiced they were all coming back as well. How kind of them it defitly made me feel a little happier and we had Emily and the other Grace singing a selection of Britney Spears, S-Club 7, Crisitana Aguliar, Spice Girls and final but no means least Alicha Keys (Sorry about the spelling).

We then head back to the hotel when adreline would finaly be bother to get a coach to us they said they were all being used which we all no is rubbis because xela is one hell of a big town/city.
Anyway can't really say much other the next couple of hours because i decside to go to bed agian. But when i final did get up it was the other laughing theit heads off listing to podcast on Rob's I-Pod which i personal did not understand but it made the other laugh so no harm was really done, apart from being a little bit loud and way the team sone dissovled off to do the daily jobs and the others were playing a good old game of slam which may i say i am usless at, why not a little bit of Poker i could bet them all at that lol.

After lunch which was very good from our great chiefts Vinita and Grace J. We then had a trip to the local museum in Xela, which was defintliy and experince and a half i think we can say that from all of us. We saw some traditonal artifacts about from the history of Gutamala, and a dead human fetus which was defitly not a good experince and made Miss Woodbridge scream a little which was funny for me any way. We then had to get the food supplies for the journey for tommor bus journey to adrilne tours, seeing as it was my day as leader tommor, which will defitly be a traditional experince and half.

We then had another amazing meal from the cheifts again and saw some of the other people that were staying at the hotel. Me and Ste were set the lovely task of washing up and no mom their is no photo's (lol). During this time we had one of the people rant off to us about how strong our brum accents were which was quite funny when he is quiet drunk. I then sat down with the two cheifts, and watched them make the pancakes for tommor breakfast, which took them forever to make 16 people's worth.

We then final headed off to bed for the early rise for tommor bus journey to coban which was taken from 8 till about 13 hours which is quite annoying on a bus.

A tough day! Check out the video!

Yesterday was an R&R day and the choice was between hot springs or a coffee plantation. The Fuerta Georginas Hot Springs won.

Following lunch off Xela plaza we took the bus for the hour long journey to the centre. We passed through a number of Mayan villages, typical of those we have seen on all our journeys, lots of concrete and corrugated iron. Many, many little breeze block shops, hardly bigger than a bus shelter selling the same crisps and coke. Outside sit traditionally dressed mothers and their children selling crafts or vegetables. Stray dogs everywhere.

We pass into the countryside. The views, as always, are spectacular, but spoilt by the fly tippers who choose any bend on the narrow roads to send a disgusting scar down the mountain.

We passed through the clouds and wound up a narrow road until we reached a cluster of low buildings at the front of the centre. The setting for the springs were amazing. The main pool sits at the base of a sheer rockface covered in trees and ferns. When you get in, the water is sooooooo hot. It takes a little while to get used to it and its makes your skin tingle. The hardiest amongst us waded right up to the spring itself. At this point the water is about as hot as can be tolerated, but it is not possible to put your hand into the cascading water for more than a few seconds.

Some brave souls managed to stand a few seconds under the freezing shower before opening their pores once again in either the main pool or one of the cooler subsiduaries.

As it was getting late we decided to eat there. Most of us had steaks and we allowed the group one bottle of beer each, (it was an R&R day after all.)

The journey back was rather disconcerting as the clouds had closed in around us and in the twilight gloom it was difficult to see the road ahead, but we had a ´conductor´aboard who helped the driver negotiate the more difficult corners and guided us past vehicles heading in the opposite direction.

Early night as we had a 4am wake up call to look forward to.

Comments please!

This one deserves a posting all of its own!

Extra Photos and an apology

We had a request for some more photos so hope this satisfies demand.

On behalf of all bloggers here in Guatemela I apppollogize for the pore spelong at timez. The keyboards are often worn so bare that only touch typists can cope. Some keys are either in different positions or apparently non existant and with electricity so expensive here, many of the cafes are so badly lit that you can hardly see the keyboard. The only excuse I can think of for typing through for threw, however, is that you barely have time to think. Our group leaders are so strict and the cafes so expensive, (not) that we have to just throw these posts together! Hope your convinced.

Thursday 7 Day 14

Today was the earliest start so far we were up at 4:40. (Far too early.)

we were picked up at the hotel at 5 and had a very quick breakfast on the move. the volcano was 30 minutes away from the hotel.

we started our climb through farmers feilds and wood terain. before getting to the hard stuff. Hundreds and hundreds of boulders. which did make the journey harder. we were climbing on boulders for about an hour and a half in the sun.

we sat on the top where we saw some of the most amazing veiws so far we saw the highest part of central america.

we ate lunch at the top before starting our decent to the bottom. which was alot tougher than on the way up.

sadly we havent found the right picture to show you so we will add it tommorrow.

but tomorrow is going to hopefully be a very nice day as we are hopefully going to a coffee plantation were it all happens. Then in the afternoon to some hot springs to relax our bodys before hitting santa maria on saturday

Wednesday 6th - Day13

Early start this morning for all of us as we had to be on our way by 6.00am. - destination Chicabal Lagoon. There we met our guide, Efrain. He claimed to by 80 years old and a Mayan priest. The latter was probably true, but he was only 80 in Mayan years. Their months are only 20 days so he was actually 60. Still brilliant at getting up and down the mountain.

We met Efrain at the base on the mainstreet of his village, San Martin Chiquito. Familiar flowers grow in his garden including geranium, fuchia, foxglove and monbretia, but we were treated to a spectacular flying display by a hummingbird.

We began the trek through allotments growing potaoes, beans and maize. These continued for some distance and height before giving way to lush vegetation. It was cold at first, but it soon warmed up. We had walked for about an hour when we came upon another field of potatoes and a football pitch and some wooden chalets. These very near the top of the mountain. It wasnt clear whether this was a community or whether it existed purely to cater for tourists.

We took a break here before pushing for the summot. It was still a lot further than we had thought, but the view from the top was truly spectacular, as we looked down upon the tranquil waters of this sacred Mayan lagoon, deep in the heart of the crater. There were viewing points here and we all took many photos before decending the 600 steps to the waters edge. Though we were glad to be going down at last some of us were very conscious of the fact that we would have to come back up again!

Efrain had given each of us a dried corn niblet. When we reached the waters edge he blessed the offerings and we threw them into the lake and made our wish. We then ate our lunch on the off-white pummice stone beach, before our guide took us off to view the burial site of an old Mayan priestess and her family. All of the time Efrain spoke to us in his Mayan Spanish dialect as if we understood every word. In fact we did manage to piece together his basic messages.

We left and began our ascent of the inner crater, but we were taken by a different route. Efrain would stop regularly to show us interesting flora, at one point taking his machete and cutting some long fronds from a pathside tree. When we reached the rim he stopped and asked Grace H to stand with her arms outstretched. He then brushed the leaves lightly down the front of her body before tapping them harder across the front and back of her legs. He worked up her body to her shoulders before laying the leafy flail on the top of her head, fronds hanging over her face. He then asked her to breath deeply in and out while he said a few words to cleanse her spirit. He repeated the same ritual with most of the group.

We then continued our decent. At the bottom he took a detour through a maize field. Someone likened it to a scene from the Borrowers, with the maize plants standing some 10feet tall, about twice the size of the local population.

At the bottom we said our goodbyes. We felt very priviledged to have had Efrain as our guide - he was a truly gentle and spiritual man.

Tomorrow we do another big volcano. which is a lot steeper and higher
Friday we have a rest day
Saturday we may not be able to edit blog as we are climbing Santa Maria so we do not know what time we will return.
We then spend 2 days travelling



Breaking news: Neil just refered to himself as an old fogey

5 August Day 12

We had a late start today getting up at 7:30 for breakfast at 8. We then caught our usual boat to Panajachel with the delboy of Central America, Juan. We said our goodbyes to Juan and caught our minibus to take us to Xela (shay-la) to our new hotel, Hostel Don Diego. The mood was chilled in the afternoon at our new hotel, the meal for tonight gave us a chance to experience the unhealthy traditionally American fast food also known as McDonalds. While McDonalds was being brought another group travelled to the nearby supermarket to fetch breakfast and lunch for the long challenging trek awaiting us tomorrow.

4 August Day 11

Today was our last day at the libary

It was a very constuctive day though we arrived there at 8:30 we got straight to work. We split up into teams

• painting to start with was Tom and Vanessa



• Making a new shelf at local carpenters was Steve and John



• Recording books in to a computer was Haris and Anthony



• Beanbags were made by grace



• Everyone else had diffrent jobs as a large group went to find a bank and lunch ect.

Today was one of our more creative and nicest lunch´s as well we found a fresh bvaker and had lovely bread with cream cheese and salad on it.

Everyone thourghly enjoyed last nights meal iot was by far the cheapest meal so far but the portions were absolutly huge. Everyone enjoyed it which was good.

Hopefully we will be able to update this tommorrow and the next 5 days but we are going to new place called Xela and its a very small place apparently so we will have to wait and see if there is a connection

2 August Day 9

Today we had our first day at the library it took a while to get there as it was a 20 minute boat ride and then also about a 10 minute walk to the libary. the libary was eally well set up. it was started to bring reading to Santiago as the schools are very basic and most schools do as the victorians did and copy off the chalk board at the front of the class. Then the libary grew and hired teachers to help with homework and other problems t do with school work. As a team we were given some jobs that Amanda who runs the library so we split into teams and a few people put new books into there laptop. A few cut ot shapes and pictures for class´s next week. some helped teach some of the kids who were in one of the class´s. The rest of the team were shown a room that they wanted to make slighlty more kid freindly. For the room we have decided to make a beanbag, paint letters on the wall with a picture to go with the letters. We have also been given use of a woodwork shop in a private school so we are going to build them some shelves and a case to keep there larger books in. we will be continuing or work there on monday. Once again we had another bithday in the team s happy birthday to Vanessa who had a big cake to celebra a very big cake to enjoy. Today we had our first day at the library it took a while to get there as it was a 20 minute boat ride and then also about a 10 minute walk to the libary. the libary was eally well set up. it was started to bring reading to Santiago as the schools are very basic and most schools do as the victorians did and copy off the chalk board at the front of the class. Then the libary grew and hired teachers to help with homework and other problems t do with school work. As a team we were given some jobs that Amanda who runs the library so we split into teams and a few people put new books into there laptop. A few cut ot shapes and pictures for class´s next week. some helped teach some of the kids who were in one of the class´s. The rest of the team were shown a room that they wanted to make slighlty more kid freindly. For the room we have decided to make a beanbag, paint letters on the wall with a picture to go with the letters. We have also been given use of a woodwork shop in a private school so we are going to build them some shelves and a case to keep there larger books in. we will be continuing or work there on monday. Once again we had another bithday in the team s happy birthday to Vanessa who had a very big cake to enjoy.

3 August Day 10

Well today was a rest day which was nice. We decided to go to Santiago market to do a little bit of shopping. this was nice as the market was lovely and we had a relaxing boat ride there. We also decided to go lie on a quiet beach and get a tan apart from Haris. That pretty much sums up our very busy day. Sadly back to the hard work tommorrow

1 August Day 8

Today was our final day at the centre for disabled children. we finished the paintings we had drawn on the wall (Some featured above)

We gave the centre a few different things like a new basketball

, toy farm animals, toy dinasours ect. the centre gratefully accepted our toys and have said now they have new resources to teach the kids different things.

Tommorrow we start our first day at the libary currently we beleive we are painting a room and decoratings it. Even thought this is a 45 minute boat ride we are now spending two days in a different town.

Some important information for anyone who is following our route. we have sadly had to remove day 23 (16th august) from the trip and replace it with an extra travel day to now give us 4 days in the jungle instead of 3. this was actually suggested by world challenge due to most of the other groups took 4 days as it is also the rainy season here so its alot harder to do so the extra day is needed.

The day that we removed was the mountain pine ridge trek as no one wanted to remove the day at the mayan ruins from the trip. As that was only other day available to remove which would then in a way defeat the purpose of the trip.

31 July Day 6

this is a picture of a sports day takin in San Jose after this the 6 year olds had to do two very long laps of the streets in the blazing sun ( we wouldn´t have stood a chance)

Today we woke up at 6 to do our biggest adventure yet. Even if it did take us slightly longer than intended to find the Centre for Disabled children in San Jose. We as a team spent a day going out buying diffrent supplies (Chain to fix a tyre swing, Nappies for the kids and plenty on paint for the paintings of diffrent animal we have drawn on the wall) Miss Woodbridge has told me to mention she has drawn a wonderfull giraffe. Britneys artistic talents also came in to good use.








As something a bit diffrent we managed to get a ride back to hostel on the back of a toyota flat bed truck with metal supports around the side. We did check this was safe to use before we did so. But this was a new experiance as this is the major wayt of traveling between local towns.





We would also like to mention it is Simons Birthday. He did get to celebrate in style with cake and cards (we even found time to buy another bag of marshmellows)





Once again we are having another massive downpore (Miss Woodbridge is annoyed with Grace Hurley for not advising her to put on waterproof trousers). We will be drenched by the time we return to the hotel. But the thunder and Lightning are still very impressive.





Tommorrow we return to the Centre for Disabled Children for our final day there and to finish paintings. then on saturday we are going to work at the libary.

Wed 30th Day 5

Well today was a travel day.

we all got up at 8ish and had a nice cereal breakfast. before finishing of the packing of bags
the bus arrived at 9 we all borded on for a 3 hour bus ride through the beautiful mountain ranges to get to th second biggest lake in america also known as Lake Atitlan we then took a 40 minute boat ride to San Pedro we are now seattled in a very nice looking hostel for 6 days.

we were only there an hour when a lovely thunder and lightning (fork and sheet) storm hit.

we are looking now for a place to try some local food of San Pedro.

Tommorrow we are now looking at instead of doing 4 days at the libary as it is a 45 minute boat ride away from San Pedro to spend Thurs and Fri at a school for disabled children in San Pedro. But do Sat and Monday at the libary.

We are trying to keep sunday free so we can explore the local surroundings. Then tuesday we travel again to Xela the next phase of the trip.

Tuesday 29th Day 4

Just started again and the power went again!

Up at 4.35am, at least some of us were, to make breakfast. Fresh pineapples, bananas and plums and cereals. By 6.05 we were on the bus to El Pacaya, supposedly the most spectacular, active volcano in Guatemala.

Excuse me, but bloody amazing! First view of the volcano puffing smoke out of its perfect cone. As we got closer it became more eerie. The volcano is part of a range , emerging grey from the early morning mists.

We continue closer, passing through villages with goatherds on horseback. Winding up and down hills, being overtaken by flying chicken buses. Saw some birds that looked like buzzards. They weren´t but it reminded me that we have seen almost no wildlife. No spiders, flies, cockroaches, or animals of any description other than dogs and chickens.

Got to the foot of the volcano and picked up 4 hitch-hikers who climbed onto the top of the bus. Drove up a dirt track bordered by coffee plantations. As we drove higher the road got blacker and bumpier. Seemingly mad people live on these slopes, probably the equivalent of our flood planes though definitely more dangerous.

When we park we are met by scores of urchins trying to sell us cut sticks to help us on our journey, but we all decline. Quite a steep start to the trek, but it levels out and we lose the accompanying ponies and riders who were the ambulance in case we needed them. The landscape was amazing. Started through trees and rich vegetation, path - fine black grit. First sight of lava wall through the trees. This was from the last eruption 2 years ago. Vegetation suddenly stops and then a vista from Lord of the Rings. Is this Mordor? Rock folded like double cream. Heat under the feet was incredible. Guide threw branch into fissure and it burst into flames. Then we toasted marshmallows in the heat. What an experience! What a taste! First payback and a memory to last a lifetime.

Came back down on a steep path through the trees and undergrowth. Having to slide on our bottoms. This kept Britney happy, who was craving action. I think she wanted some near death experience, not for herself, of course, but something that would get the helicopter out.

Off on the project phase tomorrow. Lake Atitlan. Aldous Huxley described it as the most beautiful lake in the world. Can´t wait.

Mon 28 Day 3

Sorry no update yesterday- got back late, so hopefully double dose today, but just had a storm that knocked out all electricity in Antigua and I lost the post I was creating. So trying again.

Pancakes coffee and juice for breakfast again today. Then met our guide, Lewis (Bruce) Lee, who took us on a took mus on a tour of the city. Made our way to a vantage point where we could look out over the maze of streets to the volcanos beyond. Back down the hill and into the dusty streets. Visited a jade factory where Neil tried to find a present for Sue, but only got himself some cufflinks!

The city is manic. Cars, scooters, chicken buses everywhere. Riders never wear crash helmets, but are seen carrying children and/or chickens under their arms as they drive. Strat dogs everywhere.

Went to plaza for evening meal, but disappointed as we had expected street vendors and music. Nevertheless, found a nice basic cafe and had a good meal. Others had Burger King! What are we here for?

Anthony provided todays best entertainment. Chuffed to have bartered a street vendor down from $30 down to $10 for a flute, beads and a purse. Within seconds some of the beads came off. Then the bead purse leaked dye onto his hands. Finally the deet he sprayed on the flute took the stain off and on to his face. He tried hard to play it, but no success. Thought he had done it, but it was Simon blowing across the spout of his water bottle.

Britney´s quote of the day - ¨Dont be over dramatic¨

Day 2

Finally worked out that we are 7 hours behind you so got up at 7am instead of 8am as we had intended. Went for breakfast and had pancakes and coffee. These luxuries could not continue however and we were reduced to ndry bread with processed meat and Kraft cheese slices for lunch.

Met the in-country agent. Told us there had to be a change to the itinerary so we are no longer going up the tallest peaks. Apparently a young child went missing and the locals are blaming tourists. Now likely going to a peake 1000m lower but a lot steeper.

Spent the day doing business: confirming and paying for transport, getting a sim card and fuel etc and exploring the city. The city is amazing: just so different to anything any of us have experienced before. Some of the old colonnial buildings are beautiful, but also quite shabby when you look closely. The city is surrounded by mountains and volanoes. Weather is manageable but very hot at midday.

Britney has made her usual impact on everyone she has met: from the American flight attendant that she corrected over his English - Its RUBBISH not TRASH- to the cleaners around the hostel that she shouts HOLA to at every opportunity.

Typical English going for a pizza later.

This internet cafe is attached to the hostel so will try to find time to update again before we move to more remote areas in a couple of days time.

Travel Day

Up at 4.45 and away by 6.00, but delays at Houston. Finally got to our hostel at about 6.30 your time on Sunday morning. One or two slight hiccoughs en-route, but all here safely. Hostel is BASIC.

Day 1

Hi there worried parents !!,

We have confirmed the first flight and the coach will be arriving at alderbrook at 6 in the morning ( which means waking up at 4!). We have been busy taking in loads of information about what to expect and other useful info.
Unfortunatly we had to unpack the bags we packed the night before which meant hours of work being undone. However the good news is that world challenge have provided us with brand spanking new equipment YEAH!!


We will keep in touch as soon as we can, try not worry we are having a great time.

Well not long now.

Well its now 9:23 pm not long now until we all meet at Alderbrook to start our trip

Things to remember-

• Maleria to be taken tomorrow
• We are meeting at Alderbrook at 9am
• BBQ is at 6pm to finish around 9:30 pm
• and finally we leave for Heathrow about 6am Saturday morning

Well see you all bright and early

Emergancy Contact info

Earlier today i received an email from world challenge asking me to update and add to the emergency contact info for when we are away.


THIS WAS JUST A REMINDER TO DO IT IF YOU NEED TO AS IT MUST BE DONE BY THURSDAY.

I can't belive we leave in 5 days!!

Hi all , i just wanted to say well done for getting this far , and the adventure has only just begun.I hope you are all looking forward to friday and the following month as much as i am , although i am also a bit nervous.Thankyou to all the parents and to Neil and Sonia and all the other people who have made this trip possible , as it is a once in a life time experiance.

Grace
x

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