For Culver-Stockton College’s Fall 2024 three-week, I went on a twelve-day adventure to Belize and Guatemala as a part of the study abroad program. The program took us to Antigua and Flores in Guatemala and South Water Cayes in Belize. During this time, I kept a journal of my experiences. These articles consist of an abridged version of this journal.
Day 1
We gathered at the Mabee Center on Culver-Stockton College’s campus at 11:45 on December 6. Our journey began with a long bus ride to the St. Louis airport to await our flight to Dallas. Because we arrived before check-in, we were required to wait until we were able to check our luggage. Around 6:00 am, we loaded a plane to the DFW International Airport in Dallas, Texas. There was a three-hour layover in Texas until we loaded our flight to Guatemala City. We experienced many bumps in the airport, with our flight being delayed multiple times and having a constantly changing gate. By the time we finally loaded the flight, it was after 11:00am.
We were picked up from the airport by our guides, Diego and Alex around 3:00pm that afternoon. The ni of us 19 were put into two vans and started the drive to Antigua. The drive was supposed to be about two hours. We quickly came to learn that the time estimates were not always accurate. After about four hours, we arrived at our hotel. The hotel was a beautiful building located on a cobblestone street in the middle of the city. It was mostly open air with a garden located on the roof. The rooms were large with comfortable beds and warm showers.
After we settled our things, we took a walk down the street to The Rainbow Cafe. This was a restaurant we ended up frequenting for dinner. We ordered beforehand with our guides, meaning the food came right to us when we arrived. It was one of the best meals I have ever had. I got to try a lot of food and drinks that I have never tried before.
I ended the night on the roof of the hotel, staring at the Christmas lights in the town square as the volcanos glowed in the distance.
Day 2
On the second day, we departed to the shores of Lake Atitlan for an overnight stay. We arrived at the hotel in Panzjachel, Guatemala around noon. Of our rooms, this was the least quality. The shower had a tendency to overflow into the room. The beds were rock hard and some were infested with ants. The outside of the hotel was beautiful. It has a garden pavilion that the doors all led to. There was also a rooftop terrace.
Later that afternoon, we took a boat ride to the village of Santiago. We started by exploring the Church of Santiago. This church was created during a Guatemalan civil war by a minister from Tulsa, Oklahoma. It served as a safe haven for the people of the area. We then wandered the village and explored the many shops in the area.
Following this, we took a boat to San Juan. The path to lunch was at a steep angle, meaning we were all sweaty and tired when it was time to eat. The food was good, but the horchata stole the show. Afterward, we attended a class on textiles. We learned how thread and fabric were created. A few students even got to participate in weaving thread.
We finished the night with dinner at a restaurant about a half mile from the hotel. We were giving multiple courses from appetizers to desserts. During dinner, we were serenaded by a street performer. We finished the night by walking back to the hotel, admiring the stars along the way.
Day 3
We packed our bags for a day in Chichicastenango. This village holds the largest outdoor market in the Western Hemisphere. We were released to explore the market after a quick tour of the area. It was like a maze. One turn and it was impossible to find the way back to the beginning. The road was bright and colorful, full of handmade items for sale. There was anything that a person might need.
After a long day exploring Chichicastenango, we headed back to Antigua. Dinner was on our own that night, letting us try the different places in the city. I went to a local pizza place with a few students. This meal was easily one of the best ones we had. Not only that, it was affordable.
Overall, the first part of this journey was a complete success. The highlight so far would be the food. The worst part is the traveling.
Read the rest of the review right here on the Wildcat Wire.
