Aguas Calientes, Guatemala

Today, after school, we went on a day trip to a place called Aguas Calientes. Despite the name, there aren't any hot springs there anymore.  The city got its name because it is so close to the volcano and this heated the springs.  Today, those springs are dry.
First, we explored the ruins of an ancient monastery that was destroyed in the 1976 (I think) earthquake.   It was very interesting, and we took lots of pictures. Unfortunately, Nina dropped her camera (and it kinda died).  Our fellow volunteers took lots of pictures of us, so as soon as they e-mail them to mom, I'll upload them.
OHMYGOSH IT'S A THUNDER! *HIDES* OHMYGOSH IT'S A LIGHTHNINGGGGGG!
*moment of panic*
Okay, done with that. Sorry, there's like a large thunderstorm here. Lotsa rain. Very humid. :P
Right. So if I can upload photos, they'll be on tomorrow's blog.
After our group was finished 'going on an adventure' in a monastery (with 100% DEET - tons of...wait for the Spanish...moscos), we headed to....uh, how do I describe this....? It was like half of a house, one big room, made of cinder block, with a dirt floor. The upper walls were made of stalks of bamboo tied together, the top was sheet metal. It was, as described by our driver, a "Mayan Experience."
First, I was (against my will) chosen to be a volunteer in weaving some cloth, which was very difficult. A Mayan elder talked me through the process (in Spanish). I only did a few threads before we moved on to the rest of the demonstration, thank goodness.   Next (TRANSITION WORDS HA), we held a mini-example-traditional Mayan wedding. It was very entertaining, seeing some of our fellow volunteers put on the beautiful traditional clothes over their jeans and T-shirts. Nina was one of them, she was a 'flower girl' of sorts. I got to watch and laugh at her.  Mom kept saying how beautiful she looked. 
So, they explained the (year long) planning process of a Mayan wedding. I listened, interested, but mostly hoped I wouldn't be chosen as a volunteer to wear....    A.    Skirt.
Luckily, I wasn't. *Sigh of relief*
Then some of the volunteers sprinkled flower petals on the 'bride' and 'groom's' heads.
Then, one of the Mayan women brought out two smoking bowls of something.  There was lots of smoke everywhere, thick and dense, and everyone kinda started laughing. It was really funny, for reasons unknown to anyone. Mom asked (in Spanish) what the incense was and the Mayan woman told her that she was burning the 'skin' of a native tree. 
Last, we made our own tortillas, drank strong Mayan black coffee, and perused the beautiful Mayan fabrics:  tablecloths, purses, blankets, Etc.

Mr. Puffin 


  And now, finally, a picture of a few of our beloved kids:

These are the sweet little bundles of smartness (also known as the second graders that we teach.).