Our day started out by a wake up call from the local
roosters at 5:45 am then devotion and breakfast. Art and Ilvie served us French
toast casserole which was delicious! Then we headed out to the Coffee
Plantation where we had our choice of either going for a zip line ride,
horseback riding, or a tour of the plantation. Being Amazing Race fans, the
majority of us chose the zip lining. But first we had to ride up the mountain
on a very (or should I say extremely) bumpy and windy road. We were not quite
sure our truck would make it to the top but it never failed us. Once at the top
we were strapped into our gear and began a short walk to our starting point. A
few of us were a little apprehensive once we realized it would be 1706 feet in
length, at a height of 393.7 feet, going up to 36 miles per hour! The
experience was thrilling. The hike to the next line was a little difficult for
us Floridians who are use to sea level and no hills. Being at 6,000 feet above
sea level and hiking up a mountain can be a challenge but we all managed to
make it. Then we were ready for the second zip line which went much faster then
the first. We were flying high in the sky. We are now able to check this off of
all of our "bucket lists". We also fill confident that we could make
it on the Amazing Race and win!
The group who went on the tour of the coffee plantation
learn everything there is to know about coffee beans. From the planting the
seedlings, all the way to ground coffee. The beans when first picked have a
sweet taste that is actually made into jam. Guatemala is the only place that
sundries their beans. They export their coffee to Japan and China but 90% is
kept in Guatemala. Then we experience delicious coffee made by the barista.
For lunch Howie took us to La Fonda de la Calle Real in
Antigua. They served an amazing Black Bean soup and we requested the recipe for
it. Ask and we may share it with you. After lunch we headed out to walk around. We were
told that the five weeks leading up to Easter, every Sunday the families in the
city prepare carpets made of flowers and colored wood shavings. They do this
for the processional that goes through the town observing Passion Week. The
floats are carried by the people up and down all the streets.
Afterwards, we were able to shop in the market and
learned how to haggle with the different venders. Many of them spoke English
which made it easier to purchase certain items. Everyone we met and spoke to
were very friendly! The market was filled with beautiful hand made textiles.
Everything was very colorful. We all manage to find something we could bring
home with us.
On the way back to the Center we stopped for dinner at
Pollo Campero and had our choice of chicken or pizza! It was Guatemala's version
of Zaxby's and Pizza Hut!
Now back at the center we are preparing for bed and
excited to finally get to help with the children tomorrow!!
We all feel as though we have been blessed beyond what we
could imagine on this trip. God has been so good to us!
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