We woke up bright and early to another beautiful morning, the sky was bright and filled with the sounds of nature awakening around us. We hopped on the bus and we embarked on our long journey to Nebaj. First, we made one last stop at a viewpoint overlooking Lake Atitlan. The view was breathtaking as the skies opened up revealing the tall volcanoes stretching into the sky, with the clear lake and tiny villages scattered below. Halfway through our journey, we made a stop in the town of Chichicastenango. There, we indulged in another traditional Guatemalan breakfast. The atmosphere was lively, with locals going about their daily routines, creating a perfect backdrop for our meal.
After our delightful breakfast, we continued our ascent through the majestic mountains, the road winding and narrow, flanked by lush greenery and the occasional glimpse of distant peaks. As we climbed higher, we found ourselves enveloped in clouds, the scenery was nothing short of breathtaking. We marveled at the stunning vistas that unfolded as we emerged from the clouds, revealing the sprawling valleys below. Eventually, we began our descent towards the city of Nebaj, where the landscape transformed once more, showcasing the diverse beauty of Guatemala. Along the way, we kept ourselves entertained by taking in the many breathtaking sites, from cascading waterfalls to quaint villages nestled in the hills.
Once we arrived in Nebaj, the vibrant energy of the town welcomed us. After a brief rest at our hotel, we ventured a little further to the nearby town of San Juan Cotzal. There, we met with representatives from another organization dedicated to supporting local education initiatives. They graciously took the time to show us the incredible work they have accomplished so far in funding a school. As we toured the site, they shared their ambitious future plans, which aim to provide education for an impressive 700 students, spanning from kindergarten all the way through high school. It was inspiring to hear about their commitment to enhancing educational opportunities in the region, and it filled us with hope to see how many schools are being established to help as many students as possible receive a quality education. On our way back to our hotel, we caught our first glimpse of the Rio Azul school, a sight that filled all of us with anticipation for the vibrant celebration planned for the following day!
Once back in Nebaj, we set out for another delightful dinner, indulging in a variety of local Guatemalan cuisine. After our meal, we took a stroll around the center square, soaking in the lively atmosphere as locals gathered to socialize and enjoy the evening. After exploring, we headed back to the hotel, where we began our preparations for the big day ahead. We were all filled with anticipation as we gathered together our gifts for the celebration and set off to bed.
