La lluvia

The word of the day: La lluvia -- rain. In fact, I think it might actually be the word of the month. Or, every monthy between May and October! Lonely planet warned me Guatemala was going to be rainy this time of the year. So did everyone I know whose been down here! I´m only now beginning to realize just how right everyone was!

This morning, we had a few solid hours of cloud free sunshine. First, Xela is absolutely stunning on a cloud free morning: From the top of my school, which sits atop a hill, you can look around and see mountains in every direction, a volcano in mid-eruption and extraordinarily lush forests. Second, and of far greater importance to me early this morning, the few hours of sunshine provided a wonderful opportunity to put my shoes on the roof of my casa to dry them out! It is wet down here.

This afternoon, the rain provided a stunning backdrop to las Fuentes Georginas, a natural hot spring on the side of a volcano about 30 minutes outside of Xela. Along with a few other students, I sat atop a mountain, surrounded by forests, in a clear, large pool of hot water, while a cool rain splashed down around me and while lighting occasionally lit the sky and thunderclaps gave emphasis to the percussion of the rain.

Hasta muy pronto, mis amigos!