Yesterday morning was an exercise in professional
tardiness. The deadline of 8AM was met by none, with many arriving at 8:10 or
later. After everyone had arrived, jacking up Ms. Bastedo’s blood pressure to well
over 120, we began to work. Even with our questionable punctuality, we managed
to finish the painting of the outside of the building, as well as the inside.
We also added a concrete step to one of the doors as well as finishing the doorframes,
nailing in all the widows and managed to even help with the repair of some
tiles in the old school library, which is either going to become a computer
room or preschool (which has been virtually inaccessible to the children of
Maya Center). After work, we returned to the Nuuk Cheil lodge and had a
wonderful lunch before cramming ourselves into a van like sardines. Having 19
people in a 9 person van was an adventure, to say the least. We were driven to
the Cockscomb Jaguar Preserve where we learned some interesting facts about jaguars,
and about the importance of applying sunscreen. We then each selected an
inflatable tube and a straightjacket masquerading as a lifejacket. Ever mindful
of the presence of botflies, we made our way down to the river head. There we
had an extensive discussion of safety when river tubing, a topic dear to my
heart (and my mother’s. . .). Tubing was perfectly safe, do not be concerned;
no nonsense like Hank pushing everyone into assorted debris or everyone
tackling Adrian into the ground took place, nor did Ms. Winegarden get flipped
off her tube by Kelly and Adela. As we said, no nonsense. Completely safe.
After having some trouble getting out of the river, we took a head count and
were relieved that none of the students were destined to be the topic of an
Animal Planet River Monsters: Students in
Peril episode. Hiking back to the Visitors’ Center, we were privileged enough
to see a jaguar print in the mud. After cramming all students (minus a couple
limbs) back into the van, we had an equally exciting return journey back. Once
back at Nuuk Cheil lodge, grabbed our things and returned to our homestays.
Many of us then went to the local church to celebrate our homestays’ children’s
First Communion. There we learned that “Jesus doesn’t give you gas, he gives
eternal life”. We then returned home and some of us went to sleep (others were
busy songwriting).
Sleepily exhilarated,
Alex White a.k.a Horsey
Adela “Ma’ash” DePavia
1 comments:
Great job guys we are truly enjoying all of your terrific posts and photos. Looks like you are all having a wonderful time.
I hope all of you make the best of this opportunity.
A heartfelt thank you to Ms. Bastedo and Winegarden for taking on this project.
Wishing all of you a safe return, we miss you Vivi.
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