Day 6 - Adela and Alex

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