Today's run was to the top of a neighboring hill, where we could see the entire valley of Huehuetenango. The steep hills were a bit too much of a challenge for me. I hiked rather than run.
The view was worth it. After a 7:15 breakfast, it was off to Agua Calientes hot springs for a swim and the ceremony. We had to drive right past the school to reach the hot springs, so we stopped to say hello. Pine needles were already spread out to welcome us, and the children in primary school greeted us warmly. A marimba band serenaded us, and, after some quick hellos, we set off for the hot springs, bag lunches in hand. The hot springs, which were just down the road from the school, were a few pools and a picnic area, with a changing area and some loos. The students followed us to the hot springs with their teachers. Watching gringos lunch and sunbathe was their noontime activity. It was a bit strange--I felt a little conspicuous. I'm incredibly pale, and the students were clearly not used to seeing someone who looks like me. (I get that reaction on beaches around the world. I'm practically glowing. We spent some time in the warm and cool pools. The hot was a bit too hot for much more than dangling feet, and on an 80-degree afternoon, the water was refreshing. By 1 we were back at the school.
All 24 students in grades 7-9 were awaiting us.
A gaggle of preschoolers, their faces and scalps full of glitter and confetti, saw my camera and insisted on sitting with me. They kept inching closer and closer, as in a game of red light, green light. They little girls would scurry closer, and when I'd turn around and grin at them, they'd freeze. Soon two little ones were at each elbow and another one was on my lap. They were about the same age as my little sister, Bella.
The older students entertained us with dances and skits, and the last class called a few of us from the audience to the stage. I danced with a boy of about 14 in a foot-shuffling waltz that thankfully required little coordination on my part. 
After a never-ending song--it was blazingly hot, even under a tent--we returned to our seats. Our respite was short lived. The town's Don Juan asked me for a dance, and I certainly couldn't refuse him. His compadre asked Catherine to dance, and we soon found ourselves on stage again. After another 10 minutes of dancing, we finally got to start playing and chatting with the kids.
I'd made some copies of some random family photos, then wrote Spanish phrases on the back of them. The students and their parents loved seeing them--especially the snow. Then one young mother asked me a question. I thought she wanted me to take a photo of her. No--she wanted one of my photos, and she wasn't the only one.
The mom who wanted one of my photos. What a cute baby!
About a dozen photos of me, my boyfriend, my family and Cincinnati are floating around the town of Agua Calientes. In a village far off the beaten path, in a place where four-wheel drive is compulsory and there's no paved road for miles, my Gramma Penelope's photo is hanging up somewhere!
We went to a small town called Colotenango, and after a quick bathroom break, we strolled through the market. I love shopping for vegetables, but it was not possible during this trip as all our meals were provided. However, knowing my adoration of avocados, my new friend Ivan--our photographer--bought me five for 1 quetzal.
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