Day 5

People say a class is like a family. Well let me tell you we are probably the weirdest family I have ever seen. Let me set the scene for those of you who weren’t lucky enough to join us. Today started the way every other day started: Roosters at 4 am, trucks at 5, and some guy hammering a piece of metal for probably no real reason. The group stumbled over to breakfast and we were met with some tasty ham and egg tortilla-rolled-and-grilled things with some mangos. Immediately after the tables were cleared, out came the Imodium and Pepto-Bismol dessert that usually follows the meal.
We all congregated at the bus and awaited the tour of the city. The tour started at the city center where our guide explained how the European history has influenced the construction and design of the city. We drove along to go see the city cemetery. Unlike the cemeteries in the US, this one was filled with bright colorful tombs and large monuments that seemed to celebrate life rather than mourning death. Atop the hill, the limits of where the tombs ended and the city began could not be determined. I now want to be buried in a huge pyramid like they had there. We then hopped back on the bus and waved goodbye to the random man standing there with a machete and headed to the vista that overlooked the entire city. After a steep climb we arrived at the top recreational area and proceeded to pull the typical American tourist move and take as many pictures as possible. The view of the city was beautiful and fun was had by all.
We then headed to the sketchy concrete slide that was built into the side of the mountain. Jennie and Andrew were the Guinea pigs who experienced the first descent/atomic wedgie. Our guide then had the brilliant idea to sit on a soda bottle and go down that way. This reduced the coefficient of friction (that’s +1, Dr. Rust) but in turn increased the overall speed of the slide to almost painful consequences. I mean Dr. Rust got air for crying out loud. We wrapped up the fun and waited at the bus for Dr. Northrup to join us from his nature walk. We were then on our way back to the hotel to change for the hot springs.
The trip to the hot springs was something like driving up Mount Washington on a car with square wheels and with a driver that can’t quite reach the brake. A few tidbits from the conversation went along the lines of “Oh **” (and other phrases that can’t be printed here) and the uneasy groan while staring down the 2000 foot sheer drop off as the bus careened around the hairpin turns. Perhaps a bit of an exaggeration; fun was had by all. We eventually made it to the hot springs which were located at some 10,000 feet above sea level. Exiting the bus invited an immediate dizzy feeling followed by a headache due to the thin air. However the area was beautiful, despite the last year’s landslides, and had a feel of the Jurassic Park movies. We had a little hike to the baths and dinner where everyone once again enjoyed their medicinal cocktails along with the tasty food. Once the food was done it was time for the hot springs. The main pool had become too hot to bathe in so the 16 of us proceeded to the smaller, cooler secondary pool. Everyone already in the smaller, cooler secondary pool then proceeded to leave. This is not the first time this has happened. After a good soak, everyone began to dry off and get dressed except for Nick, Andrew, and Dr. N who decided to brave the literally scalding main pool. Fun was had by all, except them.
The ride back had the usual downhill rollercoaster feel except this time with great views. Many pictures were taken but none did any justice to the scenery. We safely made it back to the hotel where I now write to you about our adventure. The rest of the night is still up for grabs but if it’s like any other night I feel it will include some cultural food, a lot of Pepto, and a great time had by all.

Authors: Nate and Nick