Today
was our first cultural day of the trip. After
breakfast, we went to a local soccer arena and started off the day playing a
few soccer matches with our tour guide Jairo and some other local players. Running around and playing soccer at an
altitude of 5,000 ft proved to be quite a challenge for the students (and the faculty).
Next
we took a drive up to the Baul - a spot up on the mountain which overlooked the
entire city of Quetzaltenango. After
admiring the views and snapping lots of pictures, the group found some slides
which led down a steep hill. Dr. Rust,
Dr. Northrup and some brave students sped down the slides.
We then drove up another 5,000 ft and visited
a natural hot spring. We enjoyed lunch
right alongside the pools then relaxed in the hot water. Our tour guide led some of the students to a
hidden pool in the middle of the forest along the side of the mountain. After the long drive down the mountain, we
stopped at the local cemetery and observed the differences in the structure and
rituals of their cemetery compared ones we are used to seeing. The Guatemalan cemetery was much more
colorful and elaborate.
After freshening
up after our long day, we headed out to a fancy banquet dinner hosted by
members of the team that have put together our trip. Cassie, Alex, Matt, and Zach bravely tasted
some spicy jalapeno peppers and hysterically suffered the consequences. This concluded our last night in
Quetzaltenango, and we’re all looking forward to visiting the Mayan ruins
tomorrow on our way to San Lucas Toliman.
-Alexa and Christina
After
another traditional Guatemalan breakfast, the group set out for the last day at
the hospital. Upon arrival, the group divided in to two with Dr. Rust along
with Zach and Kayla in one group and the rest of the students with Dr.
Northrup. Dr. Rust’s group spent the morning training the hospital technicians
on proper care and maintenance of the equipment. The main goal of this training
was to educate the technicians on how to prevent future failures of the machines,
which will allow the hospital to run more smoothly.
Dr.
Northrup’s group spent the morning going around to different wards of the
hospital such as post-operation surgery, obstetrics, and neonatal care unit.
The purpose of these visits was to speak directly to the medical staff and see
what changes would be practical and beneficial to improve the operation of the
units. From these suggestions, the group was able to compile a list of needs and
special projects that can hopefully be taken over by students back at WNE.
For
lunch, both groups went out to Albamar where we had a traditional Guatemalan
lunch and were serenaded by a band. While waiting for the bus after lunch, many
students used the slide that was part of the expansive jungle-gym
outside of the restaurant.
When we all returned to the hospital, Dr. Rust
finished his training and Dr. Northrup’s group finished working on the list
of needed changes. After the training was complete, there was a small ceremony
where the technicians were presented with certificates of completion.
Later
in the afternoon, several students walked around the city and market before we
went out to dinner. Although the meal was delayed for a while, the food was
still delicious and was thoroughly enjoyed. The group now awaits our cultural
day tomorrow, which will be packed with activities ranging from a soccer match
to relaxing the natural hot springs.
-Alex and Zach
