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By Cameron DeVries
June 9, our final day at Lake Atitlán, was a full day for our group. We started off the day by waking up early to go on a hike up Cerro De Oro, which means “Hill of Gold” although it’s also known as the “Sleeping Elephant mountain” because that’s exactly what it looks like.
The hike was a bit strenuous for some people, but at the top we got an amazing view of Lake Atitlán and the surrounding towns. Also at the top of the mountain, there were multiple Mayan statues which dated back to 1,000 years ago.
After descending the mountain, we went straight to the town of Santiago to have a quick lunch and walk around in groups for a bit. We did not have a ton of time, as we had to return to the house for our final day of Spanish lessons directly following lunch. Our Spanish lessons were special today, because being our final lesson of the week, we had a mini “graduation” on one of the grassy terraces between our house and the lake to recognize our progress and give thanks to our teachers. Our teachers presented us with graduation certificates and we each read the “discurso” we had written. Finally, we had dinner with our Spanish instructors, and then said farewell.
After a tiring day, we did whatever we needed to do before bed, and then had some chill time until we went to sleep.
Leaving Atitlán will be hard, as it was one of my favorite locations we have stayed at thus far on the trip, and I am sure others will feel the same. There was a mixture of factors that made Atitlán so alluring, from swimming in the azure waters of the immense lake, to exploring and learning about the nearby rustic town and the culture of its people. Lake Atitlán is a location we will be sure to remember for the rest of our lives.
4 responses to “Adios, Atitlan!”
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Congratulations on your “graduation,” Cameron! We are only two weeks into summer and look how much you have already learned and accomplished. That must feel great! 🙂
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Thank you Aaron. My having been ~10 months in Bogota also 2 days on San Andrez island of Colombia, I understand the excitment and joy of the visit. I’m Kennedy’s maternal grandfather. Larry Blanchard ~4pm 14 June19
On Thu, Jun 13, 2019 at 8:13 PM CCS GLOBAL EDUCATION wrote:
> Aaron posted: ” By Cameron DeVries June 9, our final day at Lake Atitlán, > was a full day for our group. We started off the day by waking up early to > go on a hike up Cerro De Oro, which means “Hill of Gold” although it’s also > known as the “Sleeping Elephant mountain” be” >
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So proud of you all! You just keep on keeping on, taking in everything. Your reflections and commitment are powerful.
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Very well written Cameron! Pat and I are going to have to visit this beautiful place you described so well!
Pat & Christine Mason
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