This past weekend, we traveled to Tikal, Peten, a region of Guatemala. On Friday, we flew from Guatemala city airport at 7 am. The flight took 40 minutes compared to driving which usually takes 8-10 hours. After arriving, we went to Tikal National Park where we saw ancient Mayan ruins. We climbed many temples, saw some monkeys and a tarantula. The park was gorgeous. We walked around with a tour guide for around 4 hours. Thankfully, Emily and Louise survived.

After Tikal National Park, we traveled to our hotel beside lake Peten Itza. This is the third largest lake in Guatemala. The hotel we stayed in was named Gringo Perdido meaning "Lost U.S. American." The hotel was amazing. Friday evening, and Saturday and Sunday morning, was spent swimming, kayaking, relaxing, sun bathing, and hammock laying. We even go to kayak across the large lake to the other side. Some people in the group said we would be eaten by crocodiles (which actually live in the lake), but luckily we made it back alive.

We have begun our new set of courses here at CASAS, and we are both now in advanced classes. Today we had a fun time competing between the classes for who could make the best Valentines day card. Neither of our classes won... but we had lots of fun. We also did a gift exchange among our group and we got chocolates and cards. Michael had Louise for his valentine. He wrote a poem which begins with "Roses are red, my socks are black, will you let me be your daddy mac?" (haha). We hope you all had a great day with loved ones! Love Emily and Louise