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Published: August 3rd 2006
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Volcan Agua
Looking at another volcano from Pacaya. On Tuesday, Wendy and I skipped class in order to climb the volcano Pacaya. Of course, we told our Spanish teachers we would miss class. I wasn't too sad about missing class because it is a really slow and frustrating process (to learn spanish, that is). Anyway, we left at 8AM with Old Town Outfitters (tourist agency here). There were ten people in our group. We drove for about an hour around volcano agua to get to volcano pacaya. Pacaya is an active volcano outside of Antigua! The ascent took a full hour and a half! The first 50 meters of the climb was very steep and it was on concrete, which was more slippery. It was the hardest part of the climb. The first thing you realize when you are climbing a volcano is just how out-of-shape you are in! The second thing you think of when you are climbing the volcano is . . . I hope this volcano doesn't errupt today! (Maybe that is really your primary concern though!) Anyway, the rest of the climb was strenuous but beautiful. The views were amazing.
A large company has built a steam energy facility to produce energy from the
steam from underneath the ground. Although it is supposed to be environmentally friendly, the company uses a lot of water to cool down their machinery. To power the machines to propel the water, the company also uses a lot of diesel. So, who really know if this method is more environmentally friendly? But the use of steam and heat from the volcano for energy is a big experiment here.
Meanwhile, we are still climbing! FOR AN HOUR AND A HALF! The climb is mostly a steady grade of loose soil and stairs from tree roots. We did not climb up to the cone of the volcano, but climbed up far enough to get about 10 feet away from flowing lava and close enough to touch lava rock! For fun, we brought marshmallows to roast on the lava! Other students at Probigua suggested it. After the climb, I didn't really feel like eating marshmallows but it was a great picture opportunity and the other tourists enjoyed throwing them into the lava and watching them expand! It is amazing how the simplicities in life fascinate every person.
We descended the volcano somewhat until we found a picnic area. We ate
Volcan Pacaya
This is the cone of the volcano. We didn't climb this because it was too dangerous. a lunch of bread, alvocado, tomatos, frijoles, cheese, lettuce, onions, and soy cookies - that our guide brought along (and of course, we paid for). It was great. By the way, Antigua (and the surrounding area) is known for consuming and growing mucho avocados! People here are nicknamed "The Green Bellies."
Overall, climbing the volcano was the funnest experience that I have had in Guatemala even though I nearly fell three times during my descent down the volcano.
Many of our tour guides have told us that the area is due for another huge earthquake or volcanic eruption any day now! If History rings true, this means the next "big one" should completely destroy Antigua. No worries!
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Auntie M
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Hot Lava
Amanda!!! Thank goodness you remembered your stick!!!! Go to the head of ANY class. We are PROUD of YOU!!! Please be just a little less adventureous (sp), but have plenty of excitement and fun. oxoxoxo auntie m and uncle john