retro-blogging: Semuc Champey

now that i subscribe to a bajillion (an actual number) blogs/websites via Google Reader (i have a major crush on you, Google Reader!), i realize that i often just delete the posts/updates that are completely word-based without any pictures to carry me along. (ok i only delete the wordy posts of non-friends). also, as a firm believer in accessing students' various learning modalities, i should be better about attempting the same with this here ol' bloggie. so here are some words and pictures, living together in harmonious living with each other. together.

now onto some retro-blogging:

during the long weekend in March, i went to Lanquin/Semuc Champey, often reputed to be the most gorgeous place in all of Guatemala. while i can't vouch for that completely, i agree that it's pretty darn beautiful at the least and is equally as beautiful as some other places.

the limestone caves of Lanquin are one of the main attractions in this area of the country. to be completely honest i chickened out of this and instead opted to talk to the preacher conservationist at the front desk for about an hour (en espanol) while the rest of our group went to explore the caves. i can get a little clastrophobic, and i wasn't feeling too keen about swimming in places of random depth after having a few recent mini-freak-out sessions in the water. but, if i were to go back, i would definitely hit the caves, since i have a better idea of what to expect. you can see pictures of the caves at the above link.


the other major attraction of this area of the country is Semuc Champey, and i have no idea how to describe it. it's a national treasure housed in a park... set against a breath-taking mountain backdrop, there is a limestone bridge that carries mountain water in individual freshwater pools, where peeps can swim and rest. at the end of the bridge, the mountain water joins the river water, which is gushing under the limestone bridge. pretty neato if you think about it; i hope that was right.

ok, not doing well with the visual aspect of things... here goes:

a picture of one such pool
i could do this all day
there ya go, another beautiful Guatemalan place.