Guate's Up?

Last month I (C) had the most amazing opportunity to go on a medical volunteer trip to Guatemala, with a charity called Vida Volunteer. Vida Volunteer is a non-profit organization that gives university students from all over North America the opportunity to volunteer in either Nicaragua, Guatemala or Costa Rica. Our job is to set up and work in clinics in local communities. It is a great learning experience for students like me who plan on pursuing a career in medicine. They also have trips that are geared towards dentistry and veterinary medicine!

This trip was hands down, the most amazing experience of my life. Guatemala is such a beautiful country with a rich culture, and not to mention a lot of tortillas and refried beans! We had 6 clinic days, and on our off days we had various activities planned out for us. We went ziplining and had a city tour of Antigua (the ancient city and former capital of Latin America). When we were living in the mountains with the Mayans (literally we were all split up and lived with Mayan families) we had a hot spring day which was extremely relaxing. Here are a few pictures from my trip!

Ancient city of Antigua

Me and one of the cuties who came to our clinic in Santo Tomas

outdoor market in Antigua

Convent in Antigua

View from the rooftop patio of one of the restaurants we went for lunch in Antigua

View from our clinic in Xebaj

Mayan children coming to our clinic in Xebaj

View from the hot springs at the top of the mountain

Hot Springs!

View from the place in Antigua where we went ziplining

Pork Tacos and some Guatemalan beer!

If you would like more information about Vida Volunteer visit http://www.vidavolunteertravel.org/