Today we met at La Union (school) at 6:00 am and left for San Francisco (Guatemala) to climb Volcan Pacaya. As we drove, we passed lots of people waiting on the side of the road to be picked up by "chicken buses" (renovated school buses that serve as their public transportation system) to get to work. There also were children in school uniforms walking or waiting for chicken buses to take them to school. The ride to San Francisco took an hour and a half.

Each member of the trip has his or her own personal Spanish tutor, working with them at their level. Classes take place over little wooden tables in an historic, two -story building with a patio and fountain, located in the heart of Antigua. Tutorials last from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., with a half-hour break to enjoy a good coffee or sweet from one of the many cafes or bakeries nearby.