Well readers, in addition to it being rainy season, I guess it's also volcano season. Last night, Volcano Pacaya, one of the most active volcanoes in Guatemala located near the capital erupted more than usual. I read in the newspaper here 'El Diaro' that it sent rocks, lava, and ash 1,500 meters into the air. The airport is closed, traffic which is normally very frequent in and out of the capital is limited and... schools are closed!
Today was supposed to be my first day as a substitute teacher (with my cooperating Guatemalan teacher) for the 2nd grade. The minestry of education has canceled classes in the capital, Antigua, and the surrounding areas due to ash. Espicialy in the capital, heavy ash was falling and posed a health hazard. This morning there was a fine dusting of ash on the trees and on top of cars. (photos are of the ash). A reporter who was covering the volcano was killed by falling rocks and there are three still missing. (remember, this is the volcano i climbed last weekend). Read the story in the Huffington Post HERE. The surrounding pueblos were evacuated and there's no real prediction as to when it will stop.
Also, it was my last day of class with Paty, a super nice teacher who taught me a lot about Guatemalan culture. As always... I"m an amazon compared to everyone else.
Dear Betsey, So glad you are safe and that this eruption happened before Melanie got caught in the middle of her travel there. Otherwise, what an incredible adventure! I can hear you telling your grandkids year from now that you climbed a volcano only days before it erupted! I suspect that is why I stick to climbing the extinct volcanos (Volcán Tajumulco, Mt. Kili :). Maybe you should try it too? Thanks again for your great blog. It is the next best thing to being there. Dxoxoxoxo
ReplyDeleteI meant, years from now....not year from now. :0
ReplyDeleteBetsey,
ReplyDeleteWow, to think you climbed up and were right next to the lava a week ago. The closest Donna and I got to the lava in Hawaii was about 1/4 mile. Be safe and find something low key for the weekend.
I loved the note on the kids. They must look up at you and go, wow, she's really neat.
Love
Dad
Betsey -
ReplyDeleteYou really put the "adventure" in this adventure blog! I'm glad you're safe. And you are tall by our own standards, so you truly do give them a lot to look up to!
Love you!
Mom