January 19- Semuc Champey by Troy

When we visited Semuc Champey, everyone was tired, dirty and somewhat skeptical about the trip.  We started our day with a refreshing breakfast and began a short walk to the caves.  On the way our guide (a Mayan decendent) collected some fruit from a tree leaving us to wonder what it was for.  We found out at the base of the caves that the fruit was used as face paint to keep you safe and to bring good spirits around.  With us now feeling protected, we made our way to a rope swing which swung you over a river and then dropped you at a height of 15 feet.  About half of the group tried this activity.  We began the trek to the caves with only candles for light. The cave definitely brought out our true colors as we had to free climb slippery rocks and swim the dark forboding tunnels.  Everyone stepped it up though with the mild-mannered people taking a 10 ft. jump into a hole of water 10ft.x10ft..  Everyone also would fall back and help each other up, or climb, or psyche people up for something they didn't feel comfortable with.  I tried to help as many people with climbing and swimming along with keeping my candle lit, so we could navigate through the dark.  Overall, it was a great team-building experience along with being a fun tour through one of Guate's best hidden treasures.