Study Abroad to Belize & Guatemala offers an Adventure to Remember! Study abroad students returned home safely from Belize and Guatemala after being stranded during ice storm that locked down transportation in Dallas, Texas. BY DAVID C. BUTTY adventures, places and viewpoints that she would have never expected to encounter. “The adventure to Altun Ha (Mayan Village) was a personal walk through history itself,” she adds. “Many people view the Mayans as senseless people with their beliefs and I thought the same until that day. I got the chance to really understand where the Mayans were coming from and the scientific reasoning behind it all. I find it funny how media can completely change your view on people or a certain group. Actually giving someone a chance to teach you about their culture/background will open your eyes and see that there is sense into what they believe.” Meranda Sawabini said the trip to Belize and Guatemala was beyond anything she could have ever imagined. “I will have these memories to tell my grandchildren about. I was able to tell my children that their mommy climbed to the top of a volcano and I watched their eyes light up with disbelief. I saw places, met people, and experienced things that most people will never have the privilege of doing. A mere “Thank you” to Wayne County Community College District just doesn’t seem appropriate. But, thank you. Thank you WCCCD.” Mona Farah, a nursing student will always remember the trip. The nursing pinning ceremony was on Friday, December 6, but because of the ice storm in Dallas she had to miss the ceremony in Detroit. Nevertheless, her classmates were creative enough to provide a makeshift ceremony during which time she recited the pledge. What she remembered most about the trip was hiking the What was supposed to have been a regular study abroad trip for Wayne County Community College District (WCCCD) students through two Central America countries – Belize and Guatemala -- turned out to be an epic adventure of their lives. While returning home, the group got stranded during the historic ice storm that brought air travel to a complete lockdown rendering the Lone Star State into an ice skating rink. Unbelievable! What a trip to remember! There was no dull moment for the study abroad trip. The students turned everything into a learning experience. The emphasis was to study the contributions made by the Mayans by visiting the Altun Ha Mayan Ruins in Belize and learn conversational Spanish at the Máximo Nivel, an international language center in Antigua, located about 45 miles from Guatemala City. Students were awarded certificates of completion. Also on the itinerary was the opportunity to learn the cultures of both Belize and Guatemala; the history of the Mayans’ contributions to both Central America countries; a climb to the top of The Altun Ha, a Mayan ruin in Belize always amaze visitors. “The trip to Altun Ha was incredible, especially seeing temples rise out of the deep green surroundings gave me a feeling of peace,” said Meranda Sawabini. Students enjoying Spanish Language classes at the Maximo Nivel in Antigua, Guatemala. A classroom setting the 54-ft Altun Ha's temple-pyramids, known as the "Temple of the Masonry Altars," in Belize. The Altun Ha Mayan Ruins is on the bucket list for many who visit Belize. Perhaps, the highlight for many students was the hike up the 8,373-ft active Pacaya Volcano, one of three active volcanoes in Guatemala. Those who could not walk the one and a half hours up the narrow and rocky trail, had to ride horses tended by the locals to reach the top. For others, the adventurous but daring zip-lining as high as 200 feet over the forest in the village of Yulu was something they will forever remember. Also on the trip’s agenda was the tour and roasting of coffee beans over a bonfire at the Finca Filadelfia Coffee Plantation. Then there was a visit to the Coco Museum in Antigua where students used authentic material to make their own chocolate; a textile museum and the local market. “I was able to have conversations with locals because of the Spanish I learned in class at Máximo Nivel, an international language center in Antigua,” said Alexa Thompson. “I climbed the active Pacaya Volcano and roasted marshmallows over its rocks, watched the sun set below the clouds instead of below the horizon, went on a zip-line tour through the jungle, and learned how to salsa dance. I’ll cherish those memories and the bonds I formed with others through them.” Ninah Farah, whose sibling, Mona was also a part of the trip, said the study in Belize and Guatemala has opened her eyes to viewing the world differently and introduced her to people,