Last summer, Kelly and I planned a trip to Guatemala with Alex and Ben. The boys were now 5 and had traveled quite a bit by this point so they were fully ready for the flights. Guatemala is a great family destination with small children because it is so close to the US. We had 2 short flights and arrived to Guatemala City in the afternoon. They did great and like flying now because they know they get lots of snacks!
We arrived at our house up El Hato mountain with views of the volcanos, wow! The boys immediately jumped in the little pool at the house and started singing “this is the best day ever!” We quickly explored the property and settled in. We talked about volcanoes, mountains, fruits and veggies that grow nearby and so much more! Travel is always a great opportunity to teach in real life. It is the reason we choose to travel with them so frequently. There is always an opportunity to talk about religion, politics and cultures that may be different than where we are from. I want the boys to grow up with an open mind, and real life experiences that shape their opinions and values in life. I cannot think of a better way to instill that, than through travel.
We explored the city of Antigua a bit the next day, passing food markets, colorful handicraft stores and beautiful churches. Then we went out to meet our community partners at Vamos Adelante to pack up and distribute Covid prevention cleaning kits to the elderly in the villages nearby. We talked about how important it is to give back to others when you are fortunate to have enough. The boys had lots of questions and we did our best to explain in words they would understand. We played soccer with the kids in the community, chased the chickens and puppies around and had a great afternoon. I know this experience will stick with them.
The next few days we spent learning about chocolate and making it by hand, such a great experience with little kids! We were covered in chocolate and smiles by the end. We rode ATVs up El Hato mountain, which the boys said was like being in a real-life video game! I also loved it and had so much fun. We took a short flight to Tikal and had a great adventure exploring the Mayan ruins dating back 2000 years. We learned all about the ancient rulers inscribed onto the walls and to whom the temples were built for worship. We explored the local animal life around our hotel including toucan, wood peckers and howler monkeys. And of course we made friends with a local family traveling through the country. The kids swam, ate together and shared many ice creams as the adults talked about their adventures. My kids make friends everywhere they go and I love that about them.
This was another great trip that I know has positively impacted their lives. I can’t wait for the next Village Experience with these 2 little people 🙂
