Similar to my classmates’ experiences, the people of Guatemala touched my heart in so many ways. I could gush for pages about the different patients I saw and how they have impacted my perspective on the physical therapy profession (rest assured my family, friends, and husband have heard countless stories over the past couple weeks), and while this was an invaluable part of the experience, I figure I’ll offer a few other thoughts, particularly for those considering/committed to going on the trip in the future.
This was a great way to transition from a largely classroom-based, final summer quarter to CEIII. Taking patient histories, performing upper and lower quarter screens and ortho special tests, reading x-rays, applying Neuro E&I and pediatrics knowledge. This was a great way to dust off some cobwebs and get back in the swing of interacting with patients before arriving on the first day of my third clinical rotation.
The green sauce goes with everything but be warned it has a kick. If you’re lucky, the hotel in Zacapa will put a bowl of it out with breakfast and dinner. It brings black beans to life J If you’re a fan, make sure to position yourself at the beginning of the line, as most meals are served buffet style and the stuff goes quickly.
Hotel laundry is inexpensive and worth every penny. Drop it off at the front desk of the hotel before breakfast, pick it up at the end of the day. A plastic grocery bag full of sweaty running clothes and scrubs cost about $4. I paid with quetzals, but you could also add it to your room tab and pay at the end of your stay with a credit card.
The touristy excursions in Antigua were a blast. Zip lining and hiking the volcano were worth the few extra dollars. I also had plenty of time to wander the streets with friends looking for a pupusa, ice cream, and the “perfect” souvenirs.
When in doubt, spray yourself with bug spray. I used a travel-sized aerosol made by Off! and it worked well and lasted the whole week.
Don’t let a lack of confidence with the Spanish language hold you back. There are wonderful translators to work with and you will surprise yourself at how much you pick up in just a few short days.
As someone who was not very involved in the social scene outside the classroom, this trip also offered the opportunity to get to know my classmates and see my professors in a whole new light. The pictures speak for themselves. Thank you to everyone who made this trip a reality!
