Volunteer Experience

Sitting here, I can not think of what to write for this review as there has been so much that I have experienced.
From the time my family and I first exited the airport, Maximo Nivel was there ready with their yellow smiley face flag. Through them, we were able to volunteer with our program, and explore Guatemala.
My family and I volunteered with Antigua Exotica. It is a wildlife refuge for reptiles and amphibians that were rescued from illegal ownership. The man in charge, Danny, had dedicated his life to this area and works alongside the police, identifying animals in raids and arrests and keeping them alive for evidence. If it were not for Danny, these animals would most likely be killed.
The refuge mostly holds many species of snakes, both non-venomous and venomous. Rattlesnakes, constrictors, and even an anaconda share space in Antigua Exotica.
On our first day, Andrea, our program manager, and Jacob, another Maximo Nivel member, accompanied us to our destination. We took the chicken bus by the park near where we were staying and the ride was only about 10 minutes. Once arrived, we were introduced to Danny, Oscar, and David. Andrea showed us around, her knowledge of the place not lacking as she told us about every reptile.
On the second day, we cleaned out two snake cages. While cleaning, two of us were able to handle the snakes and it was amazing. Seeing these snakes up close made them so majestic and my admiration for them increased.
Thursday, my family and I went with Danny to an extension of his refuge about 2 and 1/2 hours away. Here lived Sergio and his family who lived and took care of the day to day business. Within the 1 acre property lay turtles, iguanas, and 50 alligators and crocodiles.(all rescued) There is also an orchard filled with coconut trees(we got to try coconut and they were amazing), dragonfruits and more. At this extension, the elevation is only about 3000 feet, compared to Antigua's 5000, and we sure felt it. At the peak of the afternoon, it had to be at least 95 degrees Fahrenheit and the humidity was insane. But we cooled down at lunch with homemade lemonade. In addition, Sergio's wife made this delicious meat stew and man it was good!
While in Guatemala, we went on two tours. One to Iximchu, and one to a coffee plantation. Both were fabulous and I throughly enjoyed the trip. Looking out the window of the shuttle, I realized how lucky I was really was. Seeing Guatemala outside of the cities was quite life changing.
Visiting Guatemala and volunteering through Maximo Nivel changed my perspective on things and I hope to return one day. I truly admired what Danny is doing and his dedication to conservation. I wish him luck in the future.

-Andrew