Journey to the Summit This journal records progress to my first goal, a long time desire to learn, converse & dream in Spanish and a 2nd goal continue training in Guatemala for my future summit of Mt. Rainier, Washington.

Semana Santa is the name of the week prior to what most of us know as Easter Sunday. It is the second biggest holiday of the year after ¡Feliz Navidad! It is marked by the sharing of bread of all kinds between neighbors and relatives so there is more bread to be eaten than anyone wants. On the serious side processions of andas (shoulder carried "floats") depicting the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. I saw my first procession on Tuesday morning. The evening of Thursday 24-30 young boys shouldered a heavy anda of Jesus carrying the Cross. They slowly worked their way around the Parque Central shifted side to side and forward. They were followed by an anda of Mother Mary shoulder by 20 or more young girls. The symbolism of the shouldering of this burden was moving to observe. Each of these young people carried in their other hand a metal pole with a u-shaped top to support the anda as new girls rotated under the platform. These change in people happens quite often during the long processions from one's church to pass in front of the Cathedral and then return to one's church.