Oklahoma: Cast Biographies
Hyuny Song (Curly)
Curtains (Aaron Fox) . This is the first time Hyuny has a main role. He loves to act and sing, which is the main reason why he decided to join this musical. He hopes to increase his acting skills and learn more about drama productions by being involved in this way.
Andrea Del Castillo (Laurey)
Andrea started acting in 7th grade. Although it started as a hobby, it developed into a passion. Oklahoma is the fifth production she has worked on here at Colegio Maya. Others include, The Princess and The Princess (Twinkleberry), The Lost Half Hour (Stranger #2 and Assistant Director), In Facebook Wii Trust (Assistant to the Assistant Director), and Curtains (Niki Harris). Playing the role of Laurey Williams will not only allow her to develop a new character, but will also give her the chance to combine the two things she likes the most: singing and dancing.
Emma Yee Yick (Ado Annie)
Emma is very excited to be performing as Ado Annie for her last production here at Colegio Maya. While practicing for her role has been a challenge, she has had so much fun playing the lovely, promiscuous, and air-headed Annie. This is Emma’s fifth production at Maya, having previously been in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Titania), You Can’t Take it With You (Mrs. Kirby), In Facebook Wii Trust (Agent), and Curtains (Georgia). Closing her high school drama experience is bittersweet as it has played such an important role (get it) in her life; but with a play like Oklahoma, she hopes to go out with a bang.
Bruno Alves (Will Parker)
Curtains (Randy) and Oklahoma (Will Parker). Been interested in drama, both technical and acting, since 9th grade. Done technical production for the MS play of The Lost Half Hour, in charge of both lights and sound, and now, I'm very excited to present Oklahoma to everyone to enjoy.
Gerardo Cordova (Ali Hakim)
Wizard of Oz (Flying Monkey #3), Annie (policeman), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Mr. Salt-Veruca’s father), Oklahoma (Ali Hakim). I’ve recently moved from Peru and I really enjoy drama as a hobby.
Laura Aley (Aunt Eller)
Laura is starring as Aunt Eller in Oklahoma. Laura has also starred in the Wonderful Wizard of Oz as the Wicked Witch from the West. She loves to sing, act, and dance, and can’t wait for everyone to see the production of Oklahoma!
Jonathan Barney (Jud Fry)
Curtains (Lt. Cioffi), Singing in the Rain (Young Cosmo/ensemble), Sweet Charity (ensemble/small parts), Once on this Island (ensemble). His fifth musical so far, Jonathan Barney is excited to be part of a classic like Oklahoma (Jud Fry). He’s not actually so scary in real life.
Caio Alves (Andrew Carnes)
Oklahoma (Andrew Carnes). Caio has been interested in drama since 9th grade, both technical and on stage. He worked on technical aspects for the play The Lost Half Hour and played in the band last year for the musical, Curtains. He really enjoyed working on both of these and looks forwards to performing in Oklahoma.
Sydney Lykins (Gertie)
Sydney Lykins is incredibly excited to be playing Gertie in Oklahoma and is also happy to have taken on the role of Student Costume Manager for this show. She previously worked on costumes for Curtains and The Lost Half Hour at Colegio Maya, as well as Night Must Fall and Hairspray at Robinson Secondary School. She would like to thank her family, friends, and Ms. Lisa for the continuous support and hopes that you enjoy the show!
Paula Cintron (Dream Laurey/ choreographer)
Paula Cintron started dancing when she was 5 years old in the ballet academy called Unidanza. She participated in several ballet productions in that academy, including Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker, amongst others. At the beginning of 2011, she switched to Antonio Luissi Dance Academy, where she studied contemporary ballet and classical ballet directly under the tutery of Antonio Luissi. She has also received classes on latin dance like salsa, merengue, cumbia, and bachata. In 2013 she started practicing Flamenco with teacher Ana Isabel Reimers.
Lisa LoPresti (Director)
Lisa LoPresti was bitten by the acting bug way back in fifth grade when she got her first laugh! Due to her experience with community theatre, Lisa has done just about every job involved in the theatre from painting scenery to stage manager, producer, director, actor, and even running the spotlight (and more).
Lisa only started teaching drama full time (to both HS and MS) seven years ago. As an aficionado of musicals, she has directed seven of them over the years: The Fantasticks, Fame, Tarzan, All Shook Up, Makin' It, the Musical, Curtains, and now, Oklahoma. Lisa's most rewarding moment as a drama teacher is when a student she has coached suddenly lights up during a performance. Not only does it immediately bring her back to her own fifth grade experience, she knows that every minute of her hard work was worth the effort!
Eun Biy Ko (Production Assistant/ Student Stage Manager)
Always interested in drama, but too shy to go up on stage, Eun Biy has never really been part of a production. Last year, however, she had the opportunity to help out backstage for The Princess and The Princess while in Ms. Lisa’s Drama Production class. Eun Biy enjoyed this small experience and is excited to be given the opportunity to join Oklahoma as Production Assistant and Student Stage Manager.
Alejandro Arzu (Accompanist)
Alejandro was born in Guatemala on April 29th, 1999. He went to the American School of Guatemala for six years before leaving to live in Newport, Rhode Island for two years. In his years in Guatemala, his piano teacher, Consuelo Medinilla, taught him all the basics and prepared him for his life in the United States. His teacher in the U.S., Steve Erickson, was strict and advanced, and increased the quality of his technique before coming back to Guatemala and enrolling in Colegio Maya in 2012. Being his third year at Maya, this is the second musical he has contributed to (Curtains in 2013), and is excited to reveal Oklahoma to the community of Colegio Maya.
Curtains (Aaron Fox) . This is the first time Hyuny has a main role. He loves to act and sing, which is the main reason why he decided to join this musical. He hopes to increase his acting skills and learn more about drama productions by being involved in this way.
Andrea Del Castillo (Laurey)
Andrea started acting in 7th grade. Although it started as a hobby, it developed into a passion. Oklahoma is the fifth production she has worked on here at Colegio Maya. Others include, The Princess and The Princess (Twinkleberry), The Lost Half Hour (Stranger #2 and Assistant Director), In Facebook Wii Trust (Assistant to the Assistant Director), and Curtains (Niki Harris). Playing the role of Laurey Williams will not only allow her to develop a new character, but will also give her the chance to combine the two things she likes the most: singing and dancing.
Emma Yee Yick (Ado Annie)
Emma is very excited to be performing as Ado Annie for her last production here at Colegio Maya. While practicing for her role has been a challenge, she has had so much fun playing the lovely, promiscuous, and air-headed Annie. This is Emma’s fifth production at Maya, having previously been in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Titania), You Can’t Take it With You (Mrs. Kirby), In Facebook Wii Trust (Agent), and Curtains (Georgia). Closing her high school drama experience is bittersweet as it has played such an important role (get it) in her life; but with a play like Oklahoma, she hopes to go out with a bang.
Bruno Alves (Will Parker)
Curtains (Randy) and Oklahoma (Will Parker). Been interested in drama, both technical and acting, since 9th grade. Done technical production for the MS play of The Lost Half Hour, in charge of both lights and sound, and now, I'm very excited to present Oklahoma to everyone to enjoy.
Gerardo Cordova (Ali Hakim)
Wizard of Oz (Flying Monkey #3), Annie (policeman), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Mr. Salt-Veruca’s father), Oklahoma (Ali Hakim). I’ve recently moved from Peru and I really enjoy drama as a hobby.
Laura Aley (Aunt Eller)
Laura is starring as Aunt Eller in Oklahoma. Laura has also starred in the Wonderful Wizard of Oz as the Wicked Witch from the West. She loves to sing, act, and dance, and can’t wait for everyone to see the production of Oklahoma!
Jonathan Barney (Jud Fry)
Curtains (Lt. Cioffi), Singing in the Rain (Young Cosmo/ensemble), Sweet Charity (ensemble/small parts), Once on this Island (ensemble). His fifth musical so far, Jonathan Barney is excited to be part of a classic like Oklahoma (Jud Fry). He’s not actually so scary in real life.
Caio Alves (Andrew Carnes)
Oklahoma (Andrew Carnes). Caio has been interested in drama since 9th grade, both technical and on stage. He worked on technical aspects for the play The Lost Half Hour and played in the band last year for the musical, Curtains. He really enjoyed working on both of these and looks forwards to performing in Oklahoma.
Sydney Lykins (Gertie)
Sydney Lykins is incredibly excited to be playing Gertie in Oklahoma and is also happy to have taken on the role of Student Costume Manager for this show. She previously worked on costumes for Curtains and The Lost Half Hour at Colegio Maya, as well as Night Must Fall and Hairspray at Robinson Secondary School. She would like to thank her family, friends, and Ms. Lisa for the continuous support and hopes that you enjoy the show!
Paula Cintron (Dream Laurey/ choreographer)
Paula Cintron started dancing when she was 5 years old in the ballet academy called Unidanza. She participated in several ballet productions in that academy, including Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker, amongst others. At the beginning of 2011, she switched to Antonio Luissi Dance Academy, where she studied contemporary ballet and classical ballet directly under the tutery of Antonio Luissi. She has also received classes on latin dance like salsa, merengue, cumbia, and bachata. In 2013 she started practicing Flamenco with teacher Ana Isabel Reimers.
Lisa LoPresti (Director)
Lisa LoPresti was bitten by the acting bug way back in fifth grade when she got her first laugh! Due to her experience with community theatre, Lisa has done just about every job involved in the theatre from painting scenery to stage manager, producer, director, actor, and even running the spotlight (and more).
Lisa only started teaching drama full time (to both HS and MS) seven years ago. As an aficionado of musicals, she has directed seven of them over the years: The Fantasticks, Fame, Tarzan, All Shook Up, Makin' It, the Musical, Curtains, and now, Oklahoma. Lisa's most rewarding moment as a drama teacher is when a student she has coached suddenly lights up during a performance. Not only does it immediately bring her back to her own fifth grade experience, she knows that every minute of her hard work was worth the effort!
Eun Biy Ko (Production Assistant/ Student Stage Manager)
Always interested in drama, but too shy to go up on stage, Eun Biy has never really been part of a production. Last year, however, she had the opportunity to help out backstage for The Princess and The Princess while in Ms. Lisa’s Drama Production class. Eun Biy enjoyed this small experience and is excited to be given the opportunity to join Oklahoma as Production Assistant and Student Stage Manager.
Alejandro Arzu (Accompanist)
Alejandro was born in Guatemala on April 29th, 1999. He went to the American School of Guatemala for six years before leaving to live in Newport, Rhode Island for two years. In his years in Guatemala, his piano teacher, Consuelo Medinilla, taught him all the basics and prepared him for his life in the United States. His teacher in the U.S., Steve Erickson, was strict and advanced, and increased the quality of his technique before coming back to Guatemala and enrolling in Colegio Maya in 2012. Being his third year at Maya, this is the second musical he has contributed to (Curtains in 2013), and is excited to reveal Oklahoma to the community of Colegio Maya.
I Love To Read Month
by Shreeja Bhattacharjee
T’is that time of year again--when we celebrate books and our love of reading them! So far, the Maya community has read a whopping amount of books. However, at Maya, we constantly strive for more. As such, we have been presented a challenge and a reward. If we are able to read 10,000 books by the end of May, Mr. Hupp has graciously offered to shave his head. Anything from books checked from the library to books from your own personal library count. I know we are capable of achieving this task, so let’s get on it!
In the spirit of reading, the upper grades have been participating in DEAR time (also known as Drop Everything And Read time). This takes place usually from 9:00 to 9:20. So far, we have done this two times.
If you visit the library, you can see a visual representation of how much each grade has read. Hanging from the ceilings are different colored decorations. The number of decorations represents how much each grade has read and each grade is represented by a different color. Lastly, while you swing by the library, you can also go on a blind date with a book. Go to the library to find out more!
Here’s a link for more information about the reading books challenge:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1dx_DG3tajHICGUry8mo7dZtzi91W7EgxFoCEd4_RENk/viewform?c=0&w=1
In the spirit of reading, the upper grades have been participating in DEAR time (also known as Drop Everything And Read time). This takes place usually from 9:00 to 9:20. So far, we have done this two times.
If you visit the library, you can see a visual representation of how much each grade has read. Hanging from the ceilings are different colored decorations. The number of decorations represents how much each grade has read and each grade is represented by a different color. Lastly, while you swing by the library, you can also go on a blind date with a book. Go to the library to find out more!
Here’s a link for more information about the reading books challenge:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1dx_DG3tajHICGUry8mo7dZtzi91W7EgxFoCEd4_RENk/viewform?c=0&w=1
Black History Month
By Olivia Benecke
As most of you are aware, February is national Black History Month in the United States. The majority of us, this day in age, are so fortunate as to forget that there was a time when equality was but a dream. While we may feel ashamed of such a period, it deserves to be recognized, for how can we improve in the future if we have no knowledge of our mistakes in the past? Maya has been doing its part in remembrance every morning. The daily bulletin features brief historical excerpts and facts about history’s most important African American contributors and happenings. These people truly are some of the most remarkable in history: in the face of adversity, they persevered. Few have the ability to stand up after being kicked down time and time again. And so, this is a time to remember and admire their unparalleled courage and bravery. Had they not the audacity to speak out, it is quite probable that a dividing line would still be very present in the classrooms, on the streets, and in our minds. As a community that values diversity, Maya, especially, should be aware of the significance of equality and personal differences. Even though this past is far behind us, the names of the influential African Americans involved should never be forgotten, and forget them we will not.
Model United Nations 2015: CMUNCE
by Emma Yee Yick
The second week of January, the Model United Nations class headed up to Columbia University in the Big Apple for CMUNCE 2015. For those of you unfamiliar with MUN, I’ll give you a basic rundown. The United Nations is a supranational organization whose members come from 113 different countries around the globe. The UN concerns itself with a wide array of issues, from humanitarian action plans in places like Somalia and South Sudan to conflicts of war. Just as they tackle such a plethora of issues, so do we, at Model United Nations, hence the first word, “Model.” At CMUNCE, there were 36 different committees, all of which fell into the category of either historic, present, futuristic, or fantasy (Star Wars was indeed a committee). As you can imagine, the topics covered in these committees were each unique and distinct. While those on CITES argued over the protection of endangered flora, fauna, and animals, those on the Parliament of Catalunya debated the possibility of an independent Catalunya, and the benefits as well as the repercussions that would come along with it.
At Maya especially, many who have not been involved, believe MUN to be a “free pass to a trip.” But those in the class can most definitely vouch for how utterly false that statement is. Model United Nations is not for the weak at heart, the procrastinator, or the slacker. On the complete other side of the spectrum, I would (and maybe with a little bias) say that the members of the Model United Nations class are some of the most hard working students at Maya. During Winter Break, when most students had probably not thought about school in a long time, the Model UN’ers were knee deep in research and hard at work drafting, editing, and re-editing their position papers.
Six months of preparation finally paid off as we stepped onto Columbia’s, Morningside Heights Campus. Committee sessions wasted no time in getting started on Thursday night, and lasted till 10pm, as did the rest of the committee sessions over the span of the next three days that followed. For three days, we left our younger, high school selves behind at Columbia’s gates and transformed into our, alter-ego, professional, United Nations-selves; delegates who wouldn’t take no for an answer, who stood up for the rights of their country, defended their controversial actions, and who made ground-breaking decisions and resolutions for the betterment of the world.
At Maya especially, many who have not been involved, believe MUN to be a “free pass to a trip.” But those in the class can most definitely vouch for how utterly false that statement is. Model United Nations is not for the weak at heart, the procrastinator, or the slacker. On the complete other side of the spectrum, I would (and maybe with a little bias) say that the members of the Model United Nations class are some of the most hard working students at Maya. During Winter Break, when most students had probably not thought about school in a long time, the Model UN’ers were knee deep in research and hard at work drafting, editing, and re-editing their position papers.
Six months of preparation finally paid off as we stepped onto Columbia’s, Morningside Heights Campus. Committee sessions wasted no time in getting started on Thursday night, and lasted till 10pm, as did the rest of the committee sessions over the span of the next three days that followed. For three days, we left our younger, high school selves behind at Columbia’s gates and transformed into our, alter-ego, professional, United Nations-selves; delegates who wouldn’t take no for an answer, who stood up for the rights of their country, defended their controversial actions, and who made ground-breaking decisions and resolutions for the betterment of the world.
Music AASCA
by Eun Biy Ko
Last week, from January 21st to January 25th, ten students from our HS band and our music teacher, Ms. Becky, traveled to Copan, Honduras. These talented students play various instruments such as the flute, clarinet, trombone, and percussion. The 9th and 10th graders were enthusiastic about their trip, and they couldn’t wait to meet new people, learn new music, and share their music.
This is the basic rundown of their hectic but satisfactory schedule:
On Wednesday morning, the students gathered up at school to get on the bus and make their way to Honduras. Even though it was a long ride and they arrived later than expected, it was all forgotten when they arrived at the beautiful hotel. They played Ice Breaker games in order to get to know the students from the other schools. After the games, they dived right into practicing their music until late at night.
The practicing continued early Thursday morning, and it went through noon. Then, they gathered up for a small concert in which the schools played their songs and demonstrated their talents. Our HS band played the “Pink Panther.”
Since Music AASCA is all about mastering the songs for the final concert, the students got together once again early morning Friday. After long hours of playing their instruments, the students went to a museum that exhibited Mayan sites and temples. Later during the afternoon, they went to town to a café and ate dinner with students from other schools.
On Saturday, they spent most of their day practicing and mastering the songs for the concert. At night, they had a very successful final concert. The bands played “Fiesta Latina,” “Viva la Vida,” and “The Best of Glee”.
With bittersweet feelings the Colegio Maya students made their way back home on Sunday morning.
This is the basic rundown of their hectic but satisfactory schedule:
On Wednesday morning, the students gathered up at school to get on the bus and make their way to Honduras. Even though it was a long ride and they arrived later than expected, it was all forgotten when they arrived at the beautiful hotel. They played Ice Breaker games in order to get to know the students from the other schools. After the games, they dived right into practicing their music until late at night.
The practicing continued early Thursday morning, and it went through noon. Then, they gathered up for a small concert in which the schools played their songs and demonstrated their talents. Our HS band played the “Pink Panther.”
Since Music AASCA is all about mastering the songs for the final concert, the students got together once again early morning Friday. After long hours of playing their instruments, the students went to a museum that exhibited Mayan sites and temples. Later during the afternoon, they went to town to a café and ate dinner with students from other schools.
On Saturday, they spent most of their day practicing and mastering the songs for the concert. At night, they had a very successful final concert. The bands played “Fiesta Latina,” “Viva la Vida,” and “The Best of Glee”.
With bittersweet feelings the Colegio Maya students made their way back home on Sunday morning.
Peace Day
by Eun Biy Ko
The International Day of Peace, a day in which all nations come together to celebrate and enforce the ideals of peace, is celebrated around the world on September 21st. This day is, of course, celebrated at Colegio Maya as well. This year, the Model United Nations (MUN) class got together to acknowledge and celebrate this day--most commonly known as ‘Peace Day’ by the Maya community. The members of MUN started by selling ‘peace bracelets’ and asking the students and teachers to write out peace messages on a puzzle piece, which was later collected and put together to form a heart.
On Monday morning, there was an assembly in which the MUN students gave speeches that mentioned the topics of the background information of the International Day of Peace, the definition of peace, great peace advocator Nelson Mandela, etc. A video was shown in which the Maya community defined peace in their own words. The MUN class also led the audience to sing “What a Wonderful World” and taught them a fun dance. The highlight of the day goes to the sky lanterns filled with peace messages that were released in front of the school. Teachers and students alike enjoyed watching the sky lanterns float up.
Even though it was a short and sweet assembly, the Maya community came together as a whole in order to share one common thought: peace. Through this day we learned that being caring and harmonious is not only reserved for September 21st, but peace should be at our side wherever and whenever.
On Monday morning, there was an assembly in which the MUN students gave speeches that mentioned the topics of the background information of the International Day of Peace, the definition of peace, great peace advocator Nelson Mandela, etc. A video was shown in which the Maya community defined peace in their own words. The MUN class also led the audience to sing “What a Wonderful World” and taught them a fun dance. The highlight of the day goes to the sky lanterns filled with peace messages that were released in front of the school. Teachers and students alike enjoyed watching the sky lanterns float up.
Even though it was a short and sweet assembly, the Maya community came together as a whole in order to share one common thought: peace. Through this day we learned that being caring and harmonious is not only reserved for September 21st, but peace should be at our side wherever and whenever.
NJHS/NHS Induction Ceremony
by Olivia Benecke
On September 11th, what would normally be considered a sad occasion, the National Honors Society and the National Junior Honors Society of Colegio Maya came together in order to welcome new members with open arms. The ceremony took place that night in PAFA,which was beautifully decorated by present members. As is tradition, officers and current members reminded those in the audience of the criteria one must meet to become a member. This was followed by a candle-lighting ceremony. A fairly large crowd attended the event, as both organizations have more members than in years past. All are excited at the potential such a large group holds, and hope to make an even bigger difference within the Maya community. President Becky Contreras and Vice President Abbey Minondo have wasted no time in tackling the problem areas. Because of the surplus of members, leaders felt that it would be best if the group was divided into committees.More attention is being given to complex projects that would normally be planned in a few days. Christmas baskets, bake sales, Miles for Smiles...you name it, there’s a devoted team of students already organizing it. Stay tuned; plans are ambitious.
Senior Retreat
(As told by Shreeja Bhattacharjee)
The senior class went on a trip to Coban from September 5th to 7th. Together, the senior class bonded and experienced many activities. Initially, as I walked into the hotel, I was sure I would not enjoy it. Not because I didn’t like the hotel or my class, but because there was a bit too much of Mother Nature. And by a bit too much, I mean I might prefer to take 4 SAT exams in a row than spend time with Mother Nature. Mother Nature, often better known under her disguise of vibrant flowers and beautiful scenery, is in reality very different. I knew the truth. It wasn’t flowers; it was pollen to enter my nose and make me sneeze. It wasn’t lovely mountains; it was a muddy path for me to slip on. In any case, the whole nature thing wasn’t working for me. I’m pretty sure it doubled my stress levels.
And I’m not going to lie, nothing is ever going to make me love Mother Nature. I consider it a genetic thing. Since the wee days of the beginnings of the Bhattacharjee family, Mother Nature has cursed us. It is practically an unwritten rule that any member of the Bhattacharjee family will lose to nature (in this case, I lost my glasses). However, if I am going to mention what I didn’t like, I need to mention the points that I enjoyed. In my case, the actual activities and bonding were the highlights of the trip. We got to go zip lining, which was scary, but fun. It was enthralling and heart pumping to feel that wind against my skin as I gazed down at vast (and slightly intimidating) scenery. I especially like zip lining as this is when I like nature the most- observing it from a relatively close (but not too close) distance. I also got to swim in a 8 meter emerald green pool. *Some advice from me—do NOT bring anything that could fall in anywhere near it. Other than the risk of losing objects to The Pool, it really is very beautiful. Some other activities included hiking to different places, taking a mud bath, and relaxing in the infinity pool. My personal favorite was the infinity pool- you sit on a floatie (is this the proper term) and do nothing but gossip with friends. Until of course, your foot hits a tree, you panic, and fall off the float and into the water (this totally did not happen to me or anything). Fortunately, the infinity pool is shallow in depth and if you go with friends, it’s a great time to bond over trying to avoid hitting the trees on the side of the pool (it takes great team work to not collide into the trees on the sides). Finally, I have come to the conclusion that nothing makes people bond more than mutual fear of something—in this case simple things like frogs and fish... or a tree touching your foot.
One of my favorite quotes applies here: “The good things don't always soften the bad things, but vice versa, the bad things don't always spoil the good things and make them unimportant.” I wasn’t going to hate nature less, but in no way did that mean that nature ruined all the good moments I had. So I was happy to learn that I didn’t hate the trip. I only mildly disliked it (which is my grudging way of saying I actually enjoyed it).
And I’m not going to lie, nothing is ever going to make me love Mother Nature. I consider it a genetic thing. Since the wee days of the beginnings of the Bhattacharjee family, Mother Nature has cursed us. It is practically an unwritten rule that any member of the Bhattacharjee family will lose to nature (in this case, I lost my glasses). However, if I am going to mention what I didn’t like, I need to mention the points that I enjoyed. In my case, the actual activities and bonding were the highlights of the trip. We got to go zip lining, which was scary, but fun. It was enthralling and heart pumping to feel that wind against my skin as I gazed down at vast (and slightly intimidating) scenery. I especially like zip lining as this is when I like nature the most- observing it from a relatively close (but not too close) distance. I also got to swim in a 8 meter emerald green pool. *Some advice from me—do NOT bring anything that could fall in anywhere near it. Other than the risk of losing objects to The Pool, it really is very beautiful. Some other activities included hiking to different places, taking a mud bath, and relaxing in the infinity pool. My personal favorite was the infinity pool- you sit on a floatie (is this the proper term) and do nothing but gossip with friends. Until of course, your foot hits a tree, you panic, and fall off the float and into the water (this totally did not happen to me or anything). Fortunately, the infinity pool is shallow in depth and if you go with friends, it’s a great time to bond over trying to avoid hitting the trees on the side of the pool (it takes great team work to not collide into the trees on the sides). Finally, I have come to the conclusion that nothing makes people bond more than mutual fear of something—in this case simple things like frogs and fish... or a tree touching your foot.
One of my favorite quotes applies here: “The good things don't always soften the bad things, but vice versa, the bad things don't always spoil the good things and make them unimportant.” I wasn’t going to hate nature less, but in no way did that mean that nature ruined all the good moments I had. So I was happy to learn that I didn’t hate the trip. I only mildly disliked it (which is my grudging way of saying I actually enjoyed it).