Facing Fears

From the moment we arrived in El Remate, Guatemala, Lake Peten became the star of our show.

The lake, with its calm turquoise waters has been the source of an important transformation for both me and Zill.

When we first arrived, it was a source of beauty but also of apprehension.

The translucent water promised serenity, but the thought of crocodiles lurking below made my heart race. Enter Angela, a fellow traveler turned friend, who claimed the lake had turned her into a swimmer. Her transformation story, along with a nudge from my friend Orr—who celebrated my newfound bravery with insects—convinced me to dive in.

The first plunge was a cocktail of thrill and apprehension. But Angela's story and Orr's encouragement echoed in my mind, helping me breathe through my fears. I reminded myself that these waters are a local hangout, making a crocodile appearance unlikely.

Now, let's talk about Zill, our fur-baby. Initially, he was as keen on swimming as a cat is on a bath. But then his love for hotdogs prevailed. A few floating sausages later, and voila! Zill turned into a professional swimmer with paws.

Glen, my daily motivator, made sure we didn't miss our twice-daily lake rendezvous. His enthusiasm was infectious, turning our lake visits into non-negotiable appointments.

It's surprising how much trust I've developed in the waters of Lake Peten. I can't say I'm entirely at ease; the word "crocodile" still sends a chill down my spine. But I've learned to breathe through my fears, reminding myself that these waters are frequented by locals and travelers alike, reducing the likelihood of a dangerous encounter.

So here we are, soaking up the magic of Lake Peten, surrounded by the kindness of locals like Vilma. The lake has become more than just a body of water; it's a mirror reflecting our own transformations. It's taught me a bit further to face my fears and to find joy in the simple act of swimming. And as I share this journey with all of you, I realize the real magic isn't just in the lake—it's in the connections and transformation along the way.

~ Genevieve