Going to a volcano sounds so awesome doesn't it?
As a science teacher, I jumped at the opportunity to go INSIDE and swim in the hot springs. The only catch is you had to ride a horse with a guide to get there. That was fine with me. I like horses!
We get to the island and I find out the volcano is STILL ACTIVE. HOW AWESOME!!! I am so excited!
We get off the boat and meet some lovely locals who have horses. We find out there that we all get an individual guide instead of a group guide.
I am the first to hop on a horse and get in line. My guide is leisurely walking, leading the horse along the path. We are starting to move away from the group, but I don't fret. I am just taking in the scenery.
Out of nowhere my guides hops on the back of the horse, kicks the horse, and we take off… in full sprint. And we stayed in full sprint about 80% of the time.
Now, I'm no professional horse rider. I may have ridden horses a couple of times, but that was in middle school. I have no galloping experience.
I have my purse in my lap, camera around my neck, trying to hold onto both, while also trying to hold onto the tiny nub on the saddle.
I looked like I was having a seizure.
As I am bouncing all over the place and laughing hysterically, I remember that the guide is behind me on the horse. Not only is he behind me, but he is WAY too close to me.
Like so close I can feel him breath.
While we are at 80% full speed galloping.
…………
Yes. Exactly what you just thought. Ew.
We them stopped and waiting on everyone else.
Anyway..
We get to the "hot springs" and it ends up being a lake….
We made the best of it, and I got thrown in. Come to find out we were in the middle of the crater where eruptions actually happen! So I swam in the middle of a volcano.
Joy seems to be coming up a lot. Even in the midst of a very uncomfortable situation the people I was with reminded me to choose joy. I am so thankful for the people here on VSquad!
