Rafting!

On Tuesday, we had some class and then we went white water rafting!! I was actually on the fence about going since I was still very tired and felt like I should study for my Greek final which was on Wednesday, but I'm extremely glad I went. It was an extremely legit company; we got wetsuits, jackets and booties in addition to the life jackets and helmets. I was in a boat with 5 other girls and we had a great guide. The river wasn't particularly crazy, but the scenery was GORGEOUS. I was totally blown away. I didn't have my camera, but another girl had hers since it's waterproof so I'll try to add a picture or two. The river was in a valley formed by huge majestic mountains and at one point we went through this incredibly canyon. There was also a cave at one point on the side of the river, which jutted into the bank and the roof was mostly roots and dirt, which filtered water, so it "always rains" there, according to our guide. He told us to try the water, so I did. I hope I don't get giardia, but it was excellent water. In the canyon, there was another spot where we tried the water, but this was a small whole in the wall which seemed like a spigot. Leaning out of the boat and drinking the water was challenging, but satisfying.
The best part of the day, though, was when we pulled up on a shore halfway down the river and walked back up a stream to a waterfall in a small canyon (if you know Steve, I felt like I was living his life haha). Due to the shape of the canyon, the water was like a whirlpool and we all crowded in and were yelling and screaming with delight. The water was freezing, but this was one of the coolest things I've ever done. It reminded me of the waterfall that we hiked to in the Amazon in Ecuador. This one was cooler (in both senses of the word), but everyone enjoyed both waterfalls SO much :)

When we reached a calm part of the river, our guide told us we could go swimming. First, two of us jumped out, and then another, and another, and another. He started to help us back in and then we tried to help each other but none of us are that strong and our many failed attempts were absolutely hilarious. The boat with the camera was luckily nearby, so I believe they got some good pictures.

We finished soon after, and spent 45 minutes drying off in the sun at a small cafe randomly out in the middle of a mountain valley. There were also some historic buildings/bridges nearby, I think, which could account for its placement.