3 Aussies

Been traveling the past 48 hours with 3 Aussies I met in Tikal. They were in my tour group of Tikal and didn't realize that the transportation cost to get to Tikal didn't include the park's entrance fee. I had heard many stories from others that confused this as well. They sheepishly turned to me and asked if I had 150 Quetzales and I gladly gave it to them. They have been fun to travel with and they will leave for Lake Atitlan today - I've already been and told them I'd be staying here in Antigua. They are planning to return tomorrow evening and might see them again. Heading to have lunch with them now before they leave. Glad I wrote this blog, it reminded me that I need to get a picture of them before they leave...

to Tikal and Back!

I took a risk by taking a bus to Tikal - a 9 hour bus ride - but it turned out all right. On the way there, I got to know two doctors who just finished med school and they made the trip much more enjoyable. During my tour of Tikal, I met 3 aussies who I ended up returning to Antigua with...as you probably know, if you are backpacking, you have to make an effort NOT to meet people because its bound to happen, your going to make friends and travel companions.

Tikal was absolutely amazing! The pictures do not do it justice...Never experienced anything like it. The pics of Tikal I'll post later, but here's one of my hike to the cross outside Antigua - beautiful view.

Happy 4th to everyone up north!

Tikal, here I come!

Taking a bus to Tikal tomorrow. Planning to stay at Los Amigos Hostel, but they don't take reservations. I hope to get in and then get a ride to the ruins, which I don't think will be a problem at all. The bus ride is the most concerning part - it's only $35, but 9hours long. We'll see how this one goes. Fingers crossed...As Jacqueline can tell you, I can't make it 1 hour on a trip without having to go to the bathroom. I was in tears and about to loose control of bodily functions on the way back from Panajachel when I found out we weren't stopping for a bathroom break. I have never been in so much bladder pain, seriously. Well, here it goes, tomorrow at 7:30a I'll be boarding a bus which I made sure has a bathroom in the back. Yes, some adventures I'm not willing to go on. Oh, did I mention it has A/C? Yes, yes, traveling adventures have changed a lot in the past 10 years. No more sleeping on park benches...

Tale de Tres Villages

Arrived in Panajachel on Saturday and it's been raining off and on the entire time. It hasn't stopped us though, we made it across Lake Atitlan today splitting our time between San Pedro and Santiago. Amazingly enough, it only cost $5 more taking a private boat, so we took it - oh, and it was the only thing offered today. It was nice to wander the streets and feel like the only gringos around. Especially in San Pedro, I only saw 2 others while I bought socks at the market. The socks were next to the turkeys, chickens and eggs. I felt like socks were the more practical buy! Still loving Guatemala...

Day in Chichi!!!

Took a shuttle to ChiChi(castenago) today to see the market and it was quite the experience. The first treat was the fact the rain stopped for most of the day. We walked around the market, for what Chichi is famous for, and took in the experience. It's one of the largest markets where they appeal to the foreigners while also sale produce, livestock, and other basic necessities. The church in the midst of the market was a mix (as many of them are) between Myan and Catholic traditions quite a site. No pictures allowed. Ran into the Lehs and Brooks while having dinner at the Church de Saint Thomas.

So, the roughest part of this trip has been traveling between village to village. The exhaust becomes a bit much to deal with... seriously, stopping in town or following a chicken bus up the winding mountain road, I feel like I'm going to loose my lunch every time. So far, hasn't happened...thank goodness! A lot can be said for fresh air. ahh

Guatemala Part 2

Submitted by: Steven Erhart

(pic is not one taken by our group)

We officially completed the 'Mission' part of our time in Guatemala. Some have returned home (Kirsten, Steve, Todd, and Greg), and others will leave tomorrow and later this week. Today, I said goodbye to Todd and Greg who rode together to the airport and have enjoyed a lazy day at the hotel which included a short stint to a nearby coffee shop here in Antigua. It's hard to believe the week has flown by so fast and I still haven't wrapped my mind around all that has happened over the past 6 days. I do know, speaking for myself, this trip was a life altering event as all trips like this have been. I hope to catch up on my blogging over the next few days and put some words to these experiences. My free time has been spent collecting photos and blogs from others in the group and I have neglected my own 'blogging.'

For now, I know I'd be extremely sad if I knew this was my last day in Antigua. I am looking forward to spending some more time getting to know this amazing city. I will be leaving today and heading to Lake Atitlan with Jacqueline and then back to Antigua which will also include a short flight to Tikal next weekend.

Volcanoes, Mufflers, and other explosions...

I spent Friday, my day off, touring the local coffee plantation and walking around town. The volcano was quite active today as we toured the plantation. Afterward, I walked around the city with Todd and had lunch on a restaurant patio. Walking the streets of Antigua, the back firing of the mufflers can be a bit unnerving at first and they also seemed overly active today. We were told those noises were fire crackers, but I must have jumped 10 feet when a car drove by and it occurred once again - pretty sure those noises are coming from vehicles. The volcano, the mufflers, and food are nothing unusual here except for one last thing. What sets this day apart are the noises coming from my stomach. I spent most of this day ill and I won't go into much detail since the title of this blog probably says it all!!!