We arrived safely on three separate flights into Guatemala City (GC). The ATC crew picked us up and we headed to Antigua. While driving in GC, we were mesmerized by the colorful traditional dresses of the women at the airport, the heavy traffic, the chicken buses, the number of motorcycles driving between the lanes, the heavy exhaust of the stop & go traffic, and the available American food chains, including Chucky Cheese and Taco Bell. As we finally ascended out of GC towards our destination of Antigua, we noticed the shanties built with corrugated steel sheets with the beautiful back drop of the mountains. Many of us caught a little shuteye during this hour+ commute.
The cobble stone streets immediately awaken us to entering Antigua. Most of the buildings in this ancient tourist city are one story due to the history of earth quakes. Ruben got us unloaded, and Nate & Corin got us checked in at El Hostal, a very quaint accommodation. We are all staying in a 5 bunkbed room. The common area is open to the outdoors and the girls quickly spied the wifi access code :-).
After dewatering our bodies, we headed out for a late lunch at Rincon Tipico, where we ate a tradition meal of pollo (chicken) or chorizo, whole roasted baby potatoes, a slaw with cabbage & cucumbers, flour tortillas and hibiscus tea. Our tummies were full! Then, we headed out to explore, mix, mingle, and experience the local markets.
After a couple hours and a tasty ice cream treat for some, we headed back to the hostel to kick up our feet after a long travel day. The gals played a card game together for a bit. Later, a couple took advantage of reading in the hammock in the common area. We also ordered our breakfast for the next morning (7 options), and then settled in for the evening, showering reading, writing, emailing, texting and at least one still working on a proposal for work. As I write this entry, most of us are already sleep, but we are being serenaded by mellow live Guatemalan music from Cafe No Se across the street (our room is at the front of the hostel).
A good start to the trip for all us as I sign off and say "Good night" and we all look forward to learning more about our surroundings tomorrow. I'll add in a few pictures from today soon!
The cobble stone streets immediately awaken us to entering Antigua. Most of the buildings in this ancient tourist city are one story due to the history of earth quakes. Ruben got us unloaded, and Nate & Corin got us checked in at El Hostal, a very quaint accommodation. We are all staying in a 5 bunkbed room. The common area is open to the outdoors and the girls quickly spied the wifi access code :-).
After dewatering our bodies, we headed out for a late lunch at Rincon Tipico, where we ate a tradition meal of pollo (chicken) or chorizo, whole roasted baby potatoes, a slaw with cabbage & cucumbers, flour tortillas and hibiscus tea. Our tummies were full! Then, we headed out to explore, mix, mingle, and experience the local markets.
After a couple hours and a tasty ice cream treat for some, we headed back to the hostel to kick up our feet after a long travel day. The gals played a card game together for a bit. Later, a couple took advantage of reading in the hammock in the common area. We also ordered our breakfast for the next morning (7 options), and then settled in for the evening, showering reading, writing, emailing, texting and at least one still working on a proposal for work. As I write this entry, most of us are already sleep, but we are being serenaded by mellow live Guatemalan music from Cafe No Se across the street (our room is at the front of the hostel).
A good start to the trip for all us as I sign off and say "Good night" and we all look forward to learning more about our surroundings tomorrow. I'll add in a few pictures from today soon!
Ellen,
ReplyDeleteSuch an exciting adventure! Love the colorful blog! Pictures, please! Aunt Mardi
Ellen, Uncle Mark here. Enjoy the adventure!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the adventure!
ReplyDelete