Jan 28, 2013 - Last two days to see it

The convent of the Capuchine has to be the experience of Guatemala. The building was completed in 1743 and was abandoned after the earthquake of 1773(date) It was designed by a local man who only built interesting thins. It is not to anything like the scale of European churches and Christopher Wren but it has features and simple elegance that make it a stick in your head once visited. The church, now a relic is used on special occasions, weddings etc. The grounds cover an enormous area as the place was designed to support around 125...

Jan 27, 2013 - Coffee is the Guatemalan Lifeblood

We were picked up in the main plaza, a little late, as usual and after buying street jewellry from the locals we boarded an army jeep and drove up the mountain to the Filadelfia ( spelling) 700 acre plantation. { 250 acres of plants}. Our guide, Joshua, KNEW coffee. He has lived with it in his family and he believes it will remain with him and his family as their means for the for seeable future. "Guatemala is coffee." The nursery picture with him shows the years planting, both replacement for old plants and those for expansion. Each plant...

Jan 26, 2013 - Antigua

Guatemala City is in the rear view mirror. Three million people, an estimate, and chaos everywhere. The police patrol the roadsides to pick up those who are not going to be here for another day We drove over the mountains to the small but important Mayan centre, Antigua. Cobblestone streets control the traffic speeds, the roads are so rough cars are forced to travel at reasonable speed. No traffic lights and no particular regulation though our guide indicated that one should assume the cars have the right of way! Typically no set backs for...

Jan 11, 2013 - Guatemala Journey Begins

Well it's back on the road. Spin the dial and Guatemala it is. No defined plans but we will see what we like and stay, or move on if the place is not nice. Our friends Rosemary and Jorge the chauffeur drove us to San Antonio from where we flew to Mexico City and spent a night at an airport hotel. Next morning flew to Guatemala City, where we'll stay for a few days to 'get our feet on the ground', and plan the next destination. Guatemala City is the national capital and has about 1.2 million population. Stayed at a nice small hotel near the...

Jan 6, 2013 - Guatemala City, Guatemala

Sat 5th Jan ..Andy and Stacey drove me to the airport at 530 am. Plane left on time. Business class not so great ..you just get extra leg room and bigger seats , board first and go through security in a special line ,baggage is priority so comes out first.........so i guess it makes the flight a little easier. Mind you , you do get free drinks. Ok so made it to Guatemala city last night after long journey..5 hours wait at Houston airport but not so bad when I realized I was travelling business class and could use the United lounge...few...

Dec 15, 2012 - One Night Stand

Just arrived in Guatemala. Staying in Guatemala city for the night then heading over to Xela(pronounced Shey la) in the morning via 4 hour bus ride. At the airport, this lady tried to sell me a cell phone ship for madd money....lol...damm people just cos the man is new to the country don't mean he ain't got street smarts....lls. I really thought Internet access will be shitty here so I left my laptop back home. They got wifi - blew my mind. Just because wifi is hard to come by in Ghana. I'm gonna then eat some food then try to figure out...

Apr 14, 2011 - well the gentlemen and the ladies can be as rude as they like in the jungle or on the beaches

Sitting in the Spirit Airlines terminal at Fort Lauderdale International Airport..there was the enjoyable sound of folk from ther Caribbean...Montega Bay Jamaica, or Haitians Guatemalans awaiting their flights the crescendo of voices dialects awaiting their transport of delight and there was I a thorn between the roses.... There seem to be an awful lot of security guards not just at banks but also shopping malls as one person mentioned in a complaints forum :Wendys Restaurant in Guatemala City Complaints - We got Shot by a security guard in...

Nov 26, 2010 - The mourning of the adventure hat

I thought I would share with you all my great sadness... ...my amazing red adventure hat..yes that awesome one that I found on a beach in Canada...has....well..gone on to a place for more adventures :-( We parted ways somewhere on a bus/boat/truck in Guatemala and I'd like to wish him and his new owner, who ever it may be, best of luck for all the new adventures they'll be going on. Have fun, your shade will be sorely missed :-)

Nov 15, 2010 - Guatemala

Still travelling with our American bodyguard, although he could potentially get us into more trouble. We spent a couple of days in Antigua exploring the city, climbing volcanoes and witnessed the day of the dead ceremony. This is a huge event in cemeteries with massive kites, drinking, lots of eating and general partying on top of graves. Who knew a tomb was a great place for a picnic! We ventured to lago de Atilan, which is a picturesque lake. It was supposed to be two bus journeys away, 4 buses, a truck and a boat ride later we were in...

Sep 27, 2010 - Spa

a treat for our tired bodies! Tiffany and I have the good fortune of staying directly across the street from a Hotel with a swimming pool and spa service. Because it is not Central Antigua the prices are about half, so we decide to go for it! A magic stone massage, facial, manicure for Tiffany and a pedicure for me. Our appointment is at 6:30pm Spanish classes end at 5:00pm. After Spanish classes we wait for Carlos who will be our tour guide to Tikal as we have agreed on a price. I tried to get a quick email out to Steve but the internet is...

Sep 22, 2010 - I am humbled

Today was very hard for me. Tiffany and I had the kindergarten class pretty much to ourselves today. The teacher gave me the children's coloring pages to hand out, which were signed on the back with their name, signed by the them. Of course I don't know the children's names and who can read a 5 year olds hand writing. We got through it they love to help me. The children mostly do rote learning. Some of the children are way ahead of the others. The ones behind do not win any prizes. I had tears today as a little boy tried to concentrate on...

Sep 22, 2010 - Guatemala City (2) - Guatemala

September 21, 2010 Two hours. Two hours is the wait time for an MRI. It cost Q.5000 or $625. I am waiting at an Applebee’s. It`s the first time I have been in one and it`s exactly how I pictured it. Nascar crazy. Taladega Nights. I will come back tomorrow to pick up the disk I am staying in Zona 10 for USD$35.00/night. It cost Q.40 to get from the hotel to TechiScan. I would like to get glasses today but it`s pouring rain again I have to leave Guatemala as soon as possible. I am just going into Honduras to see the ruins of Copan and that is...