Guatamala, not just another pretty flag!
After 3 days of frenzied last-minute togetherness with my Viking we have finally parted ways, permanently. I feel kinda releived as men really are a lot of work and quite time consuming on top of it. However it was loverly while it lasted.
I have found my way into Guatemala without undue mayham and have promptly decided that it is my favorite country so far. Simply beautiful and beautiful and simple. Honest. Raw. Basic. Gorgeous.
I have also discovered the most beauteous strech of highway in existance. 'The Hummingbird Highway' and most notably the stretch from Placencia to Dangriga is one big panoramic postcard for the whole 90 minute trip. It certainly beat any in-flight movie I have ever had to sit through.
So the past three days have been spent in Flores, an improbable city perched on an island (read- really big hill) in the middle of a lake. It is VERY small and has 2 streets that go around the island in a circle and a lotta streets leading up to the top, like spokes in a wheel. And on top of this island, in the town center, is a basketball\soccer court. Without walls or a net. So every time some gets too enthusiastic with a kick or bounce the ball goes bounding off down the hill and through the streets and eventually into the water. I tried to watch a local soccer game last night and it took like 3 HOURS! Not much else to do here though so it all works out in the end.
Tikal is just 1 hour from here though. This is the most amazing Maya Complex ever disovered. Gargantuan and lightly excavated with many trails through thick jungle to get from sight to sight, the whole experience makes one feel like a star in a Speilberg Movie. Give me a whip and I am Indiana Jones. And Howler Monkeys. Lotsa Howler Monkeys. This gives the 'set' the proper sound effects and atmosphere. But luckily no bugs.
Tonight, in 2 hours, I leave for Antigua where I begin my next great adventure. And Spanish Lessons.
I have found my way into Guatemala without undue mayham and have promptly decided that it is my favorite country so far. Simply beautiful and beautiful and simple. Honest. Raw. Basic. Gorgeous.
I have also discovered the most beauteous strech of highway in existance. 'The Hummingbird Highway' and most notably the stretch from Placencia to Dangriga is one big panoramic postcard for the whole 90 minute trip. It certainly beat any in-flight movie I have ever had to sit through.
So the past three days have been spent in Flores, an improbable city perched on an island (read- really big hill) in the middle of a lake. It is VERY small and has 2 streets that go around the island in a circle and a lotta streets leading up to the top, like spokes in a wheel. And on top of this island, in the town center, is a basketball\soccer court. Without walls or a net. So every time some gets too enthusiastic with a kick or bounce the ball goes bounding off down the hill and through the streets and eventually into the water. I tried to watch a local soccer game last night and it took like 3 HOURS! Not much else to do here though so it all works out in the end.
Tikal is just 1 hour from here though. This is the most amazing Maya Complex ever disovered. Gargantuan and lightly excavated with many trails through thick jungle to get from sight to sight, the whole experience makes one feel like a star in a Speilberg Movie. Give me a whip and I am Indiana Jones. And Howler Monkeys. Lotsa Howler Monkeys. This gives the 'set' the proper sound effects and atmosphere. But luckily no bugs.
Tonight, in 2 hours, I leave for Antigua where I begin my next great adventure. And Spanish Lessons.