hello from guatemala
Jun 18th, 2009 by lesley
Hello Mark!
Big Sis here in Antigua, Guatemala. Arrived late last Friday night in Guatemala City after three flights (Syd - LA - Mexico City - Guatemala City). Thankfully no missed connections or lost luggage. And no jet-lag! The A380 from Sydney was quite good. Not much leg room but the on-demand entertainment and food made up for the lack of stretch space. Jane and Jo picked me up at the airport and I stayed at Jo’s place the first night. Next day was Jo’s civil wedding ceremony held at the groom’s parent’s home. Everyone was very welcoming. Drove to Antigua that night. We are staying in an amazing house in a gated secure estate so safety isn’t an issue. Mooched around town on Sunday. Antigua is lovely - cobblestone streets and lots of atmosphere. Most of the buildings are single storey and each one is a different colour - yellow, blue, green, red, orange. There are people everywhere, but not too much traffic. Traffic-police work the busiest intersections. Most people get around on foot or bicycles. There are tuk-tuks (mini-taxis) and huge American style school buses for the brave. The town is small enough so that walking is OK. Food is quite inexpensive. Meals are about $US6. Banking and exchanging money is easy, although I’m still getting used to the security guards at each bank, in full uniform complete with a semi-automatic slung casually over their shoulder. (Something for the CBA to consider as part of a complete customer service?) Monday I visited a coffee farm and a museum of Mayan musical instruments and history. Very interesting. Tuesday I climbed the volcano - Pacaya. A 5.30am start, 2 hour drive and a 2 hour steady climb to the lava. Now I know what hot means! But well worth the effort. Today I’ll probably wander around town a bit more. Not intending to do a great deal. Happy to sit and read a book. The church wedding is on Sunday, and Tom and I fly out for Washington the next day. Hope you are all well. Give my love to everyone.
love from Lesley