thefouramigosblog

The first leg of our travels began in the wee hours before dawn.  I woke to the first jingle of our melodious alarm clock in great anticipation of the journey ahead.  Our friend Joe arrived at 6:15 to take us to the airport.  I was surprised to see that even at that early hour the highway was quite crowded.  But no worries.  We made it to the airport in plenty of time.

After a quick change of planes in Atlanta, we were on our way to the  great Northwest.  Gazing out the window, the mountain ranges were already dotted white as snow had fallen in the higher elevations.   Trekking through the airport was quite difficult.  Since Bruce was not supposed to be lifting more than 10 lbs.  I worried that he might hurt himself with our carry on luggage.

With a little bit of effort, we made it to the the rental car office where we picked up a mini van.  Yes, a mini van.  We needed the space for luggage for four people.  While Bruce and I waited for Linda and Stan to arrive, we ate some pastries and I had a cup of coffee.  I needed an energy boost.

Yay they finally arrived and vacation begins. It was a scenic drive to Fox Island.

We missed a few turns and had to make a turnaround or two but we finally found Fox Island.  Riding the long curving roads to Fox Island and looking at the trees and waterviews, are reminiscent of the holidays we have taken at Acadia.

We arrived at Jeff and Ivette’s home early enough to sit out on their deck overlooking Puget Sound. They have a lovely home that was quite welcoming and the cutest golden doodle that actually rings a bell when she needs to go potty.  Jeff and Ivette prepared a delicious dinner.  Great food, wonderful hosts, fun times.  It was great seeing Jeff again, who I haven’t seen in over 10 years and it was a pleasure to meet Ivette.

The Northwest is beautiful!

 

 

It was a very busy week taking Spanish lessons every day and several days we had two hours of homework.  Carmen was an excellent teacher and I think our Spanish improved greatly.  It was challenging and most days we were pretty tired.

On Wednesday we went for a walk, and had lunch at Senor Pepian.  I had a vegetarian platter which was 30 quetzales, roughly $4 and Bruce had pepian, a traditional Guatemalan dish.  We ordered green iced tea.  The entire meal was less than $15 for the two of us.

On Thursday we did our homework our session with Carmen and then we went to Healing Hands for a massage.  Later we met some friends for coffee.  In the evening we had dinner with our friend Mark, and a woman named Julie who has returned to Antigua after being gone a year.  We ate at Michu’s and Bruce has tuna carpaccio which he had their when we first came to Antigua.  I had fried shrimp.  Julie had fish and Mark had a burger because he said they have the best ones in Antigua.

Friday was our last day of Spanish class.  Yea, no more homework.  Bruce and I went to the supermarket for a few things.  We certainly didn’t want any chickens or bunnies.

It really was sad today thinking this was our last Saturday in Antigua.  We went to Caoba Farms this morning for some veggies.  We met our new neighbors and told them about the organic farm.  Bruce and I had breakfast there and ordered the pancakes with macadamia nuts and bananas.  Very delicious.  After our breakfast we checked out the vendors.  Unfortunately, the ugly tomatoes are now out of season so we had to get some romas.  They are not as good but still pretty tasty.  We saw Deet and a few other people we know.  This is definitely a ex-pat hangout on Saturday morning.

It was a really warm, humid day today and for some reason I was finding my energy level down.  The crowds are becoming quite overwhelming and I am glad we will not be here for Holy Week.  They estimate a million people come to Antigua during this time.  Not good for me since I do have an aversion to crowds.  So walking is slower and crossing streets feels a little more dangerous.  We have to be vigilant of the chaotic traffic and people not being the best of drivers.  I have heard from people who lived here for many years that 20 years ago you rarely saw cars on the streets.

Bruce and I headed to Central Park and when we arrived, we stopped at Cafe Barista for a smoothie and to download some books onto our nooks.  The cafe usually has good wifi.  We spent some time recouping energy before heading out into the crowds.  Walking along Five Avenida, musicians were playing and vendors were setting up.  The road is closed off every Saturday but to me this felt different than other Saturdays.  Carmen, our Spanish teacher told us that the processional tomorrow is supposed to be one of the biggest.  In fact, she told us they will start closing streets tonight so they can make the carpets.

Ruth had asked me to take some picture of her weavings at the market so we worked our way up there.  It’s such a vibrant place.  The weavings are so beautiful and she had so many things to sell.  I did restrain myself today but there were several items that were lovely.  She has lovely pocketbooks, scarves, table runners and jewelry.  I told her I should set up a shop in the US.  Ruth would love that.  She is quite a business woman.  But competition is steep and sometimes people sell so cheap just to feed their families.

 

Bruce and I trekked all over Antigua today taking in the vibe of this fascinating community.  We ultimately ended up in Central Park where we spent some time people watching.  One of the Maya woman and her little daughter, Alexandra, stopped by to chat.  We had met her yesterday with her two sons, Willy and Jefferson, ages 3 and 4 but they were not with her today.  Again, the park was alive with color and activity.  We are going to miss the walks to the park, the socializing with people we meet and of course, all the wonderful food we have consumed during the past two months.  I needed to do all the walking or I would have been as big as a house.  Speaking of which we were ready to move on for afternoon cafe.

Cafe Boheme is one of my favorite cafes and I rated their strawberry tart the number one pastry in Antigua.  We ventured over there for an afternoon cappuccino and pastry.  It’s a lovely little place to hang out.  It sort of reminds me of places I went to in Greenwich Village in the late 60s.  It’s comfortable, the cappuccino is good, the service is great and it’s not a tourist place.

After Cafe Boheme, we wandered along and came across another temporary market by one of the ruins with lively music.  We stopped by to look at some of the handmade goods.  I did find a lovely little basket that I couldn’t resist.

All done browsing it was time to head home.  We stopped in at San Martin for another small Italian Bread.  This evening it’s home and blogging and eating avocado and tomato salad, bread, and pasta.  Life could not be any better.

On Sunday nights at 5:30 women gather on the corner of 6th and 6th in Antigua to dine together and talk about careers, NGOs and anything else that may come up during the hour or two gathering.  Deet is one of the women who began this gathering six years ago and has continued it every Sunday since, rain or shine.  The group can be as little as three or four women to as many as 20.  Many of the women are from the US.  Some I’ve met were from Canada and one I’ve become friends with is from Finland.  All have interesting histories and some are still working while others are retired.

This Sunday night I sat next to Geri from New Jersey who is in Antigua learning Spanish at one of the Spanish schools.  She has written one children’s book and is working on her second.  Several other women were in the Spanish classes and also doing volunteer work.  Adrianna, my friend from Finland, attends Spanish classes and volunteers at the school associated with Casa Jackson, where I volunteer.  It was at one of these dinners where I met Adrianna and found out about Casa Jackson.

After dinner, I met up with Bruce and we went looking for the sawdust and floral carpets that line the streets on the processional routes on Sundays during Lent.  The processional can last 12 hours or more and it still needed to pass near the restaurant I just ate at with the ladies.  I was so happy when two blocks away we came upon the first carpet.  Several people were busy adding the finishing touches.

 

We didn’t stay for the processional since I needed to be up an alert for Spanish classes the next day.

Antigua is known for their Spanish schools and people travel from around the globe to attend one of the reasonably priced, usually one-on-one classes.  We began our classes taught by Carmen, in the convenience of our apartment.  Our first class was Monday morning and it was slightly challenging although the two hours went rather quickly.

Bruce and I had a little bit of homework which we did while I cooked dinner.  After dinner we had coffee with friends and then to bed so we would be perky for our morning class.

Carmen came at 10 and we worked on conjugating verbs after she gave us a little test to see if we did our homework.  Tonight we need to fill out flash cards and memorize many words.  Yikes!

Bruce and I went to Cafe Escalonia for lunch and to rest our weary brains. We had soup and bread which was delicious.

Tonight I met Adrianna for coffee at Cafe Condessa. I’m feeling like this is home because I always run into people I know.  Deet happened to be in the cafe and she stopped by to chat for a minute or two.  Deet’s a big part of the ex-pat community and she has a big heart.  She is very welcoming and brings that warmth to all she meets.  A very active woman, she offers massages at very reasonable rates and also does tours at Caoba Farms on Saturday mornings.  In fact, I’ve had a massage by Deet and a tour by Deet.  Both terrific!

This evening more homework because Carmen will probably test us tomorrow!  Isn’t this fun!

 

 

 

Today was a special day.  Bruce and I had made arrangements to go to our friend, Ruth’s, house for lunch and to see her village and meet her family.  Before we left home Fuego was putting on a show this morning sending up puffs of smoke and some low rumblings.

We began our day by spending some time in Central Park.  The trees are in bloom and they are a vivid lilac color.  Cast against the volcano as backdrop the park is vibrant and colorful.

Our trip by cab to San Antonio Agua Caliente was about 20 minutes.  It is what we would call a suburb in the U.S.  Ruth introduced us to our two sons Mateo and Jose.

We also met Ruth’s daughter but she quickly passed through in her school clothes.  Ruth’s mother set up her backstrap loom and began demonstrating the weaving technique.  Ruth and her mother offer classes in this technique.

Ruth showed me a collection of belts that she made.  Some things are woven.  Some are embroiled.  Ruth showed me the difference between machine made and hand made garments.  The hand made garments can take up to six months to complete.  Some designs are more intricate then others.

Ruth made the top she is holding up.  And now it is mine.  I love the subtle colors in this top and the bottom is a light cotton material.

Many of the tops are colorful.  The birds are a motif used by the weavers from San Antonio Aguas Calientes.

Ruth and her mother also weave beautiful scarves, table runners and blankets.  Weaving is a disappearing art form but in Ruth’s family it has been passed down through the generations.  Ruth helps support her family by  selling these lovely pieces at Central Park during the week and the Weavers Market on Saturdays in Antigua.

We had a delicious Guatemalan lunch, pepian, prepared by Ruth’s mother and aunt.  Ruth and her mother also offer Guatemalan cooking classes at their home.

It was a wonderful afternoon spent at our friend Ruth’s tranquil home surrounded by her loving family.

We’re home two days now and still catching up on our rest.  I’m going to Casa Jackson to help with the babies this afternoon.  Therefore, I am compelled to finish writing about our journey before it becomes a vague and distant memory.

We had to take another eight hour bus trip to Rio Dulce and then catch a boat to Livingston.  I was promised a luxury bus with air, wifi and bathroom on board so I thought that won’t be so bad.  Of course, that was not what our bus looked like.  It was a full size bus with bathroom in the back.  And there was air conditioning.  However, the windshield was cracked, Bruce’s knees were hitting the wall in front because we were right behind the driver, and in chicken bus fashion, we stopped an indeterminate amount of times picking up non-paying people on the side of the road.  We did arrive safely though and in plenty of time to catch a boat to Livingston.

We went out on the lake and we saw the fort, Castillo de San Felipe de Lara.  I would have liked to have explored the fort but time did not allow it.

The boat ride to Livingston was the main reason we wanted to come to Livingston.  Bruce read in a sailing magazine 20 years ago how the canyons were ladened with foliage and flowers.  Unfortunately, no flowers but plenty of foliage.

We stopped at a hot spring on the way where we had a delicious pineapple smoothie.  The smell of rotten eggs, from the sulfur in the springs, radiated through the air.  Even with the smell, the hot water looked very inviting.  One young man who was on our shuttle went in with his shorts on.  He froze the rest of the boat trip and I was glad I didn’t venture in.

We arrived in Livingston and needed to find our hotel.  It was several streets away from the docks.  Bruce and I were exhausted by this time since we woke up at 3:30 a.m. to see the sunrise in Tikal and have been on the move since.  I believe that’s why we fell prey to a shyster named Ricardo.  Instead of telling him nicely to go away we followed him like lambs to the slaughter.  He brought us to our hotel, Hotel Gil Resort, which was just down the street from where we met him and then he waited for us so he could show us the town.  Our bathroom had a gizmo in the shower which I prayed didn’t cause electric shock therapy.  Overall, the hotel was homey and clean and the woman who ran it was sweet.  We took our time unpacking hoping Ricardo would leave, but no such luck.

Ricardo said he lived in New York City for 38 years so we had that in common.  He brought us to all these fringe neighborhoods and Bruce was seriously missing his gun.  He did have a knife on him and he was holding onto it.  Finally, I said I don’t want to walk anymore.  I had walked over six miles that day spent 10 hours traveling and needed to eat.  It was also getting dark.

He took us to a nice restaurant, Margoth Restaurant, where we had a great meal.   Bruce gave Ricardo 50 quetzals to buy him a Cuban cigar.  We thought that would be the last we saw of Ricardo.  He came back with a cigar that appeared to be rolled up rope.  Bruce tried smoking it later that night.  I was afraid he would be drugged.  No drugs just bad whatever it was.  Well we left the restaurant and headed back to our hotel when Ricardo put the squeeze on us.  He wanted 125 quetzals which is about $15 for walking around town with.  We ended up giving him $100 so he’d leave us alone.  Boy did we feel foolish!

On Saturday morning a boat picked us up at the dock at our hotel.  We were headed out to a Caribbean beach and to a place called Seven Altars which is a series of small waterfalls and pools.  We passed a statue in the water called the God of the Sea.

Our first stop was Seven Altars which looked similar to Samuc Champey.  We spent about an hour hiking in the woods.  It was a cool cloudy day not conducive for swimming although I did work up a sweat on the hike.

Next we headed to Playa Blanca.  I was expecting the beautiful blue waters of the Caribbean but the water was a brownish color.  Again not conducive to swimming.  We relaxed on the beach for several hours, enjoyed lunch and a coconut drink and then headed back.  A storm was brewing and we hit 6 foot swells.  Quite a wild ride.

We ate dinner at a lovely little restaurant on the water.  The food did not compare to food at Margot Restaurant so we had to give kudos to Ricardo for recommending that restaurant.  After dinner we walked around town and came upon a communal washing area.  There are no sidewalks in Livingston and people drive crazy so we cut it short and headed back to our hotel.  Across the street was some type of hall and apparently a party was going on.  We were able to listen to the music of the Garifuna people who are descendants of West and Central Africa and Island Carib.

It was a beautiful, sunny morning and we sat out on our balcony looking out at the ocean.  We saw quite a few birds and a large Iguana in a nearby tree.  I sipped my coffee and took in the tranquility of the scene.

Our boat arrived a little late and almost filled to capacity.   By the time we picked all passengers up at several locations, I am sure we surpassed capacity.   We went very slow due to the boat being so low in the water.   I was glad I knew how to swim.

It was sunny today.  It would have been a great day for the beach.  Oh well.  But it was a nice day for the ride through the canyons.

On arrival in Rio Dulce we had a three hour wait for our bus.  Our backpacks were really heavy.  They aren’t really the best because they don’t distribute the weight.  There was a quaint little restaurant by the dock where we had delicious pancakes.

Our bus arrived at two and again this bus had broken seats and did not look in very good shape.  Bruce had to hold the seat in front of him with his walking stick so it wouldn’t fall in his lap.  Within 30 minutes we broke down.  I laughed.  Bruce wanted to shoot someone.  It was sweltering hot as we sat waiting for the bus to be repaired.  I said a prayer or two.   Within an hour we were back on the road.

We arrived in Guatemala City at around 10 p.m.  Our driver to Antigua was waiting there with a sign with my name on it.  Miracles do happen.  An hour later we were safely back in our little apartment in Antigua.  Life is good!

Today is Monday, March 20th.  Bruce and I returned to Antigua safe and sound after a very tiring and sometimes perilous journey around Guatemala.  Sumec Champey behind us let me continue with our story last Wednesday.

We arrived in Flores after several stops and a 40 minute situation where the shuttle driver was trying to collect money from one of the young men who said he paid at the hostel.  After phone conversations and arguing back and forth, we were back on the road for the last five kilometers of our trip.  According to our itinerary, we were supposed to be dropped off at a hotel where a shuttle driver from our hotel in Tikal was to pick us up.  Of course that would be too easy.  Instead, we were dropped at the travel agency and then had to walk several blocks to the hotel – our backpacks were getting heavy and we were exhausted from the 10 hour drive in an overcrowded van with no air conditioning.   But hallelujah!  Moses, yes his name was Moses, was waiting for us. I could have kissed him.  And his shuttle was air conditioned, and comfortable.  I thought I died and went to heaven.  How we get used to these creature comforts!  He even stopped so I could take a picture of a sunset on Lago Peten Itza.

We arrived at Jungle Lodge in the dark, but I could see it was beautiful.  Our junior suite had a little porch, netting over the beds, and a bathroom with a tub.  It was lovely.  I wanted to stay a week.

Bruce and I freshened up after the long journey and then went to the restaurant for dinner.  I had chicken crepes and Bruce had pork.  The dining room had a tropical feel and you could hear the sounds of the jungle outside.  During our stay we always ate at a quiet little table in the corner.

Since we are in the jungle there are many nocturnal sounds and many bugs.  I decided to take a bath and while I was in the tub Bruce told me he killed a scorpion with his boot.  I was thinking the small, pale scorpions I have encountered at home.  This one was large and brown.  Not knowing how poisonous these are, we went to the front desk and had them spray our room.  Apparently, they won’t kill you but they will hurt a lot.  I had dreams all night that scorpions were crawling into bed with us.

We woke to the sounds of birds and perhaps a howler monkey or two.  Bruce thought it was a jaguar until later in the day he heard a howler out of control.  We took a walk around our courtyard and saw a toucan.  I also saw another bird but I will have to have my friend Barbara look it up.

Breakfast was delicious and then we waited on the veranda for our guide to show up.  A bird person was sitting there when a white collared manakin flew in.  We also saw a Rufus tailed hummingbird which was too quick for me to capture with my camera.

Our guide this morning was Lloyd.  I’m not much for group tours but he was able to impart some helpful information about the ruins.  There was only seven of us in the group and it turned out to be fun.   Our first stop was the East Plaza where we saw some turkeys and a tarantula web, as well as some ruins.

We proceeded on to the Grand Plaza where Temple I the king and Temple II the queen were located.  Temple I is also known as the Temple of the Grand Jaguar. Temple II is known as Temple of the Masks.   The outer buildings were the north and south acropolis where royalty lived and were buried.  The   carved stones and rounded stones in front were where they sacrificed people.

We climbed Temple II and had a view of the entire plaza.  Temple I is not open for climbing.  The round fire pit in front of Bruce and I is used today in Mayan ceremonies.

The highest structure in Tikal is Temple IV also known as the Temple of the Two-Headed Snake.  It was built around 740 A.C.  Climbing to the base of the crest, we sat on a staircase high above the tree tops.  There was no guardrails at the top and after a few minutes it felt a little unsettling sitting so high up without any barrier to keep from falling off.

On our way to lunch we spotted a family of howler monkeys and spider monkeys.  Lloyd started making howler sounds and moments later a large male howler started grunting and growling.

After our tour we walked back to our hotel for a quick dip in the pool and to rest up because we wanted to go see the sunset at Tikal.

Bruce and I returned to the park just before sunset.  We had to climb Temple II to watch the sun shine on Temple I.  Can you see anything in the top part of Temple I?

It was a great day at Tikal and we made arrangements with a guide named Elmer to meet him at 4 a.m. to see a sunrise in Tikal.  Elmer was an excellent guide who has been studying the Mayan as well as the Inca cultures.  In the dark he brought us to the north acropolis where there was a Stella which was completely covered and in good shape.  He showed us how to understand the Mayan language through their hieroglyphs.  We climbed Temple IV to watch the sunrise.  Unfortunately, it was a cloudy morning so the sunrise was not as spectacular as the sunset.

As we walked through the Lost World we heard a growling sound.  Elmer said we were in the jaguars territory and he thought that was a jaguar.  We saw several different birds and an emerald toucan but the lighting was so poor that I could not get a good photo.

It was a wonderful morning in the park.  Bruce and I had breakfast and then we were off to Livingston and Rio Dulce.

 

 

We left Antigua alive with anticipation but also with some concerns that our well planned trip would have some rough patches.  Of course, the first rough patch came when our driver arrived 20 minutes late and then spent 40 minutes more stopping at various hotels and tiendas in Antigua picking up passengers and groceries.  It was going to be a long journey — supposedly eight hours but by the time we actually arrived in Semuc Champey it was close to eleven hours.

In Coban, the last big town before Semuc Champey, we stopped at a McDonald’s for a break but we also were informed we were moving to a smaller shuttle.  No big deal, I thought since our shuttle wasn’t full.  However, they moved two shuttles into one little van.  I spent the next two plus hours sitting on a tiny seat with a half back.  Fortunately, there was beautiful scenery to quell the annoyance with this new situation.

Finally, arriving in Lanquin for the last leg of the journey to our hotel we were confronted with another rough patch.  We had to take a shuttle to our hotel but the hotel shuttle driver said we had to wait for another shuttle to come in before we could go.  So we waited for half an hour and I thought great, now we can get going.  Of course not.  He had to get gas, go to several stores and he also picked up a friend, a belligerent drunk.  The drink sat next to a young woman and proceeded to harass her.  She finally got out and went into the front cab.  Our first stop was driving the drunk home.  We did make it to the hotel but so far we didn’t have a great first impression.

Alas, arrival at Greengos Hotel which wasn’t a hotel at all.  It was a hostel.  Our first stay ever in a hostel.  I was wondering why we didn’t see anyone over 25 doing this trip.  Apparently there aren’t any hotels in Semuc Champey.  At check in we were handed blankets, sheets, and towels. I asked about soap.  No soap.  My dismay was very apparent.  The general manager, Wellington, said he would get me soap.  He didn’t want to see this old lady cry.  I ended up with a nice big bar of soap.

We ate dinner in the dining room.  I had a chicken dish which was delicious and Bruce had a Mediterranean dish.  We met up with Micka and Richard, a couple from Holland with whom we climbed Pacaya Volcano last week.

The bed was comfortable and we had really hot water plus the soap — so all was good.

The long ride yesterday took a toll on us so we slept in hoping to heal our weary bones for our adventure today.  Besides the rain was coming down in buckets and I had no desire to meet that head on.

Once up, we had a delicious breakfast and spent time conversing with Golan, the owner of Greengos Hotel. He is an Israeli who immigrated to the US but now lives in Guatemala.  Micka and Richard joined us for breakfast all was very homey in this hostel environment.

Finally, sky cleared a bit- at least it wasn’t raining anymore- time to go check out Semuc Champey, which means the entrance to the underworld. The gate was walking distance from the hostel so we headed out with lots of enthusiasm to see this place which is considered the most beautiful in Guatemala.

Micka and Richard walked us to the main gate because they were there the day before.  Waving goodbye Bruce and I were off on another adventure.  It was a lovely hike through lush jungle.  A trail up the mountain called Mirador was at some points almost straight up and down.  In some places there were stairs with railings in others just marginal steps.  We stopped to take pictures and to look for howler monkeys but no monkeys were to be seen. It was raining on and off and the climb was very slippery in sections.  At last I could see the trees thinning and knew we were coming to the top.

The view from the top was breathtaking.  We could see all the pools below and the waterfalls.  If we didn’t make this arduous trek up the mountain, we would not have had this perspective.

The climb down went much quicker then the climb up although we still went slow due to the sleekness of the rocks.  We also spent some time noticing fossilized rocks and interesting stone carvings.

Once we reached the path, we were extremely hot and ready for a swim in the turquoise pools.

Tiny little fish nipped at our feet and legs but it didn’t hurt.  Someone at the pool said they use that type of fish in spas to nibble off dead skin. Yuck!  Spa fish aside, it was oh so refreshing after the climb.

On our return to Greengos, I had coffee and cookies for a late afternoon snack.  Golan sat and chatted with us for awhile and then I wanted to get showered and ready for dinner.

We ate dinner with Micka and Richard.  I had hummus and chicken which was delicious.  The food at Greengos is very tasty.  We had a delightful evening chatting with our new friends and it was nice getting to know them.

I had a restless nights sleep because I knew I had to get up at 5 to catch a 6:30 shuttle to Lanquin.  I was a little nervous due to our arrival experience and I know that Golan had addressed the issue.  It turned out I had good reason to be nervous. The driver that Golan had spoken to was not helpful at all when we arrived in Lanquin and apparently there was no shuttle to take us to Flores.  Micka and Richard’s shuttle was waiting there and another shuttle was there but both said they were not ours.  Finally, this young man brought us to this small, beat up 12 passenger van filled with 20 year olds and said this was ours.  We had paid for a comfortable, air conditioned shuttle.  Another rough patch.  We climbed aboard reluctantly.  Everyone on board was nice and one young woman gave up her seat for Bruce.  He would at least have a seat with a back for 10 hours.  Yes I said 10 hours.  I really don’t know what I was thinking when I booked this trip.

Most of the day was like every other Saturday.  We went to Caoba Farms to buy some organic tomatoes, avocados and cucumbers.  Bruce and I ran into our friend Deet who we hadn’t seen in awhile.   Then we walked up to the weavers market because I wanted to buy six placemats.  I saw Ruth yesterday and she said she would have some different colors.

Our next stop was for some frozen yogurt.  I had this great stuff yesterday and wanted some today.  Pina colada flavor.

We went to the park to eat our yogurt and to people watch.  It’s always amazing to see how hard the people work and how hard even the young children work.  This young girl was helping her mother sell as well as minding her young brother.

The The avenue was also alive with vendors and street acts.  Saturday is a very busy day in Antigua.

For dinner we decided to splurge and go to Posado de Don Rodrigo.  The prices were double what we usually pay but the restaurant has music and a floor show.  The ambiance was really nice – the woodwork and feel of the place looked authentic.

We had a good time listening to the music and watching the dancers.

The food was adequate and I was surprised that a restaurant that charges nearly double what others do in the area, did not have a better presentation of their fare.  In fact, it was so dull I didn’t think to take a picture.    Posado de Don Rodriguez was worth it for an evening but I believe once was enough.

Living the life in Antigua!

Today we had the good fortune of being able to sleep in.  I didn’t realize I was going to need the extra rest – how hard is it holding babies and changing diapers?  Our day started off very slowly.  Bruce caught a great shot of Fuego, which had made a few booms in the night.

We went down to the park looking for Hernan, the cab driver.  Bruce wanted to set it up to have him take me and pick me up at Casa Jackson.  He wasn’t around so I hopped into a tuk tuk for the short ride out of town.  I arrived at Casa Jackson just before 2 to a lot of chaos and confusion.  Babies crying, little ones running around and I don’t know Spanish.  An American woman was teaching English and she stepped in to help get me started.

My charges for the day were two sisters and a brother ages 3, 4, and 5.  Oh my!  My first thought was what did I get myself into.  I couldn’t even communicate with them.  So what did I do?  I put them in laundry baskets and started pushing them around.  All giggles and smiles.  I think I won them over.  We counted in Spanish, played paddycake and did some coloring.  And it wasn’t even 3:00 yet.  I was exhausted.

Next thing I know I was handed a bottle to feed a little one who doesn’t want to eat.  She is extremely malnourished but hopefully she will start to eat.  I changed her, held her and she fell asleep in my arms.  That was a very sweet moment.

Oh yes and one child had head lice.  And I know from experience if one child has head lice all of them will if they don’t get treated.  I’m not sure they are aware of this and I tried to convey this to the person in charge.

It was a rewarding day.  One little boy who was probably 10 months old, was crying a lot.  I started playing with him and I put him in the window.  Someone walked by with two dogs and he started smiling and waving.  I gave him little kisses on the back of his neck and he giggled.  There is nothing like a baby’s giggle.  Precious moments.

They need a lot of help at Casa Jackson, and will need even more when they move to the new location.  I plan to go back after we return from our week travels around Guatemala.  And by the way, I went to a pharmacy and treated my head for lice.  Not taking any chances.

Bruce and Hernan picked me up at five.  Bruce and I went to Cafe Barista for a smoothie and for some time to unwind.

We met a friend for coffee and then had dinner at Dona Luisa.  For dinner we both had 3 egg omelets with tomatoes, onions, and avocado.  It was delicious.

Thursday night and a lot is happening around town.  We stopped by Compania de Jesus where a jazz band was playing.

At San Jose el Viejo, an engagement party was taking place.  They were setting off heart shape hot air balloons.

It was a busy night in Antigua.  For me, I spent ten minutes with  medication in my hair hoping to prevent lice.  Such is life!

 

 

Santa Teresita is a hotel and spa offering thermal pools heated from the volcano Pacaya.  Wasn’t it fitting that we would ease our weary bones at this lovely oasis.  

We bought a package that included the use of the pools, the thermal circuit, towels, and a 75 minute couples massage using volcanic rocks.

The first stop was the thermal circuit.  It was wonderful entering the 105 degree pool for 10 minutes, and we had to submerge our heads every minute, but then we had to go into the 75 degree pool.  Holy cow was that cold.  Bruce being from Maine seemed to get in much quicker then me.  Each inch on my body sent shudders up my spine.  After a very slow start I finally made it in and then begrudgingly I put my entire head under.  And I was paying to do this.   Yikes!

10 minutes and next stop was 95 degrees and then another 10 and 85.  I could feel my legs tingly when I went from one pool to the other.  All of this is supposed to ease muscle aches but also help with circulation.

Then  back into the 105 degree pool.  Unfortunately, we ended in the cold pool.  But the second time around it seemed easier.  And I was able to dunk my head under – no problemo.

We had lunch with a couple, Deborah and Corey, whom we met on the shuttle to Santa Teresita.  I ate a salad which was wonderful.  Unfortunately, I was so hungry I forgot to take a picture.  But it had avocado, hearts of palm, tomatoes, mixed greens, olives, and chicken.  Yummy.  Lunch finished we were off to our massage.  Bruce was not looking forward to it because he doesn’t like massages, but the hot stones made him a convert.  What a wonderful way to spend a day.

We forgot to take take a selfie as well, but I took a picture of Deborah and Corey as we waited in the massage waiting area.

It was a lovely spa day and hopefully we will get a chance to go here again.  The total cost to do all that including lunch and tips was $86 per person.  What a deal!