thefouramigosblog

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!

 

 

After two days of a lot of exercise, it would have been nice to sleep in but the cleaning lady was coming at 8:00 so it was rise and shine.  Off we went with reading materials in hand to Cafe Barista to spend some time while the apartment was being cleaned.  We ate breakfast there and then after an hour or two headed back to the apartment.  We did make another stop for more food – this time pastries – at San Martin.  With Barbara gone we still keep on eating.

In the afternoon, I scheduled a tour of the Asociacion Nuestros Ahijados and Casa Jackson.  I decided to do some volunteer work at Casa Jackson, a temporary home for infants to five year olds who are malnourished and need specialized care.  To get there Bruce and I took another tuk tuk ride because the center was a bit out of town in the suburb of San Felipe.

 

The organization, The God’s Child Project, is based out of the United States and provides education, health care, and housing to people in need.  The Association in Guatemala has a sponsorship program without a minimum contribution amount. If anyone is interested in sponsoring a Guatemalan child, you get to pick the child from photos, and communicate with him or her.  Kendall, the director, said the children feel very proud when they get sponsored and that encourages them to get better grades and work harder.  All children are treated equal, however, whether they are sponsored or not or if they are sponsored by someone who sends $500 a month or $10 a month.

The center is a wonderful place.  For many of these children who live in homes with no windows, dirt floors and minimal food, they are fed breakfast and lunch and they have a very beautiful place to come every day.  The mothers can come here as well and go to groups which address parenting issues as well as life skills.

They are currently building a soccer field and gardens.  Casa Jackson is temporarily located down the road from the center until the end of the month when they have the grand opening at the centers location.  At the current location they can only accommodate 13 children but at the new location they will be able to accommodate up to 40.

On Thursday I begin holding, bathing, feeding and just doing anything I can to help out with these adorable little children.  My biggest obstacle will be my limited Spanish.  I will just have to keep working on that.

The rest of the day was pretty restful.  We had a smoothie in the afternoon at Cafe Barista.  I know it sounds like we are spending a lot of time there.  They do have good wifi and good coffee.  For dinner we had Bruce’s leftover pasta, an avocado-tomato salad and bread.   It was nice staying home , allowing our muscles to rest from the last couple of days.

Life is good in Guatemala!

 

I must say I have been feeling dread and trepidation over the whole climbing a volcano thing.  Not that I’m getting too old.  Never that.  But in my 30s I developed asthma and sometimes when I exercise I have difficulty breathing.  So that being said, I decided to go for it anyway.  Armed with my inhaler and a scarf to cover my nose and face if the dust or lava ash was too much, I was ready to go out and face Pacaya.  Bruce, of course, is in great shape for “an old guy” and I think Barbara had her own concerns about making the climb.  We all wore brave faces as we walked to Old Town Outfitters, hoping no young, energetic people were going to join our group.

Our group consisted of two younger couples, one from Chicago the other from Holland.  Luckily neither couple was too young although they did prove to be in far better shape then us.   Our guide was a young Guatemalan man named Diego.  He proved to be kind, patient and helpful along the way.  We drove over an hour getting acquainted with each other.  Everyone was excited about the climb.

Our first part part of the climb was very steep.  My fear and trepidation raised to new heights.  I took about 10 to 15 steps and I was already out of breath.  Meanwhile the guys on horses waited patiently for me to fall victim to failure.  But I’m not a quitter.  I wasn’t ready to give in after a few steps.  So what if the younger couples were so far ahead I couldn’t see them anymore.  I was going to enjoy this climb and I didn’t have to make it a marathon.  I wanted to take pictures, enjoy the moments and feel satisfied that I accomplished climbing a volcano.  I slowed down, stopped when I needed to and kept my breathing under control.  All the time the views were amazing.

Edwin (mono), the other guide, knew a lot about plants.  At one point he painted all our faces with orange material from a plant.  After reaching a split in the trails, the group decided to break up.  The “younguns” decided to take the longer route with Edwin and Diego stayed with Bruce, Barbara and I.  Guess which way the horses went? They lurked behind waiting for us to give in.  At one point, another party went by, all on horse back.  They didn’t look bedraggled but very relaxed.  Again I started rethinking this horse idea but it became a matter of pride and I wanted to prove to myself I could do this.

Once we were on our own, I really started feeling more relaxed.  I no longer had to worry about holding up the others and I could take my time and enjoy the moment.  At one point, we passed a woman cutting up oranges on the trail.  Barbara bought one and shared with Diego.

Our trip trip up had quite a few stops and Diego was extremely patient and encouraging.  Finally the horse guys gave up, realizing we weren’t going to give up or give in.  With one last steep hurdle we made it to the top.

Well we didn’t actually make it to the top.  It’s not safe since the volcano is very active.  We made it to a crater and now began descending into a crater with lava rock.

We met up with the other group just in time to roast marshmallows on lava rocks and to have lunch.

After a delicious lunch that Diego and Edwin prepared, we were ready for the hike back.  Walking through the lava fields was what I would think it would look like walking on the moon.  There was something surreal about it.  And with the giant Pacaya constantly spewing molten lava it was a sight to see.

The trip down was much easier and faster then the trip up.  The only thing was if you miss stepped you could go sliding down on your butt.  The lava rock and dust was very slippery.

We we made it down safe and sound – proud but tired.  We felt like conquerors. I nodded off with the bouncing of the van on our way back to Antigua.  When we arrived, I barely could stand up.  My Fitbit for today read over 20,000 steps and 167 staircases.  That too me is an accomplishment.  I may not have sprinted to the top but I made it on my own two feet.  A nice, warm shower and a change of clothes, I was ready to go out to dinner for Barbara’s last night.  We went to the closest restaurant which was Italian and had pasta.  She’s leaving at 4 am so we said our goodbyes tonight.  I’m going to miss her but we sure did have some exciting moments while she was here.

 

 

 

 

I’m not an early riser.  That’s an understatement.  The only time I see 4 a.m. is if I can’t sleep or I am pulling an all nighter.  But to rise and shine before the suns up or the birds are singing is a novel event.  Same goes for Bruce although he did go to work earlier then me before we began this life of leisure as retirees.

My friend Barbara, she likes those pre dawn hours and today’s event is, I believe, one of her most favorite things to do.  Bird watching.  Yep. Bird watching which appears to be an early morning activity.  So up and out, we waited on the street for our driver from Finca Filadefia to show.  Pick up time was scheduled for 5:15.  As 5:20 approached I felt the beginning of panic start to rumble within my psyche.  But before it became a major eruption, I heard the clankety clank of the giant Finca Filadelfia 4 wheel drive tankers.  Actually their kind of cute but big, and you get a birds eye view of everything around you.

Saulo, the driver, introduced himself and informed us he was going to be our guide.  His English was excellent and he had us climb on board.  We were heading up the mountains.  Wow!  There were awesome views but the road was rather terrifying if you have a fear of heights.  We climbed to an elevation of over 7000 feet on a single lane dirt and cobble stone road with hair pin turns and no guard rail.  It was dark so not so intimidating yet.

We made it to the top and proceeded to a viewing area. Saulo, the wonderful guide, brought along coffee and cookies to get us going.  It was about 6 in the morning – usually time for me to roll over.

Our first siting was a Rufus Collared Robin.   From a distance it looked like a plain brown bird but I put my 70 x 300 zoom on my Nikon and I was able to see there was a whole lot more to this little bird.

We were able to observe quite a few birds from this viewing area. I was thinking this birding isn’t too tough.  We saw a clay colored thrush and stellar jays.  We also saw a rabbit and a few more Rufus Collared Robins.

All seemed great until Saulo said, “Ready to go?”  Of course, I thought, thinking we were getting back in the truck and going someplace where he was going to give us another cup of coffee.  But that wasn’t his plan.  We were setting off on a four kilometer hike, in the cold without my requisite 4 cups of java.  Well, the views made up for the lack of artificial energy.  They were breathtaking.

We hiked for four hours but the time passed quickly, especially after the sun started peaking through and the gusts of wind settled down.  Saulo pointed out many birds and was great at identifying sounds.  Barbara was pleased that she saw a few birds she never saw before.  I was happy that some of my shots came out.

The blue bird in the trees above is a Stellar’s Jay and the other bird I believe is a Greater Peewee.

After this birding trip my thoughts are, let the birders be birders.  I liked the landscape, the flowers, and yes, a bird or two.

Later in the day, the first Sunday celebration of Lent was taking place in Antigua.  A procession leaves from a tiny church on the outskirts of Antigua and marches into the Cathedral on Central Park.  The streets are packed and it is an amazing Christian Celebration in Antigua.

It was a great day, seeing and doing new things.  But tomorrow comes quickly and I’m climbing an active volcano for fun!  What have I gotten myself into now! Stay tuned!

 

 

Every Saturday morning a woman named Deet walks to the farm with tourists straggling behind providing information on the farm and the neighborhood and what it was like when she came here 27 years ago.  She’s a wealth of knowledge and if you stay in Antigua long enough you may get the good fortune of meeting her.   When we arrived, Deet introduced us to Alex, the owner and champion of the Caoba Farms.

Many vendors gather Saturday morning selling their goods.  Today we bought some tomatoes from the young man selling vegetables and some sweet cakes from a woman selling baked goods.

Vendors were selling homemade salsas, coconut oils, soaps, artwork and jewelry.  Last week we bought some honey and vegetables.

At the vegetable stand, there were several veggies I had never seen before.  Deet picked it up and asked the young man what it was.  It turns out the black veggie was a radish.

Deet took us for a tour of the fields and the leafy greens were amazing.  There were many different varieties of lettuces and kale.  We saw lavender, rosemary and lemon thyme.  The fragrances strong and welcoming.  Everything lush – growing without pesticides.  There were also goats, chickens, hens and quail.  All free range.

 

After the fields we  did some shopping and then it was time to eat.  The food the Guatemalan women were cooking smelled aromatic and I was compelled to try it.  It was delicious.  It was a chicken stew with vegetables, rice and black beans.  To drink, we had rose hip iced tea.  Marvelous.

Barbara had a meal prepared by the farm which was sausage and eggs.  Here we go again talking about the food – but it is such an integral part of life here in Antigua.

To top it all off, we had live music to dine by.  Not music you would expect in Guatemala but more the sounds you’d here in southern states in the USA.

It was a marvelous way to spend a Saturday morning and a great place to buy some great food and some extras.

Siesta time and we had to pass our apartment anyway so we decided to relax for awhile.  Afterwards, we met up with Barbara and went for coffee at Cafe Estudio. Juan Jose made a bear on my cappuccino.

Saturday is a busy day by Central Park.  Vendors are out as well as street performers.  I love walking the streets taking in the myriad of sights and the bustle of the crowd.  A mime worked the crowd with a comedic style.

At the weaver’s market we saw Clara and Ruth.  Clara had a lovely woven top that she showed me.  I know she would have liked me to buy it but I was not in the market for buying today.  Barbara bought a lovely bag from Ruth.  Then we went to another shop where Barbara bought a nice t shirt.  Less food today.

For dinner this evening we stayed close to the apartment.  We went to Casa Blanca which is a small hotel.  We weren’t sure how the food would be because it was ranked only 223 out of 331 restaurants in Antigua.  But it turned out great.  I had chicken fajitas, Bruce had fish and chips and Barbara had a Mediterranean meal.  I think we were all very pleased.

To bed early tonight.  We are getting up with the birds tomorrow to do some bird watching.  A new one for Bruce and I.