Bievenidos a Guatemala

With a week off from work, three of us were seeking adventures that travels across the country could not provide. Guatemala is not your typical tourist destination and it definitely has not been "Americanized." No one knows English, you have to pay off armed guards, and you go shopping at the market.

With only a few days to see the country, we decided to fill our schedule to capacity. At first, we spent a few days in Antigua. We were there during Semana Santa (the week before Easter). Apparently Antigua is known, nation-wide, for its festivities. Thousands of people were in town from across Central America and, in some cases, from around the world. Processions were continuous. "Alfombras" were also an important part of the celebration. The Guatemalans spent hours creating intricate mosaics across the cobblestone streets.

We took a few day trips from Antigua. One to Lake Atitlan (my favorite part of the trip!)--a gorgeous lake nestled within the mountains. Here we visited pueblos, as well as zip lined over the treetops. Another day we hiked up a volcano and then proceeded to walk over the hot lava! A one point, we could have reached out and touched the lava flowing down.

An all night bus ride then took us to the middle of the jungle in Northern Guatemala. We went to Tikal and watched the sunset and rise from the top of the ancient Mayan ruins. In the jungle we observed monkeys and toucans.

Our trip came to a close in Guatemala City. In the main plaza, we had a tour of the government plaza. Unlike the White House, the tour is quite extensive. We also stopped by an ancient cathedral and then went bargain-hunting at the largest market in the city.

I am continually fascinated by other cultures. Guatemala is a largely Mayan country, so I learned a little bit about the ways of the Mayan. It was quite typical to see women dressed in traditional woven clothes walking down the street carrying bundles on their head Though a very poverty-stricken country, Guatemalans are friendly and have sweet personalities. They are patient with those attempting to speak Spanish.