Candelaria Antigua Hotel Antigua Guatemala

... is surrounded by
these huge steaming volcanoes, which makes it so much cooler than
either of those cities. After getting off the bus, we wandered around
attempting to find the ¨super cheapie¨ hostel listed in our books. On
the way, we met a group of kids who tried to help us find it, and then
instead invited us back to their hostel. After finding out they were
missionaries, we politetly declined. Then some Jerry Garcia lookalike
joined in on the ...

... courtyards which further adds to their charm. Surrounding the city are numerous mountains, many which are volcanoes, one which is active the rest dormant. Antigua was originally the capital of Guatemala until a huge earthquake destroyed much of the city and the capital was then moved to Guat City. Most of Antigua has been restored although you can still see ruins dotted around. The hostel I had booked myself into with the inviting name of "Hostel 5" turned out to be the nicest ...

... in computers, the internet, and emailing photos enough for him to be able to send us all photos to see the progress! He's already sent us a first batch of a few photos of the walls going up at the school...be sure to check them out in the photo album!

And, as I mentioned, the water project that I was working on for Engineers Without Borders (EWB) finished well, as well. We busted our butts to get the project done "on time" whatever ...

... family) went to some hot tubs before having a farewell dinner for Juan and Derk, our fabulous Dutch boys who had kept us entertained for so long with their stories, their humour and Derk’s eccentricities. There are too many fabulous memories to list here, but thankfully many plus numerous quotes from the group are immortalised in Juan/ Wouter’s now infamous book. But just for prosperity here are some of the best quotes or maybe you had to be there to ...

... make it down we had to stand still and wait for a gust of wind every few minutes to clear the steam before we could walk.  Not to mention it was starting to get dark.  The last hour and a half of the hike back was in complete darkness!  What a great welcome back into an amazing country!

Next we are heading to El Salvador.  We need to get on the road in order to make it to Costa Rica in time to pick up Devin´s Mother from the airport... can´t wait to see her!!!

... done nothing wrong I'm not worried, I just don't want to get between them and someone who has. Navigating the narrow elevated cobblestone sidewalks is an art form. They are not level. Along the uneven surface every few feet there is an angled driveway, a pothole, a step down, a step up, a curb, urine etc. In addition to watching my step I dodge Antiguenians that squeeze by on the 3 foot walkways, some of whom are ...

... covered narrow paths they had carved with their hooves over time. Sometimes the grooves were so deep and narrow, that my stirrup would get caught on roots and branches and nearly pull me off my steed. On a few of the really steep staircase like sections, I nearly rolled backwards off the back of my saddle. There was a saddle and saddle horn to hang onto, but the animal was lead by one of the child guides, included in the rental price. We were ...

... have no choice. If I never write again you all know that the procedure has not worked and it was nice knowing you all. Then again the cost compared to Australia will make it worth my while, even without a tongue. Most of you would think that is a break through, but never you fear, whilst I am addicted to the internet with or without a tongue I will continue to speak to you all. The past fortnight would have to be a nothing ...

... her, but she is American (speaks English,affordable, informative & respectable) www.antiguatours.net.

I would recommend that someone in your group has even just a few years of High School Spanish under their belt as very few people actually speak English (you'll see more English in Antigua then anywhere else.)

... with a wide variety of foods. While there are cautions for travelers (not being alone outside the center of the town after dark) I found this to be a relaxing journey. Our side trip to Chichicastenango and the stay at the Mayan Inn was the highlight of this trip. We were assigned an attendent in full costume to help thoughout our stay, including drawing the bath if wanted. The cozy accomodation included ...