Getting there is NOT half the fun

  Guatemala City, Guatemala
Sunday, January 7, 2007

Overnight bus? Bad idea.

The bus was fine... reclining seats, air conditioning. But the ride was a different story... just when I would start to get comfortable enough to sleep, we would hit another patch of hills and weaves and the driver would honk and pick up whoever wanted a ride. At one point (I think around 3am) there was someone leaning their elbow on my head. Yeah, not a good night's sleep. We arrived in the city around 5:30am, then transfered to a shuttle to Antigua and arrived there around 6:30a. Had a quick breakfast and then got on another shuttle to Panajachel on Lago de Atitlan. Should be a 2 hour drive, but we got started an hour late and then there was road construction which stopped everyone several times (except the chicken buses which just somehow plowed right through!).

Pimp My School Bus

So, after a quick lancha trip across the lake, I was finally at my destination around 2:00pm. Only a 16 hour journey!

Anyway, going back to the lake was definitely a good idea regardless of the transportation issues.

Breakfast in San Pedro

I met up with a friend I made there before and just relaxed. Saturday, walked all around San Pedro and San Juan

Dock in San Juan

and learned a lot about coffee which was fun. And, took lots of pics for my coffee-loving friends.

Walking around San Juan

Lauren, I told someone that you are a manager at Starbucks and he wants you to come down here and go into business with him. : )

Beautiful Sun behind the Mountain

Left the lake this morning (sadly) and spent my last day here just getting organized and doing some shopping. Had my last slice of cake at Antigua's best bakery Cenicienta and thought of you, Colleen!

Just arranged my pick up for the morning- flight leaves early and I will be back in Chicago tomorrow night. Just checked the weather in Chitown and I am NOT happy! Maybe my flight will bring some warm weather with it?
I can't believe it's over! Three weeks seemed like such a long time... I could easily stay another three weeks and not see all that I want to see! And, I met such fun, interesting people along the way.

Gotta go finish my last Gallo!
See you very soon,
sara
P.s. Did I mention that I finally DID get shocked by one of those wierd electric showers?? I would like to blame my crazy hair on it, but there are pictures from before the shock to disprove it. : )