Steve and I got to spend a week together in Guatemala in between my expedition and a work conference. We loved riding around in these "tuk tuks" (small taxis) adopted from Thailand...Megs, you would appreciate these! 
One of our first adventures was a series of 8 zip lines through the forest with an amazing view of a near by lake. It was so beautiful!One of my favorite nights was spent in Antigua in this old convent turned into a hotel. This hotel sits right in the old ruins of a church so you walk out your door and you are in the middle of some beautiful ruins. It was amazing. 
We took a boat ride up the Rio Dulce on the east side of Guatemala. All along the shores were small huts with people doing laundry, cooking food, working and waving to us as we passed by. The men floated in wooden boats and cast nets into the river to fish. It was like going back in time.
Ah, the falls! It took us an hour and a half of walking in the blistering heat to get here but it was heavenly to swim in after you got over the fear that some creature was going to attack you. Wait...is that some creature attacking Steve?
Our favorite treat were the "Liquados." Basically they are fresh fruit drinks blended with either milk or ice. They are soooo gooood. Mmmm. On Steve's last night in Guatemala he ordered a tripple Liquado. The glass was seriously bigger than his head. 
These are the ruins of Tikal. The most spectacular ruins in Guatemala. It is amazing that these buildings are still standing considering how old they are. The Tikal empire lasted from 900 BC to about 900 AD. When people lived here all the buildings were painted in bright colors which is hard to imagine since all the paint has since worn away. 
This little plant has a mind of its own.
We took a boat ride up the Rio Dulce on the east side of Guatemala. All along the shores were small huts with people doing laundry, cooking food, working and waving to us as we passed by. The men floated in wooden boats and cast nets into the river to fish. It was like going back in time.Ah, the falls! It took us an hour and a half of walking in the blistering heat to get here but it was heavenly to swim in after you got over the fear that some creature was going to attack you. Wait...is that some creature attacking Steve? Our favorite treat were the "Liquados." Basically they are fresh fruit drinks blended with either milk or ice. They are soooo gooood. Mmmm. On Steve's last night in Guatemala he ordered a tripple Liquado. The glass was seriously bigger than his head. These are the ruins of Tikal. The most spectacular ruins in Guatemala. It is amazing that these buildings are still standing considering how old they are. The Tikal empire lasted from 900 BC to about 900 AD. When people lived here all the buildings were painted in bright colors which is hard to imagine since all the paint has since worn away. This little plant has a mind of its own.We hiked this active volcano hoping to see some lava. No such luck. It was very hot, but on that particular day, there was no lava. I'm sure that makes my Grandma very happy. 
It was a whirl wind trip full of crazy bus rides, crazy animals, crazy new foods and beautiful sights, beautiful people and beautiful Liquados. Mmmmm, Liquados!
It was a whirl wind trip full of crazy bus rides, crazy animals, crazy new foods and beautiful sights, beautiful people and beautiful Liquados. Mmmmm, Liquados! 
Love your posts. You make me wish I was young again or more adventuresome. Probably both.
ReplyDeleteSounds incredible! We're totally jealous. Can I come next time?
ReplyDeletenice. looks inviting.
ReplyDeleteWow, I loved reading all of your posts. I can hardly sit here by the computer. I want to take a hike, smell a flower, jump in a cool stream and sip a yum, yum fruit drink. Too bad it's almost time for bed! But hey, the sun is coming up tomorrw and then I'm going to . . . Well, I'll let you know what adventure I find for myself tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteLove you both! Aunt Deb