Almost there !
Harri and Hayley from the UK
The most famous face at Copan 
This is what the temples looked like when you walked inside the pyramids
This is what the temples looked like when you walked inside the pyramids
10 September 2007
08 September 2007
Pictures
All my pics are available here:
http://picasaweb.google.com/Jonathan.A.Espiritu
Still slowly trying to update my blog
http://picasaweb.google.com/Jonathan.A.Espiritu
Still slowly trying to update my blog
06 September 2007
Climbing the Pacaya Volcano
Early wake-up at 6am, ugh. The view and the experience were absolutely worth it.
Extremely tired and smelly - but very happy to have made it to the top. I think this picture sums it up.
Decending into the middle of the volcano.
We enter the middle part of the volcano
Finally - at the center of the volcano! Some other guy who stayed in my hostel. If you look closely you can see the moving lavaPics Finally - Antigua, Guatemala
Random walks through Antigua - the entire city is a UNESCO Heritage site.
Parque Central
The main church downtown
Downtown Antigua - The architecture was amazing. This was my 1st day in Guatemala - this is what I get for coming during the rainy season
03 September 2007
Back in the States
Well,
After a long travel day, I finally made it back to NYC. The trip was, of course, amazing. I shall post pics soon!
After a long travel day, I finally made it back to NYC. The trip was, of course, amazing. I shall post pics soon!
Last night in Cancun!
A visit in Cancun would not be complete without partying Cancun style in one of the many mega-clubs on the main hotel strip. So, we bought some alcohol and pre-partied at my hotel before heading out to Daddy O's and having a crazy, crazy, crazy night.....we'll leave it at that. :)
....Ugh, flying home hungover is NOT a good idea.
....Ugh, flying home hungover is NOT a good idea.
Last Day in Cancun
The end of the vacation has come...and I made sure the last day and night was a good one. Two British girls from my tour also stayed behind and we spent the entire day on the beach (the little that was left). Because all the beaches in Mexico are by law public, hotels cannot stop you from walking through their lobby to get to the beach. So, we picked one of the poshest hotels in Mexico, the ME by Melia, to walk to the beach. This was definately a hot hotel, it was a place for beautiful people to be seen. They had gorgeous pools, a DJ that played techno music, and a supermodern design. It seemed like a perfect place for me, even through I looked really scrubby and brought my own old and smelly towel.
01 September 2007
Chitzen Itza
Running on no sleep.............Eeek!
Since there are so many travel agencies in town that do day trips to Chitzen Itza, I thought it would be easier to sign up for one of those rather than to do it on my own. It cost me about $45, a lot considering that I´ve been spending less than $30-day (Although, I was really happy to hear that most people on teh same bus paid about $100 for the same tour). A shuttle picked me up from my hotel at 7AM and took me to a big bus where all the tourists from the big resorts met up. What was incredibly annoying was that after all the organization, we didn´t end up leaving until 9 AM.
The site at Chitzen Itza is absolutly amazing. The annoyance is that it is packed with tourists. When you arrive, there are about 30 buses in the parking lot and the place is mobbed with tour groups. Additionally, there are vendors everywhere approaching you and trying to sell you things. The highlight of the site is the main pyramid which is in the center of the site. It is actually a calendar, telling you what day of the year it is depending on which step of the pyramid the sun hits.
Another big highlight was the ball courts, where players played in order for the honor of being sacrificed. The loser had to hold the winner´s head! I met an American couple who were on their honeymoon and 2 guys from NY on my tour.
After leaving the site, we went to visit a cenote (sink hole). It seems as though the sinkhole is about 10 stories deep, and you are allowed to swim in the water at the bottom. This would have been an exellent idea had I not forgotten to bring my swimming trunks.
Of course, the best part of the cheesy day tours is that you get buffet lunches. At about 3PM (waay after hunger set in) we went to an all you can eat buffet with traditional Mexican dancing. I have to say that although it was completely fake and for tourists, I still enjoyed it.
Back to Cancun, unfortunately most of the people from my tour had left. However, 2 British girls had stayed behind, and we got dinner in the local part of town. I paid about $1.50 for a great dinner!
A bit of shopping, before I finally turned in....almost 40 hours without sleep.
Since there are so many travel agencies in town that do day trips to Chitzen Itza, I thought it would be easier to sign up for one of those rather than to do it on my own. It cost me about $45, a lot considering that I´ve been spending less than $30-day (Although, I was really happy to hear that most people on teh same bus paid about $100 for the same tour). A shuttle picked me up from my hotel at 7AM and took me to a big bus where all the tourists from the big resorts met up. What was incredibly annoying was that after all the organization, we didn´t end up leaving until 9 AM.
The site at Chitzen Itza is absolutly amazing. The annoyance is that it is packed with tourists. When you arrive, there are about 30 buses in the parking lot and the place is mobbed with tour groups. Additionally, there are vendors everywhere approaching you and trying to sell you things. The highlight of the site is the main pyramid which is in the center of the site. It is actually a calendar, telling you what day of the year it is depending on which step of the pyramid the sun hits.
Another big highlight was the ball courts, where players played in order for the honor of being sacrificed. The loser had to hold the winner´s head! I met an American couple who were on their honeymoon and 2 guys from NY on my tour.
After leaving the site, we went to visit a cenote (sink hole). It seems as though the sinkhole is about 10 stories deep, and you are allowed to swim in the water at the bottom. This would have been an exellent idea had I not forgotten to bring my swimming trunks.
Of course, the best part of the cheesy day tours is that you get buffet lunches. At about 3PM (waay after hunger set in) we went to an all you can eat buffet with traditional Mexican dancing. I have to say that although it was completely fake and for tourists, I still enjoyed it.
Back to Cancun, unfortunately most of the people from my tour had left. However, 2 British girls had stayed behind, and we got dinner in the local part of town. I paid about $1.50 for a great dinner!
A bit of shopping, before I finally turned in....almost 40 hours without sleep.
Cancun
If you want to have the cheesiest vacation ever, go to Cancun. I guess this must be why so many Americans are here. There is every American chain you can think of (TGI Fridays, Hooters, Outback Steakhouse, etc) really cheesy clubs - that are super overpriced, and everyone wants to take your money off you. Its a bit annoying. I think this is a great example of what resort towns shouldn´t strive to be.
We arrived at our hotel in downtown Cancun (not on the beach, where most tourists stay) and took a bus to the beach. After my obligatory visit to the Hard Rock Cancun, we tried to hang out on the beach. Unfortunately, the beaches are currently in an atrocious state. Hurricaine Dean washed away most of the white sandy beaches and instead there are rocks, the water smells, and seaweed everywhere! Its so bad, that dump truck loads of sand are being sent to the beach to try to make it look ¨normal¨again.
Another side of Cancun that I did quite enjoy was the downtown part, where the locals live. Since this was the last night of our tour, we decided to go a little crazy. First, we had dinner at a local Jazz club where there was a 1-man act being performed, as well as jazz music into the evening. Afterwards, we headed over to a rock band, just down the street. The cover band was amazing, and they sung many modern songs in Spanish. Our last stop was a local gay club where we caught a drag show and danced into the night.
I finally got into my room at 5.30AM, which was perfect since my bus was leaving for Chitzen Itza at 7 in the morning. No time for sleep............
We arrived at our hotel in downtown Cancun (not on the beach, where most tourists stay) and took a bus to the beach. After my obligatory visit to the Hard Rock Cancun, we tried to hang out on the beach. Unfortunately, the beaches are currently in an atrocious state. Hurricaine Dean washed away most of the white sandy beaches and instead there are rocks, the water smells, and seaweed everywhere! Its so bad, that dump truck loads of sand are being sent to the beach to try to make it look ¨normal¨again.
Another side of Cancun that I did quite enjoy was the downtown part, where the locals live. Since this was the last night of our tour, we decided to go a little crazy. First, we had dinner at a local Jazz club where there was a 1-man act being performed, as well as jazz music into the evening. Afterwards, we headed over to a rock band, just down the street. The cover band was amazing, and they sung many modern songs in Spanish. Our last stop was a local gay club where we caught a drag show and danced into the night.
I finally got into my room at 5.30AM, which was perfect since my bus was leaving for Chitzen Itza at 7 in the morning. No time for sleep............
30 August 2007
Playa Del Carmen - Disney version of Mexico
Playa Del Carmen is filled with expensive stores, boutiques, chain restaurants, bars, and clubs. This generally isn't how I travel, but to be honest its kinda fun to spend a couple days in resort towns like this. Much more expensive than everywhere else we have been, and a lot more Americans than anywhere else I've seen.
Still, we made a good night of it. We went to an 'authentic' Mexican restaurant with plastic palm trees and neon lights. There was also a mariachi band playing music. Then, we hit one of the several beach clubs, The Blue Parrot, to watch a fire show and dance the night away. In some ways, its kinda cool that my vacation ends on the beach and partying. Later today, we head to Cancun, for more drinks and beach.
Still, we made a good night of it. We went to an 'authentic' Mexican restaurant with plastic palm trees and neon lights. There was also a mariachi band playing music. Then, we hit one of the several beach clubs, The Blue Parrot, to watch a fire show and dance the night away. In some ways, its kinda cool that my vacation ends on the beach and partying. Later today, we head to Cancun, for more drinks and beach.
Change of itinerary / Full day of being wet
I guess Hurricaine Dean affected my trip a bit. We were suppossed to stay at a hotel in the Mexican town of Bacalar, but the hurricaine has cut water and electricity to this place. Additionally, the ruins at Tulum are also closed because of the hurricaine. So, instead, we spent a night in Playa Del Carmen, about an hour and a half from Cancun, where my tour officially ends.
We left early in the morning from Caye Caulker after a crazy night of drinking. So we were all hungover and maybe still drunk when we got into the water taxi. Of course, there was a huge rainstorm during the ride and the boats weren't covered, so we all got soaking wet and seasick. Then, we had to take a 10 hour bus ride to Playa. My clothes were soaking wet the entire time. I guess this is what you'd call a down part of the trip. All part of travelling!
We left early in the morning from Caye Caulker after a crazy night of drinking. So we were all hungover and maybe still drunk when we got into the water taxi. Of course, there was a huge rainstorm during the ride and the boats weren't covered, so we all got soaking wet and seasick. Then, we had to take a 10 hour bus ride to Playa. My clothes were soaking wet the entire time. I guess this is what you'd call a down part of the trip. All part of travelling!
It burns!!
So, the day we went snorkeling was not very good for my back. When you're in the water you don't realize that the sun is really hot and that it is really beating down on you. Because of this, I got burned really bad. Of course I wanted to even myself out, so the next day I lied on the beach and really really sunburned myself. I can barely walk, and it takes about 10 minutes to put pants on.
27 August 2007
Full day of Snorkling
Today, we went on a snorkiling tour, which took us to several different spots around the Cays to see some fish, wildlife, and also the Belize Reef - 2nd in the world only to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
Our first stop is a frequent stop to spot Manatees. We were incredibly lucky and were able to see 2! They are incredibly graceful animals (weighing anywhere from 500 to 1500 pounds) and also very curious and friendly. We were swimming close enough to them to reach out and touch them.
We then went to another part of the area, where we were able to see several reefs, coral, along with even more interesting ocean life. The fish seemed to not c are that we were there, and swam right up to us.
Our last stop was shark alley - which had a ton of sharks and stingrays. We were able to see both and was even able to pet a shark! They feel very delicate and almost like they can break.
A nice BBQ lunch, and the rest of the day spend relaxing by the beach. I wish I could always be on vacation!
Our first stop is a frequent stop to spot Manatees. We were incredibly lucky and were able to see 2! They are incredibly graceful animals (weighing anywhere from 500 to 1500 pounds) and also very curious and friendly. We were swimming close enough to them to reach out and touch them.
We then went to another part of the area, where we were able to see several reefs, coral, along with even more interesting ocean life. The fish seemed to not c are that we were there, and swam right up to us.
Our last stop was shark alley - which had a ton of sharks and stingrays. We were able to see both and was even able to pet a shark! They feel very delicate and almost like they can break.
A nice BBQ lunch, and the rest of the day spend relaxing by the beach. I wish I could always be on vacation!
Caye Caulker!
We left San Ignacio this morning to head towards the Belize Cays - islands which are just off the Belize coast in the Caribbean. We made a quick stop at the Belize Zoo - which originally started as a home for former movie-star animals. Today, it is really a sanctuary for animals which would have never survived if placed back in the wild. We saw several animals native to Belize including Jaguars, Pelicans, Toucans, and loud (very loud) Howler Monkeys.
We then arrived in Belize City - the largest city in Belize with a population of about 60,000. Here we caught a water taxi (read: large speedboat) to Caye Caulker, and island about 20 miles out from Belize City. The 45 minute trip was great, and showed off the awesome coast of Belize.
We arrived in Caye Caulker, an island with a population of about 1600. There are no cars. Everyone drives golf carts on the island. And there are 3 main dirt roads: front street, middle street, and back street (very creative, I know). Seafood restaurants everywhere, and great views of the water.
Our dinner this evening, grilled lobster on the beach. This included mashed potatos, rice and a rum and coke, all for US$12. We ended the night with some drinking and dancing.
We then arrived in Belize City - the largest city in Belize with a population of about 60,000. Here we caught a water taxi (read: large speedboat) to Caye Caulker, and island about 20 miles out from Belize City. The 45 minute trip was great, and showed off the awesome coast of Belize.
We arrived in Caye Caulker, an island with a population of about 1600. There are no cars. Everyone drives golf carts on the island. And there are 3 main dirt roads: front street, middle street, and back street (very creative, I know). Seafood restaurants everywhere, and great views of the water.
Our dinner this evening, grilled lobster on the beach. This included mashed potatos, rice and a rum and coke, all for US$12. We ended the night with some drinking and dancing.
Spelunking
I've been looking forward to caving for such a long time. We went to the famous "ATM" cave near San Ignacio, Belize. It is not only an awesome cave to explore, but it is a Mayan historical site. Several rituals were performed there, and the highlights include many priceless vases and even human remains scattered throughout the cave.
We began the day bright and early - and drove to a path where we had to do a 45 minute hike to a cave. We were told before-hand to wear sturdy, protected hiking shoes and that they would be fully soaked. We also had to wear socks to enter the sacred Mayan area. The hike wasn't bad at all, and it included wading into streams which were at about knee level. When we got closer to the cave, we were given our helmets and headlamps for the cave.
Then, we arrived at the mouth of the cave. We had to begin the trek by jumping into a 20ft deep pool of exteremely cold water. After sweating so much because of the temperature outside, you'd expect the water to feel great, but it was way too cold.
Then, we entered deep into the cave. It was awesome! We waded through water (the same exteremely cold water) anywhere from ankle level to upper chest level. We crawled through some tight spaces, and climbed up and down several rocks. I'm surprised I didn't get banged up anymore than I did.
We then arrived at the Mayan area where the artifacts were. This involved a climb of about 12 feet directly up. At the top, we had to remove our shoes and only wear socks (which were very wet) in order to protect the artifacts.
The main room was amazing. We saw several pots which were used for various Mayan rituals, and also human skulls and bones, including a full skeleton of a young woman. Some say that these humans were sacrificed in the caves, while others say that they were buried here. Either way, it was a really historical experience.
Tip-toeing around the artifacts was incredibly hard, as they were everywhere, and there wasn't really a set path. We then headed out and grabbed some lunch. By the time we got back to the hotel, we stank of sweat, mildew, and whatever other interesting things lived in the cave. I think my shoes may take days to dry. Oh well, worth the experience
We began the day bright and early - and drove to a path where we had to do a 45 minute hike to a cave. We were told before-hand to wear sturdy, protected hiking shoes and that they would be fully soaked. We also had to wear socks to enter the sacred Mayan area. The hike wasn't bad at all, and it included wading into streams which were at about knee level. When we got closer to the cave, we were given our helmets and headlamps for the cave.
Then, we arrived at the mouth of the cave. We had to begin the trek by jumping into a 20ft deep pool of exteremely cold water. After sweating so much because of the temperature outside, you'd expect the water to feel great, but it was way too cold.
Then, we entered deep into the cave. It was awesome! We waded through water (the same exteremely cold water) anywhere from ankle level to upper chest level. We crawled through some tight spaces, and climbed up and down several rocks. I'm surprised I didn't get banged up anymore than I did.
We then arrived at the Mayan area where the artifacts were. This involved a climb of about 12 feet directly up. At the top, we had to remove our shoes and only wear socks (which were very wet) in order to protect the artifacts.
The main room was amazing. We saw several pots which were used for various Mayan rituals, and also human skulls and bones, including a full skeleton of a young woman. Some say that these humans were sacrificed in the caves, while others say that they were buried here. Either way, it was a really historical experience.
Tip-toeing around the artifacts was incredibly hard, as they were everywhere, and there wasn't really a set path. We then headed out and grabbed some lunch. By the time we got back to the hotel, we stank of sweat, mildew, and whatever other interesting things lived in the cave. I think my shoes may take days to dry. Oh well, worth the experience
25 August 2007
The Ruins at Tikal
Early start this morning, as we wanted to beat the heat (and the hordes of tourists) to enter the massive Mayan ruins at Tikal. These are probably the biggest excavated Mayan sites in the world. The best part is that it truly is in the middle of the Jungle. Throughout the site we saw monkeys, spiders, bugs, and were walking amongst the trees.
We were also able to climb some of the Temples. The 1st one we climbed was probably about 15 stories. Unfortunately, because the stairs are no longer in good shape, a wooden "staircase" is placed next to it instead. Here, tourists get to climb to the top of the temple.
The climb up wasn't that bad. It is a very rickety staircase, and very scary. Half way up, I heard this girl heading down shreik "Jonathan!" and it was someone I met staying in the hostel in Antigua! What a small world. She was too scared to really chat, but we were able to say hi and exchange contact info.
The top of the temple was also very scary. I guess we're so used to the potential lawsuits in the US, that everything is protected. You'd expected ledges that are 15 stories up to have guardrails on them. You'd also expect a ledge that was a bit wider than 2 feet. This was not the case in Tikal. Although the hieight got to me, the views were absolutely amazing. You could see other temples in the distance rising up from the trees.
We also spent a good hour and a half in the main square of Tikal. Being able to explore these ruins was great, but the heat was aweful. I don't think i've sweat this much since I've been to Egypt. I just looked at my arm, and my t-shirt and it was soaked completely through! Well worth it though, and we were done by noon! I don't know how the big tour buses come in and do it at the hottest part of the day. We were then off to Belize!
We were also able to climb some of the Temples. The 1st one we climbed was probably about 15 stories. Unfortunately, because the stairs are no longer in good shape, a wooden "staircase" is placed next to it instead. Here, tourists get to climb to the top of the temple.
The climb up wasn't that bad. It is a very rickety staircase, and very scary. Half way up, I heard this girl heading down shreik "Jonathan!" and it was someone I met staying in the hostel in Antigua! What a small world. She was too scared to really chat, but we were able to say hi and exchange contact info.
The top of the temple was also very scary. I guess we're so used to the potential lawsuits in the US, that everything is protected. You'd expected ledges that are 15 stories up to have guardrails on them. You'd also expect a ledge that was a bit wider than 2 feet. This was not the case in Tikal. Although the hieight got to me, the views were absolutely amazing. You could see other temples in the distance rising up from the trees.
We also spent a good hour and a half in the main square of Tikal. Being able to explore these ruins was great, but the heat was aweful. I don't think i've sweat this much since I've been to Egypt. I just looked at my arm, and my t-shirt and it was soaked completely through! Well worth it though, and we were done by noon! I don't know how the big tour buses come in and do it at the hottest part of the day. We were then off to Belize!
23 August 2007
Flores
Today we arrived at the small town of Flores, which literally means Flowers in Spanish. The town is located on a small peninsula and is similar to the French town of Mt. St. Michael. Its been a mostly laid back day as tomorrow we leave at 6AM for the Mayan ruins at Tikal.
I cannot wait, as these are suppossed to be the largest and most impressive of the Mayan ruins. Also, unlike the other ruins, these are located literally in the middle of the Jungle and there´s quite a bit of hiking.
I cannot wait, as these are suppossed to be the largest and most impressive of the Mayan ruins. Also, unlike the other ruins, these are located literally in the middle of the Jungle and there´s quite a bit of hiking.
Boat Tour and Livingston
Today we took a boat tour of the area, and headed out to the Garufina town of Livingston, on the Atlantic Coast. The river is amazing, as it is mostly undeveloped and you can really feel like you´re in the middle of the jungle. We were able to see Guatemala´s largest lake, where many locals take their vacation.
We also were able to stop by a local school. In this part of Guatemala, the locals only speak a regional Mayan dialect, so, the schools teach the children Spanish so that they can communicate with the rest of the country. Unfortunately, these local schools must live off of donations, as they do not recieve help from the local government.
Livingston is a very laid back town, very different from the rest of the country. The Garufina, are the black Guatemalans who originated from Nigeria, but were sent to this part of the world by th British to be slaves. You can find many of them up and down the Guatemalan, Honduran, and Nicaraguan coasts, they have a distinct language and culture from the rest of Latin America.
In the town, we tried a local dish called Tapado, which is essentially every type of seafood you can think of made into a stew. Mine included an entire fish, an entire crab, several prawns, and also plaintains. It was amazing! While dining, we were also treated to some local music.
Later that night, back at our island hotel, we witnessed one of the most amazing thunderstorms I´ve ever seen or heard. Our tiny cabins shook with every crash and the rain completely poured down on us. I guess thats what I get for coming during rainy season. Tomorrow we head to the small town of Flores.
We also were able to stop by a local school. In this part of Guatemala, the locals only speak a regional Mayan dialect, so, the schools teach the children Spanish so that they can communicate with the rest of the country. Unfortunately, these local schools must live off of donations, as they do not recieve help from the local government.
Livingston is a very laid back town, very different from the rest of the country. The Garufina, are the black Guatemalans who originated from Nigeria, but were sent to this part of the world by th British to be slaves. You can find many of them up and down the Guatemalan, Honduran, and Nicaraguan coasts, they have a distinct language and culture from the rest of Latin America.
In the town, we tried a local dish called Tapado, which is essentially every type of seafood you can think of made into a stew. Mine included an entire fish, an entire crab, several prawns, and also plaintains. It was amazing! While dining, we were also treated to some local music.
Later that night, back at our island hotel, we witnessed one of the most amazing thunderstorms I´ve ever seen or heard. Our tiny cabins shook with every crash and the rain completely poured down on us. I guess thats what I get for coming during rainy season. Tomorrow we head to the small town of Flores.
22 August 2007
Back to Guatemala
We re-entered Guatemala today to head to Rio Dulce, which is a town near Guatemalas biggest lake. Our hotel is great. Not only is it on an island, it is an island. There{s a big pool and bar and all the rooms are wooden cabins on stilts in the water. My plan is to drink and swim for the rest of the day :)
Unwelcome Guest
This morning as I was about to jump in the shower, I saw a gigantic cockroach! Ugh. I hate bugs, and woke up my roomate to have him kill it. Ewww.
20 August 2007
Hurricaine Dean
It seems as though the Hurricane will hit somewhere along the path that I am headed. As of 5:40 on Monday, it looks as though one of the Mayan ruins that I will be seeing, Tulum, is at very high risk of being damaged.
I just really hope that this storm doesn´t devistate these towns, or ruins
I just really hope that this storm doesn´t devistate these towns, or ruins
The Ruins at Copan (Not to be confused with Copan Ruinas)
This morning, we took a guided tour of the Mayan ruins at Copan. They were fantastic! It was everything I had imagined on seeing the 1st of the many Mayan ruins I will be seeing on this trip. This particular site takes up about 21 square kilometeres.
Seeing the steps and teh amazing squares of the city were amazign. We were also able to see the famous ball courts - where Mayans played to be decapitated. If you won the game, you get the honor of being sacrifieced to the gods (whoa!).
The temperature was also becoming unbearibly hot, and it seems as this should be how the rest of the trip will be. We also headed to a museum on site, which had a replica of a discovered temple - including the original paint and decorations of what the Mayan site would look like.
Seeing the steps and teh amazing squares of the city were amazign. We were also able to see the famous ball courts - where Mayans played to be decapitated. If you won the game, you get the honor of being sacrifieced to the gods (whoa!).
The temperature was also becoming unbearibly hot, and it seems as this should be how the rest of the trip will be. We also headed to a museum on site, which had a replica of a discovered temple - including the original paint and decorations of what the Mayan site would look like.
Honduras!
I joined my tour in Antigua - and was the sole American on the trip. I´ve been very lucky becuase there´s only 8 of us, making it a much closer-knit group. There are 2 guys from Australia, an Irish couple and 3 girls from England. Everyone seems to be pretty laid back.
We said goodbye to Antigua to head to Honduras. About a 6 hour drive from Antigua is the town of Copan Ruinas on just past the Honduran border. On the way, we were able to see some amazing countryside. The mountains in Guatemala are everywhere. We also were able to see the slums of Guatemala City. Although I travel to poorer regions quite often, it still remains difficult to see them.
The town of Copan Ruinas is very cute, and is much smaller than Antigua. In fact, you can probably walk from one end to the other in about 10 minutes. Our first night in, we all decided to drive to the nearby hot springs. My group and I all got on the back of a pick-up truck and drove through dirt roads in the Honduran country-side about an hour outside of the village. The hot springs were great, really relaxing, but the highlight of the evening was the great BBQ we had while we were there. We headed back into town for a night of drinking.
We said goodbye to Antigua to head to Honduras. About a 6 hour drive from Antigua is the town of Copan Ruinas on just past the Honduran border. On the way, we were able to see some amazing countryside. The mountains in Guatemala are everywhere. We also were able to see the slums of Guatemala City. Although I travel to poorer regions quite often, it still remains difficult to see them.
The town of Copan Ruinas is very cute, and is much smaller than Antigua. In fact, you can probably walk from one end to the other in about 10 minutes. Our first night in, we all decided to drive to the nearby hot springs. My group and I all got on the back of a pick-up truck and drove through dirt roads in the Honduran country-side about an hour outside of the village. The hot springs were great, really relaxing, but the highlight of the evening was the great BBQ we had while we were there. We headed back into town for a night of drinking.
19 August 2007
Climbing the Pacaya Volcano
It seems as though any place you go in the world, there´s always something to climb. Antigua is no exception, and I was able to climb the Pacaya Volcano. An early wake up call since the bus picked me up at 6AM from my hostel.
About an hour drive from the city, we got to the volcano. Another 2 hours of hiking and we reached the outside ring of the volcano. I´m surprised, and happy, that I was able to make it to the top (although incredibly tired, and smelly). The views were fantastic! There will be lots of pictures later. The weather also changed very rapidly up there - incredibly cold on the way up and very hot on the way down.
We went into the volcano and were able to stand very, very close to the lava. You actually walk on cooled lava. They would never permit such hikes in the US because of how close we were. In fact, one wrong move could be fatal.
It was sooo hot, my face started burning, and people shoes even melted! You were close enough to poke lava with a stick (which I quickly learned was a bad idea, because they immediatly catch on fire.
A quick stop again at the top for a snack, and we headed down to the bottom. All this before noon! Back to Antigua for some shopping and then meeting my tour group.
About an hour drive from the city, we got to the volcano. Another 2 hours of hiking and we reached the outside ring of the volcano. I´m surprised, and happy, that I was able to make it to the top (although incredibly tired, and smelly). The views were fantastic! There will be lots of pictures later. The weather also changed very rapidly up there - incredibly cold on the way up and very hot on the way down.
We went into the volcano and were able to stand very, very close to the lava. You actually walk on cooled lava. They would never permit such hikes in the US because of how close we were. In fact, one wrong move could be fatal.
It was sooo hot, my face started burning, and people shoes even melted! You were close enough to poke lava with a stick (which I quickly learned was a bad idea, because they immediatly catch on fire.
A quick stop again at the top for a snack, and we headed down to the bottom. All this before noon! Back to Antigua for some shopping and then meeting my tour group.
Antigua, Guatemala
Most tourists who come to Guatemala skip Guatemala City and head straight for the cute city of Antigua. (not the one in the Carribean, its in the middle of the mountains). The town is very cute, with cobblestone streets, great shops, restaurants, and architecture. In fact, the entire city is a UNESCO site. Its also very touristy but not to the point of annoyance.
Antigua is surrounded by 3 volcanoes, making for outstanding views no matter where you are. In fact, every night there are lightning storms which light up the volcanos at night. My shuttle dropped me off at my hostel, The Black Cat Antigua - which I would highly recommend to anyone in the area. 5 People to a room, with a bathroom en suite and a very generous breakfast all for about $8. I was able to meet up with tourists from all over the world.
I wandered the city for a bit, then partied the night away with peopel from my hostel.
Antigua is surrounded by 3 volcanoes, making for outstanding views no matter where you are. In fact, every night there are lightning storms which light up the volcanos at night. My shuttle dropped me off at my hostel, The Black Cat Antigua - which I would highly recommend to anyone in the area. 5 People to a room, with a bathroom en suite and a very generous breakfast all for about $8. I was able to meet up with tourists from all over the world.
I wandered the city for a bit, then partied the night away with peopel from my hostel.
Arrival in Guatemala
Yay, my 36th Country ever! Early Thursday morning, I flew to Guatemala City. With a quick change of planes in Charlotte, I landed in Guatemala in the early afternoon. The landing itself was incredible. Guatemala is an incredibly mountanous country, and the airport is right in the middle of the city. As we were landing, we came incredibly close to buildings beneath us and skyscrapers around us. Also, all around, while still on the plane, I could see mountains.
I was a bit nervous arriving, because all the warnings seem to state that tourists are targeted the most from the airport en route to their hotel -- at gunpoint. There are stories from public buses, private shuttles, etc. So, I decided to pay for a personal van that woudl take me from the airport and take me to my 1st hostel in Antigua, Guatemala. Although it was very expensive by Guatemalan standards, the extra peace of mine was worth it when I saw somene holding up a sign with my name on it.
The Guatemala City airport is in the middle of a huge renovation and the airport itself is quite modern. They sold luxury goods and liquor as I arrived at the airport.
I was a bit nervous arriving, because all the warnings seem to state that tourists are targeted the most from the airport en route to their hotel -- at gunpoint. There are stories from public buses, private shuttles, etc. So, I decided to pay for a personal van that woudl take me from the airport and take me to my 1st hostel in Antigua, Guatemala. Although it was very expensive by Guatemalan standards, the extra peace of mine was worth it when I saw somene holding up a sign with my name on it.
The Guatemala City airport is in the middle of a huge renovation and the airport itself is quite modern. They sold luxury goods and liquor as I arrived at the airport.
13 August 2007
Central America!
I thought my blogging days were over, but since I'm such an avid traveller, I've decided to continue using this blog for any trip I take in the future! Next stop: Central America.
I recently got a new job and was able to "negotiate" two and a half weeks between jobs to travel somewhere......anywhere, I just knew it had to be a place I'd never been before and somewhere cheap.
That's where Central America came in mind. I've never been here, always had a curiosity about the Mayans and heard that its dirt cheap. Plus, I had enough miles to fly down here for free (although it turns out there were no reward seats for anywhere near when I wanted to go).
What's the plan: Guatemala, Honduras, Belize and Mexico. 4 Countries that I've never been to and will bring my total countries to 39!
I recently got a new job and was able to "negotiate" two and a half weeks between jobs to travel somewhere......anywhere, I just knew it had to be a place I'd never been before and somewhere cheap.
That's where Central America came in mind. I've never been here, always had a curiosity about the Mayans and heard that its dirt cheap. Plus, I had enough miles to fly down here for free (although it turns out there were no reward seats for anywhere near when I wanted to go).
What's the plan: Guatemala, Honduras, Belize and Mexico. 4 Countries that I've never been to and will bring my total countries to 39!
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