What my Papi has to say about the first part of his trip...

So why in every airport I’ve ever been to do you have to walk a mile to get to customs? My visit to guate began with this great mystery, but our experience with Guatemalan immigration went smoothly despite all the Thanksgiving contraband in our luggage, including a can of pumpkin for what became an incredible pie baked at altitude in a propane oven, but I am getting ahead of myself and that is a story in itself. Like most Latin city airports there is a crowd of folks outside the doors. Its one of the 1^st things that your mind registers as different.

In the throng, we found our hija’s smile and long strong hugs were enjoyed, then into a waiting taxi and the streets of Guate (that’s Guatemala City for you gringos). We know the white lines on the road as lane boundaries, but here and in a lot of places those are motorcycle lanes inbetween the lines of cars, buses, trucks (mostly diesel gag/cough!!!). The city is alive though with people walking, on bikes, babies on back with large loads carried on heads, vendors, shop keepers; throw in a lot of dogs, chickens, goats, horses. The city sights were interrupted by an ambulance that decides to Uturn over the median in front of us. The car next to us was rear ended. Ah, Guatemala!

The ride to Antigua was lovely. Mountains sprang up even before we left the city and our travel for the rest of our stay was up&down and side to side. Hard on queasy stomachs, but what the heck, the food was good (except for the fried chicken place but I’m getting ahead again; can you say” necesito el servicio”). Of course nothing tops a “tuktuk” on the cobblestone streets of Antigua. Now I know how a Christmas tree feels when they put it on the shaker (tuktuk-a 3 wheeled scooter that carries passengers). It was fun though in a “how did I get here” kind of way. Antigua is a lovely Spanish colonial town, in the shadow of volcano Fuego. Shops and restaurants and street markets and of course the centerpiece is the park fountain with 4 bare breasted maidens, the water of life streaming from their breasts! Bonita old churches, young street vendors, candy señor? Flute? Necklace for the pretty lady? Woven bracelets, scarves, blankets. Gracias, no. Lo siento, no. Cuanto cuesta? The bargaining is on! (Sam, I still want the pecking chickens! 10 q only!!) A Buenos dias/tardes/noches from almost every passerby.

Hotel Aurora, muy bien!! Street markets are crowded, lively affairs with tight 2-way traffic in each isle. Tried a new fruit I had never seen before and wanted to buy a sombrero as I can never seem to remember to bring a hat on trips, but came up empty. Street markets are not the tourist markets (I dislike tourists) full of weavings in every form, carvings, bright paintings that all look the same, toys, leather items. I believe there is a large factory somewhere in South America (maybe China) that supplies all the markets around the world. It’s owned by WALMART!!!

Installment 2 next week