All Lava´d up

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We had the most thrilling day of our trip yesterday when we took a trip to the top of Pacaya Volcano and saw lava flowing right by our feet. Some chilean girls we were with toasted marshmallows by the lava. Lava is very hot so obviously Penny had to check the temperature before Daz got too close! You just had to put a stick or twig close and it erupted into flames. Rocks were melting people shoes! (Zero safety precautions in Guatemala of course but Penny was a good temperature guage for Daz). The scenery was very dramatic like a trip to the moon- hopefully the photos do it justice.
Very special!
We have spent the past two days in Antigua- Guatemala´s second city (not the famous island). The town is very scenic with lots of nice sights, restaurants and bars. We took a trip to the hill overlooking Antigua today and were encouraged to take a Police escort- still we have seen no trouble yet. Daz managed (for the third time) to stop Pen from buying any rubbish at Antigua Market. Another feast of colours, sights and smells though. We have liked Guatemala although it is poorer than Mexico and the food less hot (in more ways than one). People are very friendly though and less short and fat than the mexicans (sorry to any Mexicans receiving the blog).
Tonight we take a long bus ride via Guatemala city to the island of Flores- situated on a lake in the North. From there we will explore the ancient ruins of Tikal before continuing our journey onto Belize where Pen can dive and Daz can read a book!
Thanks for all of your blog messages, they make us laugh and are great to receive so keep sending. Sorry about the weather over there!

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Photos

Warming Our Backs
Pacaya´s Lava River

Piece of bush on fire
Pacaya Volcano - Hot Hot Hot!

Penny Checking the Temperature
HOT!

Comments

[Sara/h (saarke)]

Wow!
Looks amazing!! I wish I've joined you on this walk .. Darryl, did you survive this volcano climb? Or no more volcano climbs on the rest of your journey ;) (I arrived safely in the US and A. More than 1hour delay on flight and long wait at customs in US. But I made it!) Looking forward to read and see the rest of your adventures! Take care!

[Jane Stevens]

Copyright
Following your exploits with interest - you jammy toads. Did you visit Ak'tum Kan (Cave of the serpent) on Flores and carved wood is the thing to buy in Tikal. I have pinched some of your sunset photos to paint and presume I have your permision - tough if not. Don't get lost in the jungles of Belize. Passing lots of work to Mike!!!!!

[Tina n Dean]

Have we finally worked out how to reply?
Well, our previous comments have not been recorded, clearly should have asked the kids how to do this in the first instance. You look like you are having some fab experiences that you will never forget. Penny - didn't your chocolate melt next to that volcano? Or did you survive the trip without any? Darryl - I bet you're glad you didnt stay at the bottom to read a book!

[Tom and Nina]

lavaliscious
Looks like you guys are having a great time- just to make you jealous I saw in the New year by toasting the cat with a mug of ovaltine- still the absence of psychotic marines was a welcome change (have to ask Daz about that one!)- hope that Partha doesnt get too comfortable behind your desk....Have fun

[neilthe nadger]

Lava
i thought for a horrible moment that the picture of you squatting represented a particularly bad brush with local food, on second thoughts it probably does! Looks fantastic, N