Hey Blondie!

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Another horrible busride and 4 nights in Guatemala City later...

After taking an overnight 8 hour bus journey from Flores to Guatemala City we don't believe in the so called "firstclass" busses anymore as throughout the journey we got soaking wet, as the bus seemed to be leaking everywhere and we drove through a horrible rainstorm.

We arrived in the early morning in Guatemala City, trying to find our way to our new host's place, as usual everyone was really helpful, that didn't change us getting a bit lost and finally being picked up by our host, Lester.

In the following days we explored the capital which we found very interesting as opposed to what many people have said about this city before. Yes it's polluted, grey and noisy but it has a special character given by all the contrasts the city has to offer. You will find beautiful churches and other breathtaking buildings between old blocks, well dressed businessmen in cheap dining places, many (really good) street musicians, as well as street art and many stylish bars with live music in places you wouldn't expect. In this city every fastfood restaurant and shop has its own security guard, every parking spot "belongs" to someone you have to pay to not scratch your car and weapons are seen everywhere. Still it doesn't feel dangerous or intimidating.

We did a day trip to Antigua, a beautiful colonial city which used to be the capital of Guatemala but got destroyed by an earthquake in the 18th century. It has a beautiful market with handcrafted products, the city is full of colours and tourist. In the afternoon we spontaniously decided to take a trip to the Pacaya vulcano, as we didn't have much time our lunch consisted of dry bread, cheese and ketchup. Now we are laughing but in a few months time this will probably be the best food we can afford 😊

The busride to the vulcano took 1,5h. From there we had to climb the vulcano for another 1,5h to reach the top (2300m). The vulcano last erupted only 2 years ago, destroying the local village through the rain of rocks. The lava luckily didn't reach the village and all inhabitants survived. The walk around the vulcano seems like a different planet, as we walked through the clouds one couldn't see what's 5meters ahead. As usual pictures will never capture the feeling of a place. Around the vulcano were many wholes with heat steaming from it. In one of those we actually "grilled" marshmallows 😊

The day after (yesterday) we got invited by our host's parents for a dinner at their place as it was Lester's birthday. We had the opportunity to see the dynamics of a Guatemalan family, as well as meet their 8 cats, which Tatiana enjoyed a lot 😊

As we are lucky pigs it turned out that Lester's parents are leaving to El Salvador today... and guess who is going with them!? ...They are picking us up in 30min, now we are packing and getting ready.

Keep you posted 😉

Tatianita y Dianita

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