Chillen' Lakeside

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The lakeside towns always seem to have a more relaxed atmosphere. The weather is usually nicer because their is breeze across the water. I think that it also makes living in these types of countries easier, because of all the different uses a lake can provide.

Anyways San Pedro on Lago Atitlan is an amazingly beautiful place. It is a huge lake ringed by Volcanos. It certainly makes you stop for a minute to appreciate the scenery. Its nice because it is also cheaper than Antigua. To get to San Pedro you arrive in Panachel and take a boat across the lake. As far as I am concerned, if you have to arrive on a boat, it is going to be a nice place. Of course if you arrive by boat you also have to deal with all the assholes trying show you around town and rip you off for everything at the docks.

There is a lot more of the traditional clothing here than anywhere else we have been. It also has a bit more of a feel like the real Guatemala. It is certainly still a tourist town, but mainly for backpackers which gives it a different feel than a regular tourist spot. You see more of a mix here of the local culture with the tourists.

Last night we wandered through a purely guatemalan neighborhood, as we always do, and had some amazing tacos from a street vendor. We had a friend with us who speaks spanish and we were trying to find a particular place. He would ask directions for us as we went. Eventually we figured out they were just sending us deeper and deeper into this crazy neighboorhood. After a while our gut was telling us that this was not a good idea and we decided to leave.

Today we took a walk all along the lake and found a dock where we went for a swim. Then we continued on our way to the next village. The walk was so cool. There are banana, avocado, lime, mango, and papaya trees everywhere. Unfortunately none of the are ripe yet. As of now I am dissappointed to not find any guava. I really thought it would be all over here.

The next village seemed to be only locals and we were able to wander through the farms and get a glimse as to how the locals live here. We also saw a dog walking down the street with an intestine in his mouth. That was strange.

So lets go over a quick run down of the things I have learned about Guatemala
1. Don´t touch the shower head when the water is on. They use electric heaters and if you touch it when you are wet you will get a shock
2. The guacamole here is so damned good
3. If you know a little spanish they know a little english and you can get by
4. Appearantly this is winter time. Yeah that sucks I only brought warm weather clothing. I could certainly use some long sleeves. (I still don´t understand why it is winter here)
5. Tequila is not as cheap as rum or vodka... go figure
6. Where are the jalapenos? I guess that is a mexican thing.
7. Suprisingly there are very few beggars.

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Photos

Bienvienos a Paradisio
This is the view from our breakfast table

Welcome to the Jungle
just wandering

Super Tacos
3 for $1.25

The Party in San Pedro
This is definitely a party town

Reflection
A view of the lake reflected off a window

Tasty Dinner
yup, thats an intestine

Here Comes the Rain
Hey... Don't we have this same shot from our cambodia trip

Comments

[gail dvoretz]

Hysterical 1-7!
Dear Brett and Warner, I don't know why it is winter their either..go figure. I think it has something to do with location...right? Just kidding. You would think that they would have the same weather as us. I will learn more when I go home. This sounds like another great adventure. The title should read " Brett and Warners excellent adventure "or maybe " Warner and Bretts excellent adventure". I can't wait to see the pictures. The first pics said a lot about this trip. 1-7 are hysterical and I will remember them always. Keep the stories coming and oh Warner ...write something too would you? Love Gail (MOM) Be safe , have fun and see you soon

[Sebastian]

Now THAT'S funny!
Ah, such wonderful travelers you be - except the concept of CHECKING THE WEATHER WHERE YOU ARE GOING BEFORE YOU GO THERE didn't enter into all the calculations...LOL Plus I see you still persist in eating anything anywhere anytime. Still, you always seem to be having such a good time - you go right ahead and eat those catepillar intestines and don't listen to a old guy like me!