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Published: July 27th 2008
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Here we are just a few minutes from the shore of the lake. Another full day has passed since logging out last night. I have abandoned the noise of ´The Simpsons´in Spanish... and have wandered down the street to this somewhat dingy cyberland. I always find internet cafes fascinating.... kinda like being in a different place or a different world when you step inside. Though, as different as they are from one corner of the world to another... they retain many common features.... and one of those always found in hot countries is ankle biting insects. Those little ones that you cannot see but sure can feel!!
So... after scooping our rental SUV we headed west... taking the road less travelled to Lake Atitlan. Avoiding the InterAmericana, we took secondary road that were scenic and stunning... and arrived here by noon. The outskirts of Antigua were not too exciting, but that was short lived... as the green hills soon began to eclipse everything. Really a great drive... especially not having to be behind the wheel, and therefore getting to look out and absorb. Note that not too much absorbing was done by the kids who were in their own little
Nintendo Worlds!! But, at least it keeps them quiet.
As luck would have it, Luca was asleep upon arrival. So, Tordes elected to chill with him as he caught up on his sleep... whilst we walked down to the lake to hire a private boat for a lake tour. Tough negotiating was required, as this place is busy on weekends.... but soon enough we were on our way. Wow.. is this place gorgeous or what? No, Panajachel is not gorgeous... but the Lake and surrounding volcanic landscape is. Being right in the middle of the lake.... with a 360 degree view..... that was where I wanted to be. I quickly understood why this place is a ´must´for travellers to Guatemala. Forget about the hippie filled towns along the shore with their dreadlocked, hair-braiding, fire dancing, trance-seeking crowds.... they offer very little from my point of view. But, the setting here offers everything. It was a real shame that Tordes had to miss it. We were on the lake for about 2 hours... stopping only once for drinks in the village of Santiago Atitlan on the opposide side of the lake. Our journey back took us via San Antonio and
Santa Catarina... but we didn´t step off the boat. Just admired from afar. Wow.. a lot of $$ has been invested by some very wealthy people into propery here. Stunning homes sitting on carefully selected parcels of land.
The sky was a mix of cloud and sun all day... which was quite nice as I would not have wanted too much of either. We returned back to get Tordes and Luca... and head into the tourist filled street... not streets.. of Panajachel. Yes, there really is only one street... which takes about 20 minutes to walk from end to end. Quite a fun place, and a true haven for tourist of all ages... though mostly backpackers. A total backpacker vibe here.... mellow and relaxed by day... and thronging with cafes and bars by night. Everywhere is within stumbling distance from whereever one is staying. You can buy a Guatemalan blanket, get a henna tattoo, enjoy a ´Vancouver Pizza´?, kayak on the lake, drink 2$ beers, and sleep in a comfy place for about $20 a night.
I have left my camera cable back in Antigua... as we only brought stuff for the night. Will add some pics tomorrow
or on Monday. Kids are having fun... though Riel struggles with the food as always. Kids love towns like this... as there is constant stimulation. Plus, there are so many indigenous... wandering everywhere selling everything. They add a great atmosphere to the place.. and are sooo friendly. Luckily I do not find Guatemalan art that appealing.... (and I am even more lucky that Tordes feels the same way). So, it is only the kids prying money out of my pocket.
Tomorrow we are heading north to Chichi (Chichicastenango).... for the famous Sunday Market. Probably out of here around 0800... picking up something to eat along the way. Not sure if there will be any of the nice banana bread left. We bought a great fresh loaf yesterday... though we were down to just half a loaf when I left the room... and Luca was munching on his third piece.
Well... maybe cartoon corner is over and it is safe to get back to the room. We are in the San Sebastion Hotel.. right on the main street. Great room with a balcony that hangs over the busy street with all the action below. Only downside is that falling
asleep is never a sure thing with such a location. Wish me luck.
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