San Pedro on Lago de Atitlan

---

After viewing a few friend's blogs I realized how absolute crap mine was and I ought to update more often and with a little more.... care. Here we go.

I've been here on Lago de Atitlan at San Pedro for 5 nights, 6 days. Needless to say, it's gorgeous. Downright fricken gorgeous. It's been fun enough staying at the "Hotel Mansion del Lago" and I thought I'd want to stick around longer for language classes, but the almost constant cold and rain are driving me away. Plus, a few backpackers I met in Flores have shown up and keep pestering me... one is trying to leech on. Yikes.

Lago de Atitlan is about 3 hours away from Antigua by way of shuttle bus. Once you arrive in Panajachel, aka Hippieville, you hop on a lancha across the lake for oh, 15-20 minutes. There are various pueblos around the lake besides San Pedro and Pana... San Juan, Santa Cruz, Santiago Atitlan for starters. It has been cool to hear Tzutujil Mayan spoken on the streets and see everyone in almost traditional clothing. The area is a little touristy but I think the isolation and problems with mudslides (just think back to Tropical Storm Stan last year, hundreds were killed) hinder "development."

I met up with three English guys here, two of whom I met in Antigua and on Volcan Pacaya. Laid back, intelligent, good company. We had a great time kayaking the lake, testing the local eateries and pubs, almost going horseback riding, and just sitting around chatting. I am going to be meeting up with one of them in Costa Rica mid-November, assuming all goes well until then.

I went for a sunrise hike this morning.... had to leave at 3:00am.... and finally got to see the ever elusive Guatemalan sunrise. It had been overcast every other time I've been up for one.. ok, only twice, but still. The hike was strenuous compared to others this trip but it felt wonderful once we got to see the sunrise. I taught the guide Juan a few English verbs and helpful sayings... he picked up very fast.

I will be headed back to Antigua tonight to refresh and figure out what's next. I basically let a friend flip a coin to see where I'm going next... I will surprise you.

---

Photos

Lago de Atitlan 11
We had a bit of trouble getting the pictures to work... gimme a break, it was 6:00 am...

Lago de Atitlan 12
Try #2

Comments

[Joey]

Eek, leechers?!
I hope I don't ever become a leecher while i'm backpacking! Haha. Keep up on the travel blog Carly! take care farker!

[Ann]

los dos en Mexico
in pueble horita! you have my agenda on my main blog I will look for you when or if I see you. I love your travel blog, such adventures!! go with the flow chica!

[Liz]

Hidey Ho!
I love the pics! I can see why you would've loved to stay on...had it not been for the chill. I'm just so happy that you are finding this adventure so fulfilling! It's great to follow along with you, believe me! I'll be updating as soon as I can...still having computer troubles : ( Paz y Felicidad, L.

[jenine y roberto]

que chido !
Carly, sounnds like you're going to lot of the same places I have been! Keep on keepin' on! I am so celoso de ti! We will be in Puerto Morelos enero thru febrero, maybe we can get together for acouple of cervezas. We love you! Jenine and Robert in California