Guatemala #1

I'm finally going to use this again. It's been forever. It's a fun way to share my adventures. My trip began with a long afternoon and overnight trip to Guatemala City. Luckily, I was wisked away by my taxi driver Larry.  Being that it was 5:45 in the morning we were able to leave the city very quickly. I was able to talk to Larry a little even though he spoke no english. I was happy to make some small talk. He was very patient. Guatemala City was cleaner than I would have imagined. Although, I did not see a whole bunch of it. It is so green here. Lots of happy foliage. Large mountains of green all around it. Nice roads.

 I arrived at my B & B at 6:30. Fortunately one of the guests was able to let me in. I was not very excited about cruising around with a backpack that early in the morning. Especially on only an hour of sleep in a 26 hour period. But it all worked out. The little spot I will spend the first two nights is lovely. Beautiful spacious room and free wifi!

I was able to explore a little today. It is a very friendly walk around kind of town. Lots of Buenos dias as I walked to the bank. It was a very small bank that had two security guards. One even had a shotgun. Somehow they seemed friendly even with bullet proof vests and guns.

The streets here are made it seems from river rock. They are very bumpy. I believe it is cobblestones though. Being that it was founded in 1543 they are holding up very well. There are about 35,000 people here. I have only seen a small portion but it does not seem that crowded.

For a first day in a foreign city I'm feeling very relaxed. I had a great lunch and there I was reminded how happy I am to be here learning more spanish. The waitress got a few blank stares as did the super market clerk. I'm making along well enough though. Thank goodness for my spanish teacher the last 3 months. I would be a deer in headlights when talking with people if not for her.

Until next time...