GUATEMALA - ANTIGUA

Another early start but the hotel had agreed to provide a welcome breakfast so we set off in good heart to rendezvous with our latest bus.  Out onto the strikingly modern bridge and we were headed west on the nation’s major highway; mostly dual carriageway and mostly in good condition.  Everywhere were signs of a prosperous countryside with plenty out working in the well-ordered fields; digging, fencing spraying and rounding up cattle. 

The recent heavy rains had had a considerable impact and many gangs were out clearing ditches and, as the land began to rise, getting rid of landslides that had strayed onto the road.  Considerable areas seemed to be set out as new rubber plantations but vegetable crops, sugar cane and oil palm were still common as well as the staple, maize.  All the little towns we passed seemed to have incredibly well ordered scrap yards, organised by vehicle parts so wings, axles, wheels etc. were all easy to find.  We'd all got used to the presence of armed police but at one 'comfort stop' we came face to face with the evidence that others might be armed as well!

We reached Guatemala City early as planned and negotiated a crossing with relative ease as the many dual carriageways and underpasses were not too busy.  There were all the signs of greater economic development with large stores, hotels and banks as well as plenty of more modern vehicles.  Security was also more evident as every sizeable building had an armed guard posted outside.  Motor cyclists nearly all go without helmets, a strange decision given the risks they seem prepared to take.  At the same time, the poorer side could be witnessed with plenty of basic housing, stalls manned by children selling little more than fruit juice and old men carrying enormous bundles of firewood.

By now we had clearly reached the mountains and the van began to struggle in places.  Despite the altitude and aridity cactus began to appear in places, the countryside was still predominantly green.  Soon we descended into Antigua, a charming colonial style town set out in a grid pattern, surrounded by three volcanoes, one emitting wisps of steam although that could be my imagination.  The town boasts a variety of good restaurants, bars, shops and hotels clearly aimed at the tourist but also a lively Mercado, a large supermarket and an enormous Chicken Bus station.  Our hotel is wonderful and the roof offers wonderful views of the town. 



The next day would end with a ‘home stay’ in the village of San Jorge and Intrepid advised us that dried foodstuffs would be the most appropriate present.  After some discussion with fellow travellers I bought some paper and pens for the children as well.  We had been advised to ask permission for photographs and during my exploration of the town I met a women selling textiles surrounded by children.  This photograph was the result of the negotiation.

The evening was spent in a Mayan restaurant where the food was both delicious and filling but given the 7am start on the morrow most set off to bed early.