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| Semuc Champey |
04.02.15
Heute hatte ich endlich - nach Wochen- eine rießige Schüssel voll Salat (gefühlt einen ganzen Salatkopf, mit Karotten,Gurken,Avocado, Tomaten,MAIS) und Knoblauchbrot! Genug Vitamine für die nächsten Wochen!
Und wieder einmal haben wir uns für eine touristische Aktivität hinreißen lassen und fuhren fast 6h nach Lanquin. In einem Minivan mit 9 Leuten an Board! 3 Italiener, ein Pärchen (er Deutsch, sie Spanierin) und noch ein Pärchen (er Australier, sie aus Californien) und wir 2.
Die ersten 2h waren relaxed auf geteerten Straßen. Danach ging es in die Berge, Serpentinen hoch, auf ungeteerten, steinigen Wegen! Mich wundert es, dass wir es ohne SUV geschafft haben! Es ist eine wunderschöne Landschaft! Die Dörfer haben keine Namen, oft sieht man nur 2-3 Häuser und dann kilometerweit nichts. Die Menschen dort "schleppen" Säcke und Holz kilometerweit zu Fuß durch die Berge! Leben im Einklang mit der Natur ohne Elektrizität und fließend Wasser!
Einmal sind wir den Berg nicht hochgekommen und es mussten Steine aus dem Weg geräumt werden!
Allein die Fahrt war das Geld wert.
Ein Shuttle von Rio Dulce (Abfahrt Sundog) bis zu unserem Hostel (Zephyr Lodge) kostet Q150 (die Lokal-Busse kosten letztlich genau so viel und man muss 3 verschiedene nehmen--> der Stress lohnt sich nicht).
Der Van wurde bei der Ankunft in Lanquin von ca. 10 Guatemalas "überfallen", die einem Unterkünfte anbieten! Aber es lohnt sich davor etwas zu reservieren und sich den Stress zu ersparen eine gute, günstige Unterkunft zu bekommen!
Wir haben ein "romantisches" 11-Bett-Mix-Dorm (Q70/Person). Ich schlafe oben in einem Stockbett. 2 Nächte sind das Maximum. Es ist recht witzig, ein Erlebnis das man als Abenteuerreisende mitmachen sollte. Kaum angekommen, haben wir uns eine kurze Rede anhören dürfen, was es zu beachten gibt! Dann ging's gleich ins Bett.
Das Hostel ist voll mit jungen Backpackern, die machen die ganze Nacht Party, sind laut und betrunken. --> das ist mir zu viel! Ich mag es ruhig, inmitten von Einheimischen und eher unturistisch! Es gibt keine Bank hier, deshalb werden die Reisepässe eingesammelt und wer am Ende nicht bezahlen kann, wird mit dem Shuttle auf dem Heimweg irgendwo zur Bank gebracht und muss dem Fahrer das Geld geben (er legt es aus) und bekommt dann erst seinen Pass zurück!
Für jeden wird ein "Tab" eröffnet und am Ende kommt die "dicke" Rechnung! :-)
Achja! Internet/Wifi ist hier Fehlanzeige!
Man darf für max. 20Min. einen allgemeinen Laptop benutzen, um Mails zu checken oder um Bankgeschäfte zu erledigen!
Facebook, Skype, etc. sind gesperrt!
Ist ja auch mal gar nicht schlecht, somit kommuniziert man wenigstens mal wieder persönlich, anstatt dass jeder mit seinem Smartphone dasitzt!
05.02.15
Heute früh liefen wir in die Stadt zum Frühstücken! Es ist dort fast um die Hälfte günstiger, als im Hostel-Restaurant!
Der Weg dauert nur 10Min. führt aber durch Zentimeter hohen Schlamm (wegen dem Regen). Dort (Restaurant Shalom) hatten wir wieder einmal ein "plato typico" = Rührei, Bohnen, ein Mini Stück Ziegenkäse und gebratene Banane, dazu Tortillas! (Q20) Danach ging es auf unseren Ausflug! Leider immernoch Regen und keine Sonne weit und breit in Sicht! Die Fahrt war schonmal ein Erlebnis für sich! 4 Mädels (inkl. uns) konnten noch in den Jeep rein, der Rest (~9Personen) mussten auf -die mit einer Regenplane abgedeckte -Ladefläche! Es ging 10km auf unbefestigten Strassen durch Schlamm und Pfützen steil Berg auf und -ab. Dazu benötigten wir eine gute Stunde!
Den ersten Stop machten wir in einer Höhle-(betreten auf eigene Gefahr). Nur mit Badesachen bekleidet und einer Kerze in der Hand ging es ins Abenteuer! Anfangs konnte man noch gut stehen, irgendwann dann nur noch einarmig Schwimmen und dann klettert man wahlweise den Wasserfall an einem Seil hoch oder man benutzt die daneben stehende Leiter. Am Schluss kann man eine Felswand hochklettern und runterspringen. Ich war eine "Pussy". Zu viel Angst. Einer ist auf halbem Wege beim hochklettern runtergefallen (Gott sei Dank ins Wasser). Außer dem Kerzenlicht und 2 Stirnlampen gab es keine andere Leuchtquellen und dazu hatte es viele Felsen, keine Sicherung und ich zu viel Angst! Ich bin eine kleine Rutsche gerutscht und eine Größere bei der ein "Wasserfall" dabei ist. Das war für mich Abenteuer genug! Anschließend ging es zu einer Schaukel, bei der man ca. 6-7 Meter über dem Fluss abspringen MUSS.
Nachdem fast alle gesprungen sind und ich am hin- und her überlegen war, nahm ich meinen Mut zusammen und hab es gewagt! Und es war toll! Danach ging's zu einer Brücke (ca. 12 Meter hoch)... Da musste ich nicht lange überlegen- eindeutig zu viel Angst (oder Vernunft *gg*). Auf der Brücke versuchten 4-8Jährige süße Kinder uns Schokolade zu verkaufen! Die waren wirklich zum dahinschmelzen, wie sie mit ihren riesen Kulleraugen einen anschauen und dann fragen, ob man etwas kaufen mag!
Dann machten wir eine Lunch Pause und anschließend ging es auf zu den natürlichen "Swimmingpools". Der Regen hat aufgehört und die Sonne versuchte durch zu kommen! Es war ein ca. 45 Min Fußmarsch auf rutschigen, felsigen, unbefestigten Wegen nach oben. Dort hatte man einen wahnsinnigen Ausblick auf smaragdgrünes Wasser mit Wasserfällen und den Bergen im Hintergrund! Danach ging es zum Abstieg und wir badeten in den natürlich angelegten Pools!
Kleine Fische kamen zu mir und gaben mir eine "Pediküre". :-)
1,5h später ging es im Sonnenschein zurück zum Hostel. Diesmal stand ich auf der Ladefläche - cooles Erlebnis! Zwischendurch sammelt man Einheimische mit ein und gibt ihnen eine freie Fahrt nach Hause!
Wir haben unsere Weiterfahrt nach Antigua für den nächsten Tag im Dorf gebucht (Q85, statt Q125 im Hostel) und waren dann Abendessen! Es gab Reis, Rindfleisch, Salat und Tortillas :-) für Q20
Wir müssen ja sparen! Und es ist wirklich sehr lecker!
Wie sollte es anders sein, überraschte uns der Regen - in Strömen! Wir haben ja auch erst geduscht!
Wir liefen Barfuß durch den Matsch zurück ins Hostel- duschen und schonmal auschecken - da morgen früh die Rezeption noch nicht besetzt ist, wenn wir losmüssen!
Und dann wieder packen und ab ins Bett! :-)
06.02.15
Heute rächte sich meine schwäbische Denkweise gewaltig an uns!
Wir gucken ja wie und wo wir sparen können und drehen quasi jeden "Centos" 2x um. Wir bekamen von anderen Backpackern den Tipp unsere Weiterfahrt im Dorf, statt im Hostel zu buchen! Man spart Q40 (4,70€). Das wären schon wieder 2 Mahlzeiten.
Im Prinzip hätte das wunderbar funktioniert, hätte ich auf mein Bauchgefühl gehört! Wir sollten entweder um 5:50 Uhr dort im Dorf sein oder uns gegen 6:10 Uhr am Hostel holen lassen. Da der Weg ja sehr steil und schlammig ist, haben wir extra 3 mal gefragt, ob der Bus uns auch wirklich dort holen kann.
Morgens hat es mal wieder (wie auch schon die ganze Nacht) in Strömen geregnet und ich sage noch zu Sindy, irgendwie habe ich ein komisches Gegühl, dass die uns nicht holen. Um 7Uhr standen wir immer noch da, wie bestellt und nicht abgeholt. Also haben wir dort angerufen und sollten ins Büro und Dorf kommen. Gesagt, getan- liefen oder wateten wir im Schlamm ins Dorf. Dort war ich erstmal stinksauer, dass wir nicht abgeholt wurden. Nach langer Diskussion und Feststellung dass es kein anderen Transport gibt, wollten uns die Amigos eine Nacht gratis im Hotel anbieten und am nächsten Tag fahren. (wahrscheinlich deren Unterkunft) oder mit 3 lokal-Bussen nach Antigua.
Wir entschieden uns für letzteres. Im Auto noch, kurz vor Abfahrt, dachte ich mir, dass wir die Hotel-Option nehmen hätten sollen. Denn die Amigos gaben uns nicht das Geld zurück, sondern nur das Ticket und der Fahrer brachte uns 2h nach Coban, von wo aus ein Bus nach Guatemala City fährt. Natürlich galt das Ticket dort nicht. Und wir mussten ein neues kaufen. Wenn man das liest, denkt man, dass wir ganz schön doof waren; aber in dem Moment, indem man wegkommen will und nur wenig Spanisch spricht, schien es die Beste Lösung - und wir hatten ja ein Ticket! Nur wussten wir vorher nicht, dass es dort nicht gilt!
Wieder um eine Erfahrung reicher! Aber jetzt wieder einen Bus nach Lanquin bezahlen und wieder diskutieren, lohnt sich nicht!
Ich hätte das Geld lieber armen Kindern gespendet, als den Halsabschneidern!
Nunja!
Ca. 5h später kamen wir in Guatemala City an...dort nahmen wir ein Bus (wir durften umsonst fahren) und anschließend die Metro (Q1) entweder ist immer so viel los, oder es lag an der Freitag Nachmittag "Rush-Hour". Und wir dazu noch voll bepackt! Umfallen konnte keiner, Platzangst darf man aber auch nicht haben! Anschließend ging es mit einem "Chiken-Bus" für Q10 nach Antigua! Wieder Gedränge. Wir hatten bis fast zum Schluss Stehplätze. Die Rucksäcke mussten aufs Dach! Um aus Guate rauszukommen, steht man mehr im Stau, als dass man fährt!
Abends gegen 19:30 Uhr kamen wir endlich in Antigua an und trafen unseren Host Armando, 49J. und Physiotherapeut! Sehr sympathisch! Jetzt geht's erstmal schlafen! Wifi gibt es bei Armando nicht, dafür in den Cafés downtown!
07.02.15
Heute war mal wieder Skype dran- nach langer Zeit ohne Internet! Dann musste ich dringend zur "lavanderia"(Wäscherei) und währenddessen wurde die Stadt erkundet. Klein und übersichtlich ist es hier in Antigua!
Nachmittags ging es in eine Familienbetriebene Hinterküche. Sehr günstig und es hatte 2 Gerichte zur Auswahl :-) (Hühnchen, Reis, tortillas, Kartoffel) für Q 20 (2,30€)
Dann haben wir uns mit unserem Host Armando getroffen, der noch auf ein Mädchen gewartet hat. Saskia aus Holland! Während wir so dastehen zog sich der Hinmel zu, es wurde schwarz und fing an zu "regnen"... Aber kein Wasser, sondern Asche. Wahnsinnig! Man musste sich unterstellen und ich habe meine Sonnenbrille aufgesetzt und den Mund mit meinem Pulli verdeckt.
Vor 4 Jahren hatte man hier das letzte Mal Aschenregen. Und der Flughafen in Guatemala City ist gesperrt! Alles ist mit grauem Staub bedeckt. Ich war Teil dieses "Events" :-)
Am Abend gab es 3x ein Feuerwerk. Das wir von Armandos Dachterasse angeguckt haben. Es war eine Hochzeit- wahrscheinlich haben die das Feuerwerk organisiert!
Abends kochte Armando uns Spaghetti mit Gemüse und Tomatensoße. Die Mädels gingen noch mit ihm aus auf ein Bier und ich war so müde, dass ich ins Bett ging.
08.02.-10.02.15
Die Tage in Antigua waren relativ relaxed. Tagsüber in der Stadt gechillt, wir sind einmal auf eine tolle Aussichtsplattform gegangen (durch die Aschewolke konnte man leider nicht all zu viel sehen). Es gab einen Markt, durch den wir gelaufe sind.
Ich habe am Sonntag mit meiner Familie und Marci geskypt. Es hat diesmal sogar mit Cam funktioniert. Und es war schön, alle die man liebt zu sehen und hören; anstatt immer nur zu schreiben.
Ich bin noch in ein Hotel gegangen, welches einen tollen Park bzw. Ruinen beherbergt! Santo Domingo! Wunderschön! Dort war auch noch alles von der Hochzeit aufgestuhlt! Tolle Kulisse! Wunderschön!
Ansonsten haben wir Abends immer zusammen gekocht und den Abend ausklingen lassen.
Es kamen noch zwei Mädchen zum couchsurfen, Haan aus Malaysia und Monica aus Polen.
Armando hat viel Platz :-)
Sindy und ich haben dann am Dienstag früh Antigua verlassen und sind an den Lago Atitlan gefahren. Es soll einer der schönsten Seen in Guatemala sein...
Nichts wie hin :-) San Marcos ist unser Ziel dort.
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Ansonsten haben wir Abends immer zusammen gekocht und den Abend ausklingen lassen.
Es kamen noch zwei Mädchen zum couchsurfen, Haan aus Malaysia und Monica aus Polen.
Armando hat viel Platz :-)
Sindy und ich haben dann am Dienstag früh Antigua verlassen und sind an den Lago Atitlan gefahren. Es soll einer der schönsten Seen in Guatemala sein...
Nichts wie hin :-) San Marcos ist unser Ziel dort.
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February 04th 2015
Today I had finally a huge bowl full of salad (felt like a whole head of lettuce with carrots, cucumbers, avocado, tomatoes, MAIS) and garlic bread! Enough Vitamins for the next few weeks!
And once again we got carried away for a tourist activity and drove almost 6 h to Lanquin. In a minivan with 9 people on board! 3 Italians, a couple (he German, she Spanish) and another couple (he Australians, she from California) and we 2.
The first 2 hours were relaxed on paved roads. Then we went up into the mountains, winding roads, on unpaved, rocky trails! I'm surprised that we did it without SUV! It is a beautiful landscape! The villages have no names, often they only have 2-3 houses and then nothing for miles. The people there carrying bags and wood for miles on their back through the mountains! Seems like they're living in harmony with nature without electricity and running water!
Once we got stuck and had to take a few stones out of the way!
But the trip was well worth the money.
A shuttle from Rio Dulce (leaving at Sundog) to our hostel (Zephyr Lodge) costs Q150 (the local buses are about the same cost and you need to take 3 different ones -> it's not worth the stress).
Once the Van arrives in Lanquin, it got "attacked"by about 10 Guatemalan offering an accommodation! For us it was worth to make a reservation in advance and save yourself the hassle to get a good budget accommodation in the late eve.
We have a "romantic" 11-bed Mix Dorm (Q70 / person). I sleep in a bunk bed above. 2 nights are the maximum. It is quite funny, an experience that you should join as adventure travelers. Once there, we were allowed to listen to a short speech, what it is to be observed! Then we went straight to bed.
The hostel is full of young backpackers who make all night long party, loud music and getting drunk. -> This is too much for me! I like it quiet, surrounded by locals and rather non-touristic! There is no bank (ATM) here, so passports got collected and if u can not pay in the end, the driver will drop you somewhere on your way to the next destination at a ATM and you will give the money to the driver and then you get back your passport.
For each person they open a "tab", so you always tell them your name and there is no need of cash. At the end you get the "big" bill! :-) Oh Yes, I almost forgot. No Internet / Wifi there!
For max. 20min. you are allowed to use a general laptop to check emails or to perform banking transactions!
Facebook, Skype, etc. are blocked!
It really is not bad at all times, thus to communicate at least once again personally, rather than any sitting there with his smartphone!
Today I had finally a huge bowl full of salad (felt like a whole head of lettuce with carrots, cucumbers, avocado, tomatoes, MAIS) and garlic bread! Enough Vitamins for the next few weeks!
And once again we got carried away for a tourist activity and drove almost 6 h to Lanquin. In a minivan with 9 people on board! 3 Italians, a couple (he German, she Spanish) and another couple (he Australians, she from California) and we 2.
The first 2 hours were relaxed on paved roads. Then we went up into the mountains, winding roads, on unpaved, rocky trails! I'm surprised that we did it without SUV! It is a beautiful landscape! The villages have no names, often they only have 2-3 houses and then nothing for miles. The people there carrying bags and wood for miles on their back through the mountains! Seems like they're living in harmony with nature without electricity and running water!
Once we got stuck and had to take a few stones out of the way!
But the trip was well worth the money.
A shuttle from Rio Dulce (leaving at Sundog) to our hostel (Zephyr Lodge) costs Q150 (the local buses are about the same cost and you need to take 3 different ones -> it's not worth the stress).
Once the Van arrives in Lanquin, it got "attacked"by about 10 Guatemalan offering an accommodation! For us it was worth to make a reservation in advance and save yourself the hassle to get a good budget accommodation in the late eve.
We have a "romantic" 11-bed Mix Dorm (Q70 / person). I sleep in a bunk bed above. 2 nights are the maximum. It is quite funny, an experience that you should join as adventure travelers. Once there, we were allowed to listen to a short speech, what it is to be observed! Then we went straight to bed.
The hostel is full of young backpackers who make all night long party, loud music and getting drunk. -> This is too much for me! I like it quiet, surrounded by locals and rather non-touristic! There is no bank (ATM) here, so passports got collected and if u can not pay in the end, the driver will drop you somewhere on your way to the next destination at a ATM and you will give the money to the driver and then you get back your passport.
For each person they open a "tab", so you always tell them your name and there is no need of cash. At the end you get the "big" bill! :-) Oh Yes, I almost forgot. No Internet / Wifi there!
For max. 20min. you are allowed to use a general laptop to check emails or to perform banking transactions!
Facebook, Skype, etc. are blocked!
It really is not bad at all times, thus to communicate at least once again personally, rather than any sitting there with his smartphone!
February 05th, 2015
This morning we walked into town for breakfast! It is cheaper (almost half price), as the hostel restaurant!
The path takes only 10min. but performs centimeters high mud (due to rain). There (Restaurant Shalom) once again we had a "plato typico" = scrambled eggs, beans, a small piece of goat cheese and fried banana, plus tortillas! (Q20). Then we went on our trip! Unfortunately, still rain and no sun in sight! The ride was an experience in itself! 4 girls (incl. us) were sitting in the jeep, the remainder (~ 9Personen) stood on the "load area" (covered with a rain tarp)! It was a 10km steep uphill ride on dirty roads through mud and puddles. It took us a hour.
The first stop we made in a cave- (enter at your own risk). Wearing only a swim suit and a candle in one hand we went into the adventure! Initially you could stand well, then you had to swim with only one arm and then you climb either the waterfall on a tightrope up or you can use the adjacent single ladder. At the end you can climb up and jump off a cliff. I was scared. Too much anxiety. One guy felt halfway down during climbing (thankfully right into the water). In addition to the candlelight and 2 Headlamps there was no other light sources and for that it had a lot of rocks. I just watched the rest of the group jumping. Then I slid a small slide and a bigger one down in a "waterfall". That was enough adventure for me. Then we went to a swing, you had to jump off about 6-7 meters above the river.
After almost everybody jumped I gathered my courage and I dared! And it was great! Then we went to a bridge (about 12 meters) ... I knew I never going to jump down there - So I watched the other ones jumping. On the bridge cute little kids ( 4-8 years old ) tried to sell chocolate!
Then we took a lunch break and then we went on to the natural "swimming pools". The rain has stopped and the sun was trying to get through! It was a 45 min walk on slippery, rocky, unpaved roads to the top. There they had a crazy view on emerald green water with waterfalls and mountains in the background! Then we went down and swam in the pools they were naturally created! Small fishes came to me and gave me a "pedicure". :-)
1.5 hours later we went back to the hostel in the sunshine. This time I was on the load area of the truck - cool experience! In between, you collect the locals and give them a free ride home!
We booked our drive to Antigua for the next day in the village (Q85, in the hostel it was Q125 ) and then we had there dinner! = rice, beef, salad and tortillas:-) for Q20.
How could it be otherwise, we were surprised by the pouring rain. We just have taken a shower!
We walked barefoot through the mud back into the Hostel and checked out in advance - because tomorrow morning the reception is not open when we have to leave.
And then again... pack up our stuff and go to bed! :-)
February 06th 2015
Today my "swabian thinkwise" avenged us.
We always tried to manage our budget and checked out how we can save money. We got the advice from other backpackers to book our journey in the village, instead of booking it at the Hostel! It saves Q40. That'll be 2 meals again.
Normally, this would have worked wonderfully, if I had listened to my gut feeling! We should either be in the village by 5:50 am or they send for us a pickup service at 6:10 am to the hostel. Since the path is so steep and muddy, we have even asked extra 3times if the bus can get us really there. He said it's no problem. Morning arrived and it rained the whole night. We decided to wait in the hostel for the pick up service. I told Sindy, somehow I've got a weird feeling that they can't pick us up. At 7am we were still there, as ordered and not picked up. So we called them and they told us we should come into the office down in the village. No sooner said than done- we waded in mud to the village. There I was pissed off that we were not picked up. After much discussion and finding that there is no other transportation, the Amigos offered us one free night at a hotel and we could take the shuttle the next morning or we go now with 3 local buses to Antigua.
We went for the last option and moved on. Again, when we're satting in the car, I thought that we should have taken the "hotel"option. The Amigos did not give us the money back, but only the ticket and the driver took us 2 hours to Coban, from where a bus to Guatemala City departs. Of course, the ticket was not valid there. And we had to buy a new one. If you read this, you might think that we were pretty stupid; but at the moment, by wanting to get away, it seemed the best solution - and we had a ticket! Only we did not know ahead that it's not valid there!
But it's also not worth to pay a bus to Lanquin and discuss againwith the guys. This new experience thought us a lesson. I would prefer the money donated to poor children, as to the guys. Oh Well!
Approximately 5h later we arrived in Guatemala City... There we took a bus (we were allowed to go for free) and then the metro (Q1). Either it's always so much going on, or it's because Friday afternoon "rush hour". At least u can't fall, but you might not be a claustrophobian! After we went to a "Chiken bus" for Q10 to Antigua! Again crowds. We were almost until the end standing. The backpacks were on the rooftop! To get out of Guate, you stuck in the traffic jam!
Evening around 7:30pm we finally arrived in Antigua and met our host Armando, 49 yo. and a physiotherapist! Very nice man! For us it's time to sleep! Wifi cannot be found at Armandosplace, but downtown in the cafes!
February 7th 2015
Today I tried to do a Skype-session. Then I've been to the "lavanderia" (laundry), and the city was explored by me and Sindy. Here in Antigua it is small and manageable! In the afternoon we went to a family-run restaurant. Very cheap and it had 2 choices of dishes (chicken, rice, tortillas, potatoes) for Q 20. Then we met up with our host Armando, who has been waiting for a girl. Saskia from Holland! While we are standing together, the sky got black and began to "rain" ...No water, but ashes. Insane! I had to put on my sunglasses and covered my mouth with my sweater.4 years ago you had the last time an ash rain here. And the airport in Guatemala City is blocked! Everything is covered with gray dust. I was part of this "event":-)
In the evening there were fireworks for 3 times. We have watched the spectacel at Armandos roof terrace. There was a wedding- probably they have organized the fireworks! Armando cooked us spaghetti with vegetables and tomato sauce in the eve. The girls went afterward with him out for a beer and I was so tired that I didn't join and went to bed.
February 08th-10th 2015
The days in Antigua have been quiet relaxed. During the day we hang out and chillaxed in the city. Once we've been to a mirrador (overlook) - unfortunately the view hasn't been the best, cause the Ash-clouds. Then there was a market, we've walked through.
On Sunday I skyped with my family and Marci. This time with cam :-) *yeah* it was great - finally I could see and hear my beloved family, instead of only writing and reading.
This morning we walked into town for breakfast! It is cheaper (almost half price), as the hostel restaurant!
The path takes only 10min. but performs centimeters high mud (due to rain). There (Restaurant Shalom) once again we had a "plato typico" = scrambled eggs, beans, a small piece of goat cheese and fried banana, plus tortillas! (Q20). Then we went on our trip! Unfortunately, still rain and no sun in sight! The ride was an experience in itself! 4 girls (incl. us) were sitting in the jeep, the remainder (~ 9Personen) stood on the "load area" (covered with a rain tarp)! It was a 10km steep uphill ride on dirty roads through mud and puddles. It took us a hour.
The first stop we made in a cave- (enter at your own risk). Wearing only a swim suit and a candle in one hand we went into the adventure! Initially you could stand well, then you had to swim with only one arm and then you climb either the waterfall on a tightrope up or you can use the adjacent single ladder. At the end you can climb up and jump off a cliff. I was scared. Too much anxiety. One guy felt halfway down during climbing (thankfully right into the water). In addition to the candlelight and 2 Headlamps there was no other light sources and for that it had a lot of rocks. I just watched the rest of the group jumping. Then I slid a small slide and a bigger one down in a "waterfall". That was enough adventure for me. Then we went to a swing, you had to jump off about 6-7 meters above the river.
After almost everybody jumped I gathered my courage and I dared! And it was great! Then we went to a bridge (about 12 meters) ... I knew I never going to jump down there - So I watched the other ones jumping. On the bridge cute little kids ( 4-8 years old ) tried to sell chocolate!
Then we took a lunch break and then we went on to the natural "swimming pools". The rain has stopped and the sun was trying to get through! It was a 45 min walk on slippery, rocky, unpaved roads to the top. There they had a crazy view on emerald green water with waterfalls and mountains in the background! Then we went down and swam in the pools they were naturally created! Small fishes came to me and gave me a "pedicure". :-)
1.5 hours later we went back to the hostel in the sunshine. This time I was on the load area of the truck - cool experience! In between, you collect the locals and give them a free ride home!
We booked our drive to Antigua for the next day in the village (Q85, in the hostel it was Q125 ) and then we had there dinner! = rice, beef, salad and tortillas:-) for Q20.
How could it be otherwise, we were surprised by the pouring rain. We just have taken a shower!
We walked barefoot through the mud back into the Hostel and checked out in advance - because tomorrow morning the reception is not open when we have to leave.
And then again... pack up our stuff and go to bed! :-)
February 06th 2015
Today my "swabian thinkwise" avenged us.
We always tried to manage our budget and checked out how we can save money. We got the advice from other backpackers to book our journey in the village, instead of booking it at the Hostel! It saves Q40. That'll be 2 meals again.
Normally, this would have worked wonderfully, if I had listened to my gut feeling! We should either be in the village by 5:50 am or they send for us a pickup service at 6:10 am to the hostel. Since the path is so steep and muddy, we have even asked extra 3times if the bus can get us really there. He said it's no problem. Morning arrived and it rained the whole night. We decided to wait in the hostel for the pick up service. I told Sindy, somehow I've got a weird feeling that they can't pick us up. At 7am we were still there, as ordered and not picked up. So we called them and they told us we should come into the office down in the village. No sooner said than done- we waded in mud to the village. There I was pissed off that we were not picked up. After much discussion and finding that there is no other transportation, the Amigos offered us one free night at a hotel and we could take the shuttle the next morning or we go now with 3 local buses to Antigua.
We went for the last option and moved on. Again, when we're satting in the car, I thought that we should have taken the "hotel"option. The Amigos did not give us the money back, but only the ticket and the driver took us 2 hours to Coban, from where a bus to Guatemala City departs. Of course, the ticket was not valid there. And we had to buy a new one. If you read this, you might think that we were pretty stupid; but at the moment, by wanting to get away, it seemed the best solution - and we had a ticket! Only we did not know ahead that it's not valid there!
But it's also not worth to pay a bus to Lanquin and discuss againwith the guys. This new experience thought us a lesson. I would prefer the money donated to poor children, as to the guys. Oh Well!
Approximately 5h later we arrived in Guatemala City... There we took a bus (we were allowed to go for free) and then the metro (Q1). Either it's always so much going on, or it's because Friday afternoon "rush hour". At least u can't fall, but you might not be a claustrophobian! After we went to a "Chiken bus" for Q10 to Antigua! Again crowds. We were almost until the end standing. The backpacks were on the rooftop! To get out of Guate, you stuck in the traffic jam!
Evening around 7:30pm we finally arrived in Antigua and met our host Armando, 49 yo. and a physiotherapist! Very nice man! For us it's time to sleep! Wifi cannot be found at Armandosplace, but downtown in the cafes!
February 7th 2015
Today I tried to do a Skype-session. Then I've been to the "lavanderia" (laundry), and the city was explored by me and Sindy. Here in Antigua it is small and manageable! In the afternoon we went to a family-run restaurant. Very cheap and it had 2 choices of dishes (chicken, rice, tortillas, potatoes) for Q 20. Then we met up with our host Armando, who has been waiting for a girl. Saskia from Holland! While we are standing together, the sky got black and began to "rain" ...No water, but ashes. Insane! I had to put on my sunglasses and covered my mouth with my sweater.4 years ago you had the last time an ash rain here. And the airport in Guatemala City is blocked! Everything is covered with gray dust. I was part of this "event":-)
In the evening there were fireworks for 3 times. We have watched the spectacel at Armandos roof terrace. There was a wedding- probably they have organized the fireworks! Armando cooked us spaghetti with vegetables and tomato sauce in the eve. The girls went afterward with him out for a beer and I was so tired that I didn't join and went to bed.
February 08th-10th 2015
The days in Antigua have been quiet relaxed. During the day we hang out and chillaxed in the city. Once we've been to a mirrador (overlook) - unfortunately the view hasn't been the best, cause the Ash-clouds. Then there was a market, we've walked through.
On Sunday I skyped with my family and Marci. This time with cam :-) *yeah* it was great - finally I could see and hear my beloved family, instead of only writing and reading.
I'be went to a Hotel which ruins in the backyard! Santo Domingo! Beautiful! There were still the chairs from the wedding. It looked amazing!
The evenings we cooked together and sat in the dining room to talk a bit.
2 more girls were arriving. Armando got a big house. = Monica from Poland and Haan from Malaysia.
Sindy and I left Antigua on Tuesday morning and went to Lago Atitlan. People told us it's one of the most beautiful lakes in Guatemala. So we have to go there. :-) San Marcos is the destination.
2 more girls were arriving. Armando got a big house. = Monica from Poland and Haan from Malaysia.
Sindy and I left Antigua on Tuesday morning and went to Lago Atitlan. People told us it's one of the most beautiful lakes in Guatemala. So we have to go there. :-) San Marcos is the destination.
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| the Road from Rio Dulce to Laquin through the Mountains |
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| @ the Zephyr Lodge...no Internet |
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| kids trying to sell chocolate in Semuc Champey |
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| Semuc Champey |
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| Antigua - Vulkan |
rough roads / holprige Strassen --> check it out! It's fun :-)
* market in Antigua / Wochenmarkt (manche nennen es auch "Frühlingszwiebelmarkt":-p)
*Lisa's mutiger Sprung* *Lisa has been brave*
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