We're writing from an upstairs internet cafe on a hilly street in San Pedro de Atitlan. We decided not to go to the posh hotel on the lake because they were booked! It was a bit expensive for our tastes anyway, so we ended up in San Marcos yesterday and stayed in a budget cottage for about $12.50, but that was TOO budget - the bed was pretty bad with springs sticking through. So, we decided to go across the lake to San Pedro and found a bit nicer accomodations for the same price. There a few more "gringos" here, but it's nice for one night. Oh, a brown dalmation just walked in the internet cafe for a look around - there are lots of dogs around in the streets and everyone lets them come into their businesses - sometimes a dog "belongs" to a hotel.
To get to Lake Atitlan we decided to take the 2nd class bus or "chicken bus". We had to rush a bit to get to the bus "terminal" which was actually just a market and the buses stop in the street. Eventually we found a bus that would get us to Panajachel (the main Atitlan pueblo) via 2 other buses after we found the correct side of the market to catch a bus that direction. At first we didn't know for sure we were going the right way and that our big bag actually made it on our bus, but with a little help from a nice Mayan man we were able to get off at the right place and our bag was waiting in the street for us. We made it fine, but it was an exhilarating experience!
Today we were a little scrapped for cash but eventually got some from a local ATM after we watched a river of mud and rain water come down the street to the lake during a torrential downpour - after all it is the rainy season in Guatemala! We have to make sure and plan our day to make sure and get out and do activities (including doing laundry in the pila - picture to come) in the morning, when it is beautiful, then return and be inside after about 3pm or so. Too bad I didn't have my camera with me during the rushing river in the street!
Tomorrow morning we are headed out to Antigua (not on the chicken bus this time) to check out the colonial buildings and market. We are there for one night then we are off to El Salvador!
Hasta luego!
K&J
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Wow!!! That wall of mud and water coming down the street must have been shocking!!! I was wondering if any of the hurricaine activity in the Gulf and Caribbean would find its way to you. Maybe you're on the edge of Hurricaine Ana.
ReplyDeleteYour hotel shopping brings back memories of trying to travel in Europe on $5 a day in the late '60s, and determining just how basic was too basic when it came to accommodations. What an adventure!!
Bruno has been tons of fun, and has "forced" us to get out to walk way more than we otherwise would...which is a good thing!!! We're discovering every nook and crany of the Arboretum, including recent renovations which are beautiful. Bruno has made friends with the neighbors including Ellie, the Golden next door.
Annie is on route to Estes Park, with the Explorer loaded up with her stuff. So now Bruno has one less walker, but I think he'll survive!!