This morning was beautiful and sunny. Our car to Antigua was scheduled for 11am. We got organized and had help with our luggage. Our hotel was several blocks from the traffic street.
We drove through the winding switchback streets out of the lake and up to nearly the tops of the volcanoes. Our peak elevation was 8690ft. As we approached the main road, we passed many gas stations. I guess that’s good business. A gallon of gas here costs about $16:50 for regular. Maybe we will see prices like that at home sometime soon although I hope not.
The ride was mostly on a highway which passed lots of areas that looked like junkyards and industrial spots. It was not very interesting.
We reached Antigua after almost 3 hours. The room wasn’t ready yet so we deposited our luggage and walked into town to change money. Nothing has changed.
When we returned we found several of the team who had just arrived. I know many but not all of the team. We got our rooms and then met in the bar. The NY contingent had been traveling since 4 am so they were ready for an early dinner and sleep. We all ended up at Frida’s which has great food and margaritas. The evening ended at 7;30. Tomorrow and all following days will be very busy.
A few thoughts on being here:
In Lake Atitlan they are trying to be very eco-conscious. Our waste basket was lined with heavy brown paper not a plastic bag. Drinks were served with metal straws. There has been an active program to collect plastic bottles in the landscape and use them in construction. It’s interesting that a poor country can seem so concerned about their environment while we in the first world can’t seem to agree on such simple measures.
All the people are friendly. They seem to make do with what they have. Beggars are rare and not very persistent. Life goes on.
The Adventures of Anne 