Transition day!
Lots of very good coffee shops here! Generally, they use either local grown coffee or coffee from other parts of Guatemala. And they are knowledgable! I’m impressed when I ask questions!
Today is a shift in my travels. I have a relaxing day and leave tomorrow for El Salvador. My shuttle picks up around 10:00 am. “Around” means at least 15 minutes before or after so be ready!
My laundry was done yesterday. It costs a bit more here and they have a four hour return delivery. I need to reorganize that and repack my backpack. It’s always nice starting with a pack of fresh, clean clothing!!
It is roughly six hours travel in the shuttle. The elevation will be lower but still cooler than the rest of El Salvador. After the rain and cool, I’m ready for a change!
Changes and sameness
So many great experiences here on this trip in Guatemala. No doubt, it has changed dramatically since I was last here.
Prices are dramatically higher. It’s easy for me to spend $30 a day for basic meals, nothing fancy. Before, it would have been easy to eat for $5 a day or so! The food is pretty good but nothing fancy. Many places have menu’s catered to tourist. It’s difficult here in Antigua to find a local Comedor with typical local food.
Cars…more cars…more cars..those were not here before! And the class consciousness is visible in some areas. Two women refused to get off the shuttle, they were a bit indignant that they would have to wait for the next shuttle to take them to the city. NO! How long!?!? Not on the side walk. Didn’t pay for this. I’m taking a photo of the passenger list.
Everyone on the shuttle was going different places. Two were headed to the airport…tourist. They were visibly stressed. The two Guatemalan women perfectly dressed and manicured and such…they were heading to the city. The rest of us sat waiting for them to get things resolved!
Some buses wouldn’t stop for indigenous people waiting on the side of the road. The distinction between wealthy and poor is visible. That is not new and is consistent everywhere I’ve been!
Engaging coffee experiences!
Things that are different!
I never spent a lot of time with Jared when he was in Longmont. But every time we connected, I really appreciated his openess, generosity and knowledge. He shared, offered suggestions, offered to share equipment so I could measure particulate levels in coffee and is simply a genuine warm human being. Spending time with him was awesome. He knows so much about coffee and shares everything. I’m inspired now with things I learned that will improve how I make coffee when I return home!
What impresses me most is how well he can communicate what he has learned in a way I understand the technique or process very clearly! When they get their coffee school open, if you are interested in learning, GO!!
Notes, I have made lots of notes. And everyday, something else pops into my mind and I write it down. I’m mentally rehearsing util I get home!
Lake Atitlan and surrounding villages
I’ve been here before but 25 years ago. I wanted to see villages I have read about but couldn’t get to before. I started in San Antonio Palopo, spent a night in Panajachel, then visited Santiago, San Pedro, San Lucas and San Marcos before coming back to Angitua. It is amazing how much things have changed. The one thing that is the same, how friendly the local people are. I’m sure that is not the case for all tourist. I talk to everyone and they are interested in learning more and having a conversation. Some tourist have a look on their face that I don’t want to connect with!
Transportation modes
I’ve traveled by bus, shuttle bus, shared van, taxi, uber, boat (large and small), tuk tuk, pickup truck, luxury bus, motorbike and maybe something I missed? My primary mode of travel has been by foot except for when traveling long distance. I barely fit in the tuk tuk and getting into the back of the transportation pickup trucks gets a chuckle out of locals. Yesterday morning, I lifted my back pack over the top of the rack surrounding the back and placed it on the seat. The entire truck giggled! I was their enteretainment!! And that was the conversation opener!
El Salvador, here I come!
I’ve done very little research on El Salvador. I do know several places I want to visit including the capital. And I know of a couple places I may not want to visit, places large and crowded. I’ll be stopping first on the Ruta de las Flores in the mountains. It’s named for the wildflowers growing there. And they should still blooming when I’m there. The town of Santa Ana sounds interesting so I might go there?
I’ll do some reading but cautiously! When I first decided to come on this trip, I looked up a few youtube videos for travel advice. However, they all said the same thing and made the same recommendations! I did find one that included a free downloadable google map of places they recommended. After seeing so many duplicate videos, I decided to wait and talk to people. That’s what I did here before going to Lake Atitlan. I asked people from here which of the 15 villages around the lake I should visit. Then, I went to the ones that felt right. And that turned out to be perfect!!
Photos from Lake Atitlan experiences
Walking after dinner in San Marcos, I stopped in one restaurant near the water. They had awesome looking cookies. All of them, I could have taken one of each! Then, he told me that the chocolate chunk cookie was made with fresh roasted CACAO! SOLD! If you look closely at the image above, you can see chunks of cacao in there! It was delicious!
Good baristas. Great dorado from the lake. Vegetarian taquitos. Excellent burger. Tasty local foods including black beans and fried plantain! Because of so many tourist visiting here, the menus lean in that direction. In Mexico, I could always find a local comedor or a street vendor to get some fresh made inexpensive meal like tacos “al pastor”. Here, that has been challenging! I’m curious how that works in El Salvador. Pupusa’s are the national food and I plan to try as many different types as possible!
Videos
I’m figuring out the best way to attach videos. WHen I have strong WiFi connection, I’ve been able to make Facebook Live video. But, not everyone is on there or can see them there. Here are a few I downloaded and uploaded to YouTube. Let me know if the quality is OK!
Travel day!
Packing to do now! I don’t know when I’ll have good WiFi again but will atch up when I do! Ciao!!
All the pictures are wonderful I feel like I am there with you. The colors are amazing
Your days are all full of interesting sights. When you return I will be so excited to hear about the sights and people.
Hello Audrey! I’m very happy to have you along!! I’m writing a brief post now then packing to leave tomorrow. Off to the Capital, then the beach and after that, Nicaragua! We’ll have some fun conversation when I get back!!