antigua, guatemala

Today I arrived in Guatemala. I lucked out and unknowingly got a flight in first class to Guatemala by purchasing a last minute ticket on Expedia. I was so surprised when I found out where my seat was! First class is really something, even on the tiny airline I was flying with. They served my juice and warm nuts before the plane took off and then we had a nice little lunch on the hour and a half flight. It was cold, spiced potatoes *yum*, with a warm bun served with cream cheese and smoked salmon. I have got to fly first class more often.

I arrived at the airport in Guatemala city and got through their non existant customs check then exited to the frenzy of taxis and shuttles and people asking if you need a hotel. I latched on to a girl from my flight who spoke Spanish and had already managed to find a taxi driver to Antigua and we split the cab ride there. The ride through Guatemala city was surreal. The city is plastered with election posters because an election is coming up next week. There were people standing on the side of the highway and waving flags for what appears to be the right wing party. *sorry for not using hyphens or brackets but this computer won't do that for me*. Everyone seems to be in a real hurry and there are people and cars all over the place, a bit like what I imagine China to be like. The hour drive to Antigua was smoggy but interesting. I can immediately say that I like Guatemala more than Costa Rica. It's something immediate, like a gut reaction to the scenery, the pace of life, and the climate. It's nice and cool here with beautiful rolling hills everywhere.

Getting into Antigua was a jaw dropper. It's the most beautiful city I've ever seen. It's all colonial style with pastel painted building all flush to cobble stone streets. There are ruined colonial buildings and churches everywhere you look. There are also tourist police everywhere you look and the town feels very safe. Even safer than Atenas because the people here are at least 10% tourists, and people here make their living off tourists so it's in their best interests to make sure that people enjoy themselves here. I've taken a few photos so far and booked a 7 hour hike up a volcano tommorow *hoorah*. I've got a bunch more to do before it gets dark so I'd better go.

Oh, when I got here, I checked into my hotel just before this immense thunder pounded through the sky and let out torrential rains. More than Costa Rica, which I thought I'd never see. After 20 minutes it let up and the street were flowing with muddy water. They seriously looked like mini rapids. Anyway, everyone, I'm ok and safe here in Guatemala. It looks like it's going to be a very good trip although I'm having trouble adjusting to a new conversion rate of $1 equals about 7 or 8 quetzals. Anyways, I'll write again soon!