We didn't really have a plan (except the fact that we were to hike a volcano). But we were determined to see as much as possible with as little as possible. With bus ticket in hand, and a 4am wake up call, the three of us (Jenna, veronica and I) headed out from our home in Honduras to Guatemala. After a 12 hour bus ride, two boarder crossings, and three countries, we made it. Finding a taxi to our first home proved to be easy - and that was only the beginning of the many blessings that God provided throughout our trip.
Our fearless leader, Jenna, had arranged two places to stay through a known website couchsurfing.com. Our first home was beyond my expectations. A man, who we know as Bob, offered us to stay at his place while he was out traveling the world. When we arrived, the key to his house was found under a cardboard mat and we had free reign to a kitchen, bedrooms (we didn't have to sleep on a couch), and a shower with hot running water! We even had two little visitors (dogs) in which I cleverly named Blackie and Whitie (based off of the color of their fur of course). Within five minutes of making ourselves at home in this generous house, keys jiggled at the door and we stared at each other, not knowing that someone else would be coming. In walks Tyson.
Due to recent events, Tyson ended up moving into the house on the day that we arrived. Strange, one would think, but he ended up being the biggest blessing that we could have asked for. Not only was he able to drop us off at the bus stops and direct us in which way to go, he offered to pick us up in a nearby city, and take us grocery shopping/get coffee. We would have been stuck in many ways throughout our trip if it wasn't for him.
After figuring out the best way to exchange our money for Quetzals (the currency for Guatemala), we headed off to Antigua, Guatemala. It was there that we walked in and out of stores filled with handmade goodies, ran into fellow coworkers at a pizzeria, and caught a bus to go hike the active Pacaya Volcano.
After having previously read all of these dangerous stories about this hike in particular, Veronica and I were a little skeptical. It was a challenging hike, but well worth it. The views along the way were magnificent, and understanding more of the pueblitos and the effects of the eruption back in 2010 helped bring into perspective the life there. Once we reached the top we were able to feel the heat radiating from the surface and take all kinds of fun pictures. In the distance we could see even more volcanos (fun fact: Guatemala has around 33 volcanos total).
We eventually made our way over to Panajachel, a small town that sits along the bank of Lake Atitlan near the center of the country. There were blessed with another house (a huge house) all for the three of us throughout our stay near the lake. Here we enjoyed the culture, landscape - lake and sunset, families, and street foods (consisting of a typical plate and pupusas). Our last visit was back in Antigua where we spent a few hours chasing the traditional Easter processions and alfombras (sawdust rugs) around the town just before heading back to Guatemala City.
Although not much was planned for this trip, it was an awesome experience to see the countryside of three countries (Honduras, El Salvador, and our destination land of Guatemala). It was an honor to get to experience a little more of the culture of Central America. And it was great time of just resting in His peace. I am forever thankful for this opportunity to be able to travel during this chapter of my life.
God IS good.
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| In Antigua! One of the many random ruins spread throughout the town. |
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| Pacaya Volcano Hike (See it in the background... getting close!) |
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| ...and.... we made it! |
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| Warming of the hands. |
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| Pure excitement! :) |
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| Beautiful Volcano Sunset |
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| Antigua is behind me! |
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| Vern chillin with Donald at one of the fanciest McDonalds I've ever been in! |
... there's more! (see next blog)
