Guatemala

Guatemala reminds me of Malaysia with its tropical rainforests and rural culture. The border crossing and the ride into Flores was simple enough but under no circumstances thinking to exchange money here cos the rates are very bad. Most places take cash only in the country, so ATM is the best option. On the bus, I met two lovely ladies from Germany, Alicia and Veronica, paediatric nurses who are on the same experience package. Dinner was on the table and boy, the stories we exchange were well worth recording but no sharing (so it’s all in my head 😂).

Flores is set on a small island that can be explored within half an hour at most. Most people come to this place because it’s the closest (I guess) to Tikal Archeological Site (http://www.tikalnationalpark.org/). It is a UNESCO’s World Heritage site, dedicated to both nature and culture. The place does have a bit of a mysterious feel to it especially when it’s raining and foggy, as if I was the first explorer of the lost city. We didn’t manage to spot any jaguars or pumas (apparently they tend to roam deeper in the forest now to avoid the human traffic 😓).

During dinner time, I met three American (Ash, Kynan and Kathy) living in Austin who are neighbours on holiday together. Now I wish I get to know my neighbours a little more but then again, don’t think they’ll want to go on holiday with me 😂. They shared with me how they met and decided to go on a vacation together. In my head I’m thinking why can’t the world be more like them, respect ✊🏻

Lanquin was next on the itinerary and this is going deep into the mountains, like Cameron Highlands but more rural. This is where I properly met Bram and Pascal, from Amsterdam, a couple that made me miss being in a relationship. Conversations with them were broad yet deep and diverse. What a sweet encounter.

Most people are here in Lanquin for Semuc Champey and the Kanba caves, amazing landscapes and features. It was a ride behind a truck, standing and swaying around with every turn on the road for about half an hour then a hike up to the viewing point to see the pools that we were going to submerge ourselves in. We spent some time around the natural pools then head over to the caves after lunch. If you’re thinking of visiting, be prepared to swim while holding a candle because that’s the only thing lighting the place up. It does give the place a bit of an atmosphere using candlelight rather than a torch.

The last stop in Guatemala is Antigua and the ride there was the first hiccup of the trip. There was a landslide about quarter way in and we waited for the road to be cleared because the other option was out of the question since the water on the river was too high for vehicles to cross. It took eight hours to cross and clear the traffic. It was here that I learned how my patience have grown throughout the years, learning to assess situation and incorporate past observations to acknowledge what’s presented to me and move on.

By the time I got to the hostel in Antigua, it was past midnight (16 hours journey instead of eight) and I was exhausted. I was supposed to be on a volcano trek at 6am but I told the receptionist if someone’s looking for me, please let them know that I won’t be going. A good thing too since I needed the rest and I walked around the village instead.

Saturday 20th Oct, it was market day and Revolution Day, great! There are cobble roads, colonial buildings, mountains and everything you can think of. The Central Park reminded me of Leicester Square (with less people) and the market is a smaller version of the bustling Petaling Street market in Kuala Lumpur. It’s always nice to get a bit lost in the market then come across an intersection, where people from all four directions converging on each other creating a human traffic jam. I was both observing and participating, what a life experience.

I needed rest after the busy morning but at least I managed to buy coffee, fruits and food with the little Spanish I know. All my senses were overloaded, so a bit of rest then it was time to be productive. Spent the afternoon updating and getting updates on everything before dinner with Alicia and Veronica. The wine during dinner was a blessing, I slept well and my shoulder and neck felt better.

It’s time to cross border to El Salvador, heading to El Tunco. The next six days will be both interesting and unnerving since I’ll be crossing Honduras to get to Nicaragua. Tune in and see how it turns out 🙈