TODAY IS EARTH DAY! Updated: April 22, 2019 For 49 years on April 22, more than one billion people take part in Earth Day. Earth Day now includes events in more than 193 countries, which are now coordinated globally by the Earth Day Network. Individuals, communities, organizations, and governments acknowledge the amazing planet we call […]
Archive | Guatemala
Is La Terminal, Guatemala City, the Largest Central Market on Earth?
One of the first places I often visit in a new city is the mercada central or central market. These are great places to buy fresh food and local delicacies at very reasonable prices. Guatemala City has a sizable central market near the National Palace and I visited there for lunch my first day in […]
Summary of my Time in Guatemala
I have left beloved Guatemala and recently arrived in El Salvador. I was in Guatemala 37 days and could have easily stayed longer. Guatemala is a land of contradictions. There is diverse physical beauty and also diesel smoke, grim, water pollution and deforestation. There is poverty and lack of opportunity to advance, yet incredible warmth, […]
The Road to Semuc Champey, Part 3
In which Bob and Bing get the girl, sing a song and all is resolved. Arthur Freed where are you? I’m ready for my closeup Mr. De Mille. I awaken Sunday morning and it is a bright sunshiny day! (O.K. Now I suppose I will have that song stuck in my head for awhile.) We […]
The Road to Semuc Champey, Part 2
In which Bob and Bing assess the situation and take command I awaken Saterday morning and surprisingly it is misty and drizzling. It is surprising because this is the dry season and it has not rained here in several months. This is my first chance to see my surroundings by daylight. It is truly a […]
The Road to Semuc Champey, Part 1
Or Not Your Bing and Bob Movie Friday morning four intrepid travelers depart for a weekend in Lanquin and Semuc Champey: Manuel of Quetzalroo, Katrina of Australia, Lucas of Switzerland and your humble and sometimes corny writer. Our destination is deep in the highland jungles of Guatemala. Our friendly taxi deriver Otto, aka Mario brothers, […]
Faces of Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
Here are some of the locals that have kept my heart open and made my stay in San Pedro so enjoyable. This is the young fellow who shows up every day to see if I want to buy any cashews or macadamia nuts. He holds a string attached to a homemade balance scale to weigh […]
Chichicastenango
There is a town in the western highlands of Guatemala called Chichicastenango. Every Thursday and Sunday they have the largest market in the region. People come from all over the highlands to set up their stalls, booths and tables to sell mostly textiles as well as food and other items. Every pueblo and village has […]
Quetzaltenango (Xela)
Quetzaltenango, or its Mayan name Xela, is Guatemala’s second city. Although at just over 300,000 inhabitants, it is considerably smaller than Guate. It is located high in the western highlands and gets very cold at night. For the most part, there is little to see in the city itself which is mostly dirty, noisy and […]
Day Trip to Santiago La Laguna
So I figured, let’s checkout Santiago today. Santiago is a 45 minute boat ride past three volcanoes to the east side of the lake. It is a place of contradictions. First noticeable thing is that the hustle is really on there. As soon as you set foot on solid ground you are immediately asked to […]