I have been staying in the lovely town of Juayua, El Salvador, for several days now. Each Saturday and Sunday the town hosts an “international” food fair which draws many visitors from San Salvador and various countries. The streets are taken over by food booths, live entertainment, and last Sunday there were even belly dancers! […]
Four hours, one border crossing and two busses later I arrive in Juayua, El Salvador. Juayua is a small town in the mountains in the Ruta de las Flores area, named for the profusion of wildflowers that proliferate from November to February. I have decided to stay at the Hostal Anáhuac which was highly recommended […]
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, […]
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 […]
Stepping outside my comfort zone. Spontaneity, e.g., “What do I want to do today? Not watching television, films, and limited internet time. Seeing new places; experiencing diversity of natural beauty. Meeting new people. Experiencing new, old and ancient cultures and ruins. Fine-tuning my ability to flex and be in the heart of the moment. Swimming […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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, 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 […]