Today i Didn`t Even Have to Use My AK!
I just got back from Tikal, and once again, Im in Antigua.
I had an interesting time on Christmas. I went out with Tanael, and two Chapines (Guatemalans) I met in Xela, to a party with loud music and dancing around several fires… suffice to say, I was there quite late. On Sunday, there were unfortunately no parties at all, so I spent the evening talking with 2 very cool people from Denmark in my hostel.
Also, beginning on Sunday, I got fairly sick and my stomach was extremely upset. I was feeling shitty until Tuesday, spending lots ot ime in bed and trying to chill out as much as possible. I was in no condition to travel at this point, and it kind of screwed up my plans to go to Tikal and then Honduras. I decided to fly to Tikal, so that I would be able to avoid the long, uncomfortable bus journey in my unstable condition.
My friend Tanael and i had planned to buy plane tickets to Tikal on Wednesday morning from the Travel Agency, so that we wouldnt risk buying the tickets but missing our flight. Unfortunately, the travel agencies dont open until 8:30 or 9:00… We took a shuttle to the airport anyways, hoping to find a cheap flight around 10:30. There was only one option however: leave in the afternoon, spend the night in flores, and fly back the next evening. They cited us a price of something like $215, far too expensive for my limited budget. Tanael decided decided he would go sometime after New Year`s, but without that option, I decided to take an overnight bus that evening. We spent the rest of the day wandering around Zona 1 of the capital and then chilling out in the Tikal Futura mall/bowling alley/concert venue, a major hangout for well-off teenagers from that part of town.
The bus was OK, though I was a bit angry that the tour company charged me so much for what turned out to be an average-quality bus. I could easily have just gone downtown myself and purchased a ticket for the best-quality bus at the station for the same price. I had to wait several hours in the station, which was dirty and crowded, and in a dangerous area. When I finally got on the bus I had to sit beside a lady with big bags on her lap, making it impossible for me to get out of my seat and use the bathroom. Nevertheless, I slept well and got there without incident.
My day in Tikal was spectacular. I arrived in Sta. Elena at 6:30 am, and got on a bus for the ruins at 7. I slept most of the way there, but for the few instants I was awake I met the girl sitting next to me, coming from Guatemala City. When we arrived, I met her two friends also, sisters around 25 years old. We stuck together through the day, and one of the girls acted as a guide because she had been there before. The ruins were really amazing, big and dramatic and detailed. The site is enormous, so much more extensive than any of the other ones I`ve visited. We were there from 7 until 3. At this point, we got on the bus back to Flores, a little city on an island in Lake Peten Itza where the girls were staying. We relaxed a bit, as we were all totally exhausted by the long day. I bought a bus ticket for an 11 pm return to the capital, and then we took a short boat trip, watched the sunset, and went out to dinner. It turned out that they were terrific company, absolutely wonderful people who I was very fortunate to have the pleasure of meeting.
I didnt sleep so well coming back, and upon our arrival I proceeded to get a bit lost in the capital… at least it isnt so dangerous at 7 am. I did see some new parts of the city, however, and eventually made my way to where i could catch a bus to Antigua. When I got back here I slept several hours, brought my laundry to the laundromat, and got a haircut.
Things are all going well. I decided it wouldnt be worth the long trip to Honduras for New Year`s, so here I am still in Antigua, and that really isnt a problem. I couldnt be any happier right now. I think ill go to El Salvador on the 1st or 2nd, and I cant wait to get to a new country again!
Happy New Year`s, yàll!
Love,
Dan
Tags: Guatemala
Neocoltrane
December 31st, 2005 at 1:28 pm
Yo Dan, my brother had this perfect remedy for the shits. Its called “Cork-it-AD” and it comes in this little cardboard box full of corks. You just take one and insert it carefully into your rectum and then problem solved, no more shits! Dude you should try it!
Have yourself a good New Year and keep your health up.
Farid
January 4th, 2006 at 1:04 am
farid..why? ew man