We didn’t have an excursion planned for Guatemala. I was tempted to go on the excursion to the rim of an active volcano, but thought it sounded like too much effort – 8,000-foot elevation and lots of uphill walking – and when I later talked to people who had gone I decided I was glad I hadn’t. For those who couldn’t withstand the exertion, horse rides were offered – for $50 cash.
We also considered taking a taxi to the mountain town of Antigua but the price was $50 for a long trip – 2 hours each way. Again, after talking to people who went, I was glad I didn’t. They said the trip was very unpleasant.
Instead we took a bus into San Jose, the nearby coastal town. It was quite an experience. I have never been to India, but I have seen video and movies and the impression I get is chaotic. That is San Jose – chaotic. Heavy traffic with tik-tik taxis and thousands of mopeds. No sidewalks. Crazy. And fun in a chaotic sort of way.
We got a free radish and exchanged $40 for local currency at a vegetable shop. Then we did some shopping. Marlene got some jeans and a top. I got to watch.
We were amazed and appalled by the raw meats on display. We didn’t buy any. Marlene made friends with a shopkeeper and she gifted us with some homemade cake. She also took the small earrings out of her ears and handed them to Marlene. That made Marlene cry.
Nice people in a chaotic city.
We did a little more shopping in the port area and I sampled 2 local beers. But I stopped there. No getting drunk this time.
We had lunch on the ship and I blogged a bit with Rod and Craig from Australia. Dinner was with Kathy and Kevin. After dinner we listened to music with Rockaway Duo but didn’t dance much. And, of course, we ended the evening in the casino.
A very good day in Guatemala