Arrival

We arrived in Guatemala safe and sound. The flight was a little delayed departing from Miami (2 hours) but we all managed to get on the plane, and are currently in Antigua.

Immediately upon arrival, we passed through customs, grabbed our bags, and then headed out to attempt negations with the taxi drivers. To my dismay, haggling has been dissolved, and fixed rates have taken over. After agreeing to the $27 rate to Antigua, we packed our bags into the Taxi and were on our way to Antigua.

I must admit, something that truly surprised me was the cleanliness of Guatemala. Except for the massive plums of smoke emitting from tail pipes, the city looks pretty safe and clean.

After a 30+ minute drive up and down winding roads, we arrive in Antigua. This place is gorgious. The town is a mix of Canyon Road (in Santa Fe New Mexico) Charm, combined with the look and feel similar to Topanga canyon (in California).

While walking the street of Antigua, searching for lodging, a woman stopped us asking if we needed a room. Intrigued with what she had to offer, we followed her and her boyfriend down several side streets, into a locked court yard. There, before us, was what has become our place of residence for the next 3 days. The cost, $5 per night, per person... with, cold shower.

Cost break-down:

Room= $5
Dinner= $2
Cuba Libre (Rum and Coke)= $1.20
Breakfast= $3.50
Liter of mineral water= $.65
Internet Cafe (1 hour)= $2.40