We have started the slow trip home! After a very, very hot week on the Rio Dulce packing up the boat and putting it away for the year we are finally underway.
We said goodbye to Zenobia and hopped a luxurious bus bound for Guatemala City. Security, we are learning, is a big deal in Guatemala. Before boarding the bus, bags were searched for weapons and the men were patted down. About two hours into the trip we stopped at a canteen and everyone was made to get off the bus while the driver and co-pilot took a break. Before they let us back on the bus everyone was searched again in the event they picked up more than an order of papas fritas, I guess?
Guatemala City is divided in to 10 zones and we stayed in zone 1, the historical section, close to the bus station. The neighborhood was a bit rough but definitely interesting and very colourful. One of the first things that we saw when we arrived was a block dedicated to shops selling piñatas; as far as the eye could see, bright shapes of all colours and sizes spilling out of stores onto the street.
We only had one day in the city so we spent it walking around and taking in the sights. One of the big things that stood out for us was the number of armed guards and police in the city. We knew that Guatemala placed an emphasis on security but we were shocked to see that nearly every store had its own guard at the entrance. Even the Burger King and Wendy’s had a man stationed at the doors, automatic weapon in hand. There were also police and even riot squads, in full gear, wandering around the central plaza.
While we were wandering we came across a religious procession armed with a small canon that fired homemade bombs up into the air and exploded. The significance was lost on us but it was incredibly loud and Adam is now convinced that he needs to get one.
We are currently sitting in the airport in Houston, after our 17 hour layover, waiting for our flight back to Toronto. It’s nice to be able to read the signs and communicate with people again and we are excited to be going home . . . even if Rob Ford is still in office.
We said goodbye to Zenobia and hopped a luxurious bus bound for Guatemala City. Security, we are learning, is a big deal in Guatemala. Before boarding the bus, bags were searched for weapons and the men were patted down. About two hours into the trip we stopped at a canteen and everyone was made to get off the bus while the driver and co-pilot took a break. Before they let us back on the bus everyone was searched again in the event they picked up more than an order of papas fritas, I guess?
Guatemala City is divided in to 10 zones and we stayed in zone 1, the historical section, close to the bus station. The neighborhood was a bit rough but definitely interesting and very colourful. One of the first things that we saw when we arrived was a block dedicated to shops selling piñatas; as far as the eye could see, bright shapes of all colours and sizes spilling out of stores onto the street.
We only had one day in the city so we spent it walking around and taking in the sights. One of the big things that stood out for us was the number of armed guards and police in the city. We knew that Guatemala placed an emphasis on security but we were shocked to see that nearly every store had its own guard at the entrance. Even the Burger King and Wendy’s had a man stationed at the doors, automatic weapon in hand. There were also police and even riot squads, in full gear, wandering around the central plaza.
While we were wandering we came across a religious procession armed with a small canon that fired homemade bombs up into the air and exploded. The significance was lost on us but it was incredibly loud and Adam is now convinced that he needs to get one.
We are currently sitting in the airport in Houston, after our 17 hour layover, waiting for our flight back to Toronto. It’s nice to be able to read the signs and communicate with people again and we are excited to be going home . . . even if Rob Ford is still in office.