Travel Day

Well, not exactly ''Planes, Trains and Automobiles'', today was boat, van, and airplane. Because of our long travel day, we got an early start, being picked up at the Posada boat dock by Gary, and then picking up our travel companions at their hotel boat dock. We soon learned that the wind of the previous afternoon was just a harbinger of things to come. The wind, while not gale force, certainly felt like it as we slowly fought our way across the lake back to Panajachel. The crossing, which under favorable conditions, could be achieved in about half an hour, took nearly twice that long as we were continually buffeted, the thin fiberglass boat shuddering (along with us) at every wave. When we finally made it to the Panajachel dock, somewhat shaken but still intact, we were met by a van for the long drive back to Antigua and then to Guatemala City. On the way, we stopped at the small town of Solola where a large and bustling market was in full sway. This was a most interesting experience as this clearly was not a market for tourists, but for residents from throughout the area. Native costumes abounded, and women carrying amazingly large bundles on their heads were everywhere. And, for one of the few times in my life, I, at 5'5'', felt relatively tall. Back to the van, our drive continued back to Antigua where we left our travel mates, Nita and Larry at the Hotel Aurora. We then continued with Gary to the Guatemala City airport where we boarded our early evening flight to Flores. We were met there by another ViaVenture employee for a short drive to the third hotel of our trip, Casona del Lago. Enough energy remained for a quick supper at the hotel and then to rest for the following day at Tikal.