My boss and coworkers have really been generous with shift trading and days off, so I've been able to do some fun exploring! So many people have been talking about Guatemala lately, specifically Lake Atitlan, Antigua, and climbing Acatenango to see Mt. Fuego erupting. I enjoyed the first two, but will need to go back to see the third. Antigua is a beautiful colonial city (preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and a great home base for other adventures in the region. Getting there from Guatemala city is not too difficult or expensive, but you'll want to plan ahead and have a shared shuttle reserved (I used the website Guatego). The journey to Lake Atitlan takes a bit longer since the roads are curvy and congested, but the same shuttle company can get you there as well. No sweat!
I really enjoyed exploring the villages along the lakeshore like San Marcos and San Juan. It's very easy and fun to jump on a water taxi (lancha) to go between villages. Just tell the captain where you are headed and they will direct you to the right boat. The locals pay less for each ride, but they expect tourists to pay 25 quetzals (pay when getting off the boat).
The towns are so colorful, with a huge emphasis on artwork and aesthetic. It's fun just to wander around, enjoying the sights and the hustle and bustle. There are some pretty steep streets, but tuk-tuks are happy to give you a lift! Decide on the price first and always have the exact amount in cash.
I also greatly enjoyed the food in Guatemala -- the typical breakfast has beans and eggs, fried plantains, and tortillas. I also was able to find veggie tamales and papusas that were super yummy. And there are DELICIOUS mangos (cut in bags for sale on the street) and other fresh fruits in the markets and many other places. They really like to sprinkle tajin on everything (cucumbers, mangos...) but I don't like spicy stuff!
I'm definitely hoping to return -- to hike Acatenango and maybe to take a few weeks of Spanish lessons! It has a really nice climate, being higher in elevation, and very nice people.
My favorite hostel in Antigua was Casi Casa, with a pretty rooftop and beautiful shared spaces. They did have shower issues, but the reception staff was really nice. :) I would love to stay at La Casa Del Mundo on Lake Atitlan. Next time!!
Then, a week later, I popped over to Cancun and jumped on the Maya Train (Tren Maya) to see what all the hype is about Merida (supposedly the safest city in Mexico). The train ride cost around $60 (higher tourist price) and took about three hours, but it was comfortable. There were no beautiful views out the window unfortunately. Most of the time we ran parallel to the highway.
Merida has some of the oldest colonial buildings in the region (the oldest cathedral in the mainland Americas, completed in 1598). Interestingly, the colonists used stones from the Mayan pyramids to build their churches and other important buildings in the city center.
The older part of Merida has a LOT of abandoned buildings, some crumbling and in bad shape. It leads to a poor first impression of the city, but there are other, much nicer, neighborhoods (including the Paseo do Montejo), and the north part of town is more modern. Merida is a great home base for adventures to the coast, or other nearby colonial towns like Valladolid, as well as visiting the many cenotes in the area.
I didn't love the food as much here, but did find some delicious tacos with egg and cheese. There is a LOT of pork available, and almost every veggie option was heavy on the eggs.
I stayed in three different hostels in Merida, but my favorite for its central location, pool, and available activities (cenote tour, yoga, etc.) was the Che Nomadas hostel. I was also so fortunate to be there on a Monday night to see the traditional dancing in front of city hall!
The weather in Cancun is usually more mild, with a breeze, but Merida is HOT since it's further inland. You definitely will enjoy going underground and having a dip into a cenote!
If you only have one chance to visit Mexico, I'm not sure Merida should be at the top of your list, but I did feel very safe there! I will keep exploring and let you know which places in Mexico might be more worth your time.
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Next, YOSEMITE!!!
I only had one day in the park, and had to drive TWO hours there and two back because of a road closure (!) but I was able to hike my legs off and see some really pretty views.
I started by going up the Four Mile Trail to Glacier Point, then across on the Panorama Trail and down next to the waterfalls (Nevada and Vernal). 14.3 miles and 5000 feet of elevation gain. Tired feet, knees, and calves for sure!!
I spent two nights at the Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort, which is rustic, but not uncomfortable. The six-bunk female room was just right, with an ensuite bathroom and access to a shared kitchen. For $50/night it was perfect. If hwy 140 would have been open, it's only an hour drive into the park.
It's BIRTHDAY month next! Sadly, I'm turning an ODD number, with is NOT ideal. But Timmy gets to be even again!! Bring on the strawberry shortcake!!
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CURRENTLY
Eating | strawberries :)
Enjoying | mountain biking at Squilchuck and Sage Hills
Watching | Survivor season 50!!
Thankful | no more de-icing planes at work!!
Planning | getting my ELL/ESL endorsement
Anticipating | exploring Krakow, Warsaw, Gdansk, and Rome
Goal setting | trying to bike a whole bunch before my Ohio ride
