Hey Y´áll, just wanted to post a quick update...
After 35 days in Mexico, we are finally leaving tomorrow, crossing into Guatemala. When we first arrived, it was for the sole intention of using it as a base to go to Cuba, but after abandoning that plan with a heavy heart, I am so glad we decided to stay and explore. Cancun, Puerto Morelos, Tulum, Valladolid, Merida, Campeche and last, but not least San Cristobal, which is hands down my favorite... a nice mix of old and new, traditional and modern, hippie granola types intermingling harmoniously with Mayans in gorgeous traditional attire. It also has a great mercado, fantastic coffee, whole wheat bread, cool music venues, lots of interesting side streets to explore, and of course, more friendly and kind locals.
After a month of travel, came down with what Erik diagnosed as NDD (Noodle Deprivation Disorder). Although the food here is tasty, got tired of pork or chicken tacos, huaraches, and tortas, and was really missing a big bowl of noodles. Found a Chinese restaurant, but the food was pre-made and looked like what you would get at a food court in an airport. So took a pass on it, but was really happy to find a cute Indian/Thai/Vietnamese restaurant. Decided to have a splurge night and ordered a shrimp/papaya salad (tasty and refreshing), hummus (a bit bland), tofu curry (a little sweet, but not bad) and finally Pad Thai. It was like no other Pad Thai I ever had. The noodles were not the rice noodles and they were overcooked, mushy and had no flavor until I added just about every condiment on the table. A huge lesson learned here... when travelling, eat local food!
Celebrated my birthday this past Sunday with Erik, and our friends, Sofi and Andrew. Started out with Erik surprising me with a necklace that has a gorgeous amber sun pendant. Went to visit a couple of local villages (San Juan Chamula & Zincantan) during the day, coffee and cake in the late afternoon, then Sofi and Andrew treated me to a show at a local theater that told the story of an ancient Mayan battle between Palenque and Tonina. We capped off the day with a "ghetto" party in our room with Andrew DJíng and plenty of tequila, beer and Coca Light. It was so much fun!
Tomorrow, we are heading to Guatemala. We are loosely planning on going to Quezaltenango, Antigua, Lake Atitlan, and possibly even Tikal. Any takers? Huh? Anyone? We´d love to see you so give a shout if you´re interested! Once we find a place we like, we´ll settle in and study Spanish, which is still really bad. And we´ll post photos (promise) so stay tuned...
After 35 days in Mexico, we are finally leaving tomorrow, crossing into Guatemala. When we first arrived, it was for the sole intention of using it as a base to go to Cuba, but after abandoning that plan with a heavy heart, I am so glad we decided to stay and explore. Cancun, Puerto Morelos, Tulum, Valladolid, Merida, Campeche and last, but not least San Cristobal, which is hands down my favorite... a nice mix of old and new, traditional and modern, hippie granola types intermingling harmoniously with Mayans in gorgeous traditional attire. It also has a great mercado, fantastic coffee, whole wheat bread, cool music venues, lots of interesting side streets to explore, and of course, more friendly and kind locals.
After a month of travel, came down with what Erik diagnosed as NDD (Noodle Deprivation Disorder). Although the food here is tasty, got tired of pork or chicken tacos, huaraches, and tortas, and was really missing a big bowl of noodles. Found a Chinese restaurant, but the food was pre-made and looked like what you would get at a food court in an airport. So took a pass on it, but was really happy to find a cute Indian/Thai/Vietnamese restaurant. Decided to have a splurge night and ordered a shrimp/papaya salad (tasty and refreshing), hummus (a bit bland), tofu curry (a little sweet, but not bad) and finally Pad Thai. It was like no other Pad Thai I ever had. The noodles were not the rice noodles and they were overcooked, mushy and had no flavor until I added just about every condiment on the table. A huge lesson learned here... when travelling, eat local food!
Celebrated my birthday this past Sunday with Erik, and our friends, Sofi and Andrew. Started out with Erik surprising me with a necklace that has a gorgeous amber sun pendant. Went to visit a couple of local villages (San Juan Chamula & Zincantan) during the day, coffee and cake in the late afternoon, then Sofi and Andrew treated me to a show at a local theater that told the story of an ancient Mayan battle between Palenque and Tonina. We capped off the day with a "ghetto" party in our room with Andrew DJíng and plenty of tequila, beer and Coca Light. It was so much fun!
Tomorrow, we are heading to Guatemala. We are loosely planning on going to Quezaltenango, Antigua, Lake Atitlan, and possibly even Tikal. Any takers? Huh? Anyone? We´d love to see you so give a shout if you´re interested! Once we find a place we like, we´ll settle in and study Spanish, which is still really bad. And we´ll post photos (promise) so stay tuned...
3 comments:
You are going to notice a huge difference in the wealth between Mexico and Guatemala, I can't wait for the post that talks about the change you see the second you cross the border.
You really should not miss Tikal, you are that close. There is also a great Spanish school in San Andres in El Peten, the other side of the lake from Flores. If you want to study, you could do worse than a couple of weeks of one on one tuition and a homestay with a family there. [Google Eco Escuela].
Andrew, NY, NY
Erik and Talor, I miss you guys so much! You don't even know...I've been super ill...I had bronchitis that turned into pneumonia. Let's just say I've had plenty of time to read about your adventures!
ATL still blows, I am so jealous...I might just meet up with you wherever you are and be a stow-away in your luggage! Talor Happy Belated B-day! Just did the math...I've been lying about my age so long I forgot how old I am...not pretty.
Take care for now, be safe and keep in touch! You might also post a phone number in each destination you're staying (IF) you want to be reached that is...though, email is probably better...
Love, Cheyney
Just think where you were for your bday last year!