Onward

Driving in Mexico can be tricky but in Guatemala it can be down right dangerous. As in Mexico, on the two lane roads, the slower traffic moves toward the shoulder and let's the faster traffic pass in the middle. The slower traffic, coming the other way also moves toward the shoulder, giving you room to pass. You still have worry about the faster traffic coming the other way and the guy behind you, who is expecting you to pass. You have to be bold or all is lost. It's sort of a combination of chicken and bumper cars.
Our first destination in Guatemala is Lago de Atitlan, specifically the town of Panajachel. There are two different roads to take, either the GA1 or the GA2. One of them runs more to the north thru the mountains, the other more southerly and said to be more straight and flat. We decided to go the southern route, even though Panjachel is on the north coast of the lake. Off we head with Sean driving and Rita and I giving encouragement as much as possible. " Go now", " watch out for that truck", " oh, s...", "go,go,go". Very much interactive driving! Poor Sean!
The whole trip took a lot longer than anticipated and it


was getting dark as we approached the south side of the lake. Oh, what to do? We decided to head for the next town, a place called St. Lucas. As we drove into the zocalo(town square), we realized that not many gringos came here. No worries, the folks we talked to were very friendly and we soon found a hotel for the night. 170 quetzals, which is about 20 dollars, for all three of us. A quick dinner from a roadside vendor and we were done for the night.
We piled in to the car the next morning and headed to Pana. Beautiful drive over the mountains around the lake. We dropped down into the town midmorning, found a place for breakfast right on the water. Ate while we watched the mist burn off the lake. Found the Hotel Jere to stay in, as Rita says it has character. Unfortunately, not the advertised hot water! The town is very touristy but it's been fun exploring the streets and checking out all the people. They come from every walk of life here, Guatemalan men and women in traditional dress, folks from Europe, the States, Mexico, old, young and everything in between. Great people watching! Found a bar on the main strip, where we watched the crowds go by and the Packers beat the Bears on satellite tv.





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Location:Guatemala