Antigua

Yesterday we finished our last day of language school, said our goodbyes, and jumped on a shuttle bus to Antigua.  The road was rough, windy and slow.  During the four hours of travel, our only entertainment was watching the back of a chicken bus.  Guatemalans once again demonstrated their refusal to admit something could be full.  This particular bus was so full, that they opened up the emergency door in the back of the bus to allow more passengers.  If the guy hanging out the back door had fallen, at least six more people would have spilled out after him.  He was the lynch pin.

We checked into the Yellow House; our first stay in a hostel.  This hostel is pretty swank, and is our most upscale digs so far.  The bathrooms are shared, but they seem to be cleaned after each use.  They sparkle and smell of bleach.  In case we forgot how to use a toilet, they even included instructions.

The showers are equally clean, had ample hot water, and are not of the suicide variety.  For those of you who have never heard of a suicide shower, I've added the picture below.  These are 'on demand' hot water, and the most common configuration in Guatemala.  As you might imagine, we haven't had such a relaxing shower since we left the states.

Most Guatemalan showers, but not at the Yellow House!  :-)

The breakfast spread at the Yellow House was amazing; omelets, potatoes, roasted tomatoes, pancakes, frijoles and Guatemalan coffee.  We enjoyed it on the rooftop of the hostel while watching Volcán de Fuego erupt.  That's right...this volcano was spewing ash while we sipped coffee and ate pancakes.  How's that for danger Miss Katie?!  Actually, this volcano has been having minor and frequent eruptions for a long time and poses no danger.  However, it has to be the best backdrop for breakfast we've ever experienced.


Ruh roh!  That's no cloud Shaggy!!

Having nothing to do, we stopped at the front desk for ideas.  We ended up signing up for a cooking class.  More learning!  Over the course of the 3.5 hours, we made pepian (a classic Guatemalan dish), beet salad, rice, tortillas and rellenitos (a plantain, bean and chocolate dessert).  In addition, we had unlimited wine and lime-aide while we cooked.  We finished our course with a feast, and were on our way.

The Tortilla Ninja

Following cooking class, we went shopping.  We found the same textiles, leather work, woodwork and trinkets that we have found throughout Guatemala.  "What d'ya need?"  "Good price for you...almost free!"  After a quick dinner, we settled in for a relaxing evening.  Tomorrow, we rise early to hike a different volcano; Pacaya.