a traveler versus a tourist

I borrowed this thought from fellow traveler Logan. One of the differences between a traveler and a tourist is the travelers plans are always subject to change.  I could not agree more as evidenced by the changes I have made in three short weeks, whether that is new unplanned destinations or simply how long I stay somewhere.

The original plan for today was to get up around 6, hike laguna chicabel and depending on what time I got back head to Antigua this afternoon or tomorrow morning.

Unfortunately it rained most of the night and into the morning. Even if it had stopped it would have been pretty muddy, so I caught the 8 am bus to Antigua. The weather was not supposed to get better any time soon, so waiting another day would not have helped.

Chicken buses are interesting not only because you can bring anything on and they fit as many people in as they can (6 across when there are seats for 4) but also because part way into the trip they collect the fare. People continue to get on and off the bus both through the front and (emergency) back door. somehow the driver assistant remembers who paid and who did not. Also at stops in various cities vendors come aboard to sell various drinks and snacks.

I was going to stay at earth lodge, which sounded great, particularly the avocado key lime pie...though that does sound like an odd combination, but I found out that there is no easy way to get there so although the room was 50q per night with the third night free, it would cost 50q each time I went to or from Antigua.

I ended up at hostal holistico. It is 80q per night but they eventually offered me the third night free, include breakfast and have snack and juices throughout the day.

When I arrived in Antigua I needed internet access. Theinternet stores had no WiFi and I wanted to use my own device so they referred me to McDonald's. I felt it was not right to sit there and use their internet for free so...ugh....I bought some French fries.

It is interesting when places say they have hot water. Only one place had separate hot and cold water controls. The others you get what you get, some times warm at best.

By the way if there are typos, sorry. It is not always easy typing on a touchpad.

Current plans are to stay in Antigua until Sunday and then make my last stop in Guatemala... To Rio dulce.

I am not sure what is going on with my various phone numbers so for now email is best.

The crowded market in Antigua. They were even selling pastries

Some of the colorful chicken busses