Arrival in Guatemala City
Hola, Been in Guatemala City for a couple of days now. If you read between the lines on the prior "Journey" update, that whole day was spent getting from Point A to Point B. Got up at 6:30 am and I arrived at my place in G-City at 10-ish pm. Long day.
My walk from the terminal to my place was nothing, if not weird. I thought I was in a closed-up part of town, but I am thinking there are people behind most of the doors and it just looks that way. Come to find out, everything just locks down at night. Really weird given home many people live in this City.
Zone 1 and Colonial Charm
I am in Zone 1. There are up to 25 zones. I am in the Central Zone of a lot of Federal Ministries, a historic district, churches [the Basilica as well], and shopping.
So, [finally] found my place with the help of the newly accessible phone - A win for big tech.
An account of the area I found online: "In Guatemala City, Zone 1 is notorious for being a very dangerous neighborhood with many robberies happening near the bus terminal and Central Market." Well, another crisis averted I guess since that is exactly where I walked and am here typing you this update.
I am staying in a Colonial Style residence with Courtyards on the inside. As if I entered this little gem in a pile of dirt. I am still trying to wrap my head around this place. It is nice, for here, and I really like its vibe. Don't get me wrong, there are high-end places done to the nines nearly everywhere I have been.
Adventures with Alberto
I met Alberto, from Mexico City, here the first night. We went for breakfast yesterday and I took him to this dive I found for a cheap beer [.67 cents] last night.
That place was a loud trip of unexplainable craziness.
We got the munchies and ate a street-dog of sorts before we wandered home. We then sat and chatted with the owner for a bit. Interesting woman with her paws into all kinds of stuff: avocado/coffee farm, rentals... Once in a while, I've been getting lucky finding engaging conversations. As I type, she is making me a coffee from her farm!
Latinos love their loud music.
The Miracle of Hot Water
I have hot shower water!!! I didn't believe it until I tried, but it's true. Thank you, baby Jesus for small miracles.
Interesting to note, they are using a Solar Thermal Evacuated Tube for heating their water. I have geeked out on this for a long time, now to see it in action is truly a treat.
Located on the rooftop with circulating hot water stored in a tank.
Hot water is a treat!
Breadcrumbs for Elizabeth
I need to get better about leaving you guys some breadcrumbs just in case. Elizabeth has access to my email and can find a trail there of my purchases at AirBnB or Agoda...
I am currently staying at: Casa De Las Flores 14 Calle 8-51, Ciudad de Guatemala, Guatemala, Guatemala
Guatemala Quick Facts
- Quetzal is the currency in Guatemala. 7.5Q = $1US
-Gas = 30Q - $4US/gallon.
-Nights almost everywhere have been nippy.
-It's kinda nippy here. As I type, even more so! Been wearing my nylon jacket a lot since I don't have anything else long-sleeved. Gotta go buy a long-sleeved shirt since it sounds like I may heading into even higher elevations.
- Public bathrooms cost money. In Belize it was .50cents and here it is less. That's the gig to get into. You would think they would be spotless and work properly, not so much.
Even though Guatemala is known for its amazing coffee beans, thus far in Belize and here the norm is Nescafe! What a crime!
The Next Journey Begins
I've already started to think about what/where is next. I think I will be heading to Antigua in a couple of days. It is supposed to be a really beautiful old colonial-style city.
Here I have hardly seen any.
I added a couple more days to this stay and plan on getting out to see the city today and tomorrow visiting historic places, museums, churches... So yes, the next journey begins.
I need to figure out exactly when I am leaving, find a place, find a way, get there, and settle in. So the cycle may continue, of course.
-e
I am not looking forward to the 'tourists', though.
