Sep 20 - Day 6 "Equintla and Puerto San Jose"

Sep 20, after a good night sleep in Antigua, I woke up refreshed and ready to take on the world, or at least other towns in Guatemala once more. We headed out early in the morning from Antigua to make our first trip to Esquintla. In Esquintla we stopped to visit more family members before heading out to the beach of Puerto San Jose. The day was hot and humid and survived the early afternoon. After spending some time with my aunts and uncles we headed to Puerto San Jose for a quick swim and bites. We ended up spending the rest of the afternoon in the beach fighting the oceans waves and getting to know the locals.

picture to be added later....

Sep 18 - Day 4 "Panajachel"

Sep 18 my family and I took off for Lake Atitlan, specifically the town of Panajachel - sometimes called "Gringo-tenango" due to the number of American tourists here. The town became a hippy hangout in the 60´s and 70´s and is still famous for drugs and partying but also the most touristed town in all of Guatemala. The lake itself is surrounded by dormant volcanoes and mountains and is said to be one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. It was formed 85,000 years ago when a massive volcanic eruption threw ash as far as Florida and Panama. So much lava came out from under the earth that it left a huge void under the surface. Eventually, the surface could no longer support itself and collapsed to form a huge hole that filled with water forming the lake. Average water depth is 1000 feet!

This dramatic region runs from Antigua to the Mexican border-the hills are full of emerald green grass, cornfields and pines..and every village has a story. According to Quiche legend, Lake Atitlan was one of the four lakes that marked the corners of the world. Reminds us of the saying that even though we know the world is round, we are trying to visit all four corners! LOL.

Sep 17 - Day 3 "Esquipulas"

Monday Sep 17 we left Antigua Guatemala early in the morning and headed northeast to the old town of Esquipulas. I felt comfortable and thrilled about this trip as my parents were with us in the van driving us to Esquipulas as they have been to Esquipulas several times in their life. On the road the beauty of the valleys surpass my imagination. There in the mountains and river valleys, different species of forest trees were blooming with great profusions of pinks, purples, yellows, and oranges. Flowering trees put out a great deal more color than ground flowers and I have always delighted in their displays.

After a four hour drive we finally arrived to Esquipulas. Esquipulas is the home to the Basilica de Esquipulas where many people come to pay respects to El Senor de Esquipulas. It was worth the drive because the church is absolutely amazing. People come to this church and light candles in hopes that their prayers will be answered. From the moment we walked into this church to the moment we walked out, there was something in the air that we can't quite describe, but definately something spiritual. Another reason many people come to this church is because it is also home to one of the oldest hand carved Christ figures, el Senor de Esquipulas, carved out of black wood. Incredible.

Sep 15 - Day 1 "Arrival"

After a smooth plane ride from Chicago to Dallas and Dallas to Guatelmala city we finally made it our destination. It took us (wife and I) approximately 7 hours by plance to get to Guatemala but we made it. We were picked up at the airport by family members and my parents who were vacationing in Guatemala at the same time we were. It was a nice feeling seeing aunts, uncles and cousings that I haven't seen since the last time I visited them which was in June of 2000. Our arrival was anticipated with many open arms and questions. Everyone wanted to talk to us and catch up on life, we were taken to a restaurant know as "pollo campero" where Pollo Campero is known to be like the Mcdonalds of the USA , theres a Pollo Camero on every corner in Guatemala, LOL.

My trip to the Land of Eternal Spring

It's Friday, September 14, 2007 and I am sitting in my living room packing for my trip that is schedule to begin on September 15, 2007 through September 26, 2007. It's been almost a year since I have traveled and taken a vacation. The last time I went out the country was for my honeymoon, which took place in Cancun, Mexico in September of 2006. I am really excited about this trip because I will be visiting my home country in Central America. I was born in Guatemala City on June 21, 1979. I have been living in Chicago for the past 16 years and the last time I visited Guatemala City was on June 21, 2000. This trip is very special to me because my wife Kerry Garcia will also accompany me on this journey. It is our first year aniversary as a married couple and we always talked about where I came from. She is looking forward to visiting and meeting the other half of my family, but what she is looking forward the most is learning more about my culture, nationality and the people of Guatemala city.

To be continued.... see video for a small preview of my next posting.