Back "home" in Antigua. I've written about this feeling before on past adventures, but it's such a wonderful feeling when your new surroundings turn into a place that you feel totally comfortable with, and become somewhat "your's". Lewis and I both didn't want to say goodbye to the beautiful Lake Atitlan, but pulling into the city gave us both a feeling of home. But you probably want to here more about the lake!
Well for staters the journey there was an adventure of its own. The estimated 2.5 hour journey turned into 6. It seemed like everyone in Antigua was trying to get out of the city at the same time! Once we managed to escape the traffic our mini bus climbed the steep surrounding hills, then curved us back down, only to go up another slop! The drive felt a bit like a roller coaster ride, but the views were breath taking!!!! I really enjoyed watching all of the big, but little towns zoom by. It seemed like every inch of land is being used by Guatemalans, they even make us of the steep hills for farming. We climbed one last hill to see the lake waaaaaaaaay below us. It was a gloomy day, as the afternoon rains had just ended, but the clouds and fog added extra charm to the picturesque lake, surrounded by three volcanos and hills. Once we reached the bottom we jumped onto a speed boat to cross the turquoise lake to our paradise village San Marcos La Laguna.
San Marcos is a refuge for yogis and the more low key vacationer. It only took us about five minutes to walk the entirety of the town. A few hostels surrounded by lush gardens, plenty of yoga studios/health spas, and about four restaurants all boasting their vegetarian menus. Lewis and I had hit the jackpot of serenity we were looking for! We ended up staying at a lovely hotel made up of small bungalows run by a rather spacey man from Sweden. I loved looking at all of the plants and drove Lewis crazy stopping to examine each one! That night we enjoyed some yummy wine and veggie curries, and the sound of no sounds!
Our full day on the lake was an exploring day. After a fresh breakfast on the waterfront we caught a water taxi to the next town over to start an hour hike along the hills to the next town over. Overall it was just nice to be outside and take in different views of the lake. When we reached the town of San Pedro we were greeted with a totally different atmosphere from our sleepy village across the water. There were people, cars, and shops everywhere. The afternoon rain was on its way so we settled in with some nachos and beers to watch the rain. Later on it was more wine and more enjoying the silence watching the full moon.
In the morning it was time to leave, but first we had to wait for an extra hour for our bus to arrive! We should have anticipated this, but still enjoyed watching the little town start its day. Back on the bus we had to climb up the hills again, but this time with an even better view. The road seemed even more like a roller coaster and the driver had to honk his horn every time we approached a curve so we wouldn't hit an on coming car! ( Heather if you're reading this, it reminded me of our Blue Mountains trip in Irvan!) At the top we were literally in the clouds. I'm not really sure how to explain this feeling. But I was higher than other areas and could see the pockets of clouds nestled into the other high hills.
We had planned on skipping this trip, but I think it's safe to say that we are both very glad that we did go!
What a lovely adventure you two had. Sounds like it was just what you needed. The pictures you posted earlier were some of my favorites, I can see why you feel in love with the area surrounding Lake Antitlan.
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