i haven’t seen so many guns in my life before. everywhere you go, you see armed security guards everywhere. so people ask me if guatemala is safe? here is my answer: if somewhere is safe, you wouldn’t need armed guards with shotguns in every store around the country. armed, loaded, and ready to be shot.
the bus ride from hell? got on a shuttle bus from antigua to lanquin. solid 9 hours of dangerous driving throughout the mountains. 28 people and super packed in the bus. stink, hot, and no leg room. put it this way, it wasn’t fun.
getting there was awesome! spectacular views!!! and a speeding driver that you put your life into his hands. one slip or one too wide turn, the whole bus with 28 people will go over the mountain and everybody will die. pretty simple.
on the way, people come up trying to sell you drinks and fresh fruits.
i bought this mango for 80 cents.
want to hear a funny story? we make our first stop at the convenience store. i wait in line to buy my water and see somebody familiar. i thought to myself “hey, i know this guy???” then i remember! he’s our driver! while waiting in line he opened a beer, started tanking it, then had another one in his other hand. OMG, our driver was drinking beers only 3 hours into the drive!!!!
i get back in the van and close my eyes because now i have a drunk driver speeding over one of the scariest mountains in the world. i put my headphones on, close my eyes, thank god for my wonderful life, and prepare to die. yes, i’m freaking serious.
then i change my mind and open my eyes to enjoy the beauty. if i’m going to die, i mind as well die with a view.
then out of the blues, 3 guys run out of the bushes and jump on the back of the moving van. OMG! we got hijacked!!! haha. come to find out, these kids were just hitchhiking. crazy!
anyway, 9 hours later, made it one of the most magical places in the world. spent 2 beautiful days there enjoying pure nature. no internet, no phone service, no bullshit. just you and mother nature. i loved it!
and yes, i’m glad to be alive!!!!
