many call guatemala city one of the most dangerous capitals of the world. many told me never to come here. almost every backpacker i met skipped this part of their exploration because of safety reasons. getting a shotgun held to your head demanding your bag isn’t too fun. yes, it happens and most crimes don’t get solved. so after the long 7 hour back to antigua, i was the only backpacker that got off the bus in busy guatemala city. the others told me i’m crazy and not to do it, but i did. scared? yes, i won’t lie.
the bus drops me off and i jump into the taxi heading to my hostel. had my passport stuffed in my pants, and everything else i would have given to anybody that held a gun to my head. if they asked for my passport, i’d rather get shot. yes, i plan things when i’m concerned about my safety. anyway, get to the hostel and was greeted by the coolest guy named Marcus. my plan was to stay locked in my room all day and night until i get my flight out tomorrow morning. Marcus asked me if i wanted to join him for a bicycle tour. what? are you crazy? he said “hey, this place is safe if you’re with me. if you’re not with me, you’re fucked!” sorry my language but that’s exactly what he told me.
not even 5 minutes since i arrived at the hostel, i was on a bicycle ready to explore the so called “most dangerous capital of the world.”
omg, it was so beautiful! just super cool structures and cool lifestyle.
we kept riding and riding. my legs still so tired from all the hiking and walking i’ve been doing ever since i got here. yes, the most in my life. but hey, as my legs were burning, i was in awe checking out a capital i never thought i’d ever visit.
i seen about a thousand guns already. one wrong move and you’re dead. i actually felt safe.
checked out some cool museums and even toured the national bank. learned a lot about this beautiful country.
now the question is: would i come back?
answer is: of course. in fact, i’m coming back for sure because i have places in this beautiful country that i want to see. other active volcanos, other lakes, other food, and other amazing people of this amazing country they call “GUATEMALA.”
