A Trip To The City

Not to the big city...just one at the bottom of the hill....

Right now, there are no parents at the house we’re staying at – just a great niece, a great nephew and thus a great aunt and a great uncle.  It’s a good combination and a lot of greatness J

Yesterday, our new landlord graciously said we could unload our car in one of the rooms of the apartment, so we finally have room to carry other people…and the car is riding about 5 inches higher in the back.  So today, we decided to take a trip down the mountain and go to church there in the town of Coronado.  Coronado is kind of a gringo town - on the beach, so they get the warmer, more humid weather.  Lots of new structures, high rise hotels and condos, fancy shopping centers.

It took close to an hour for us to get there – and we arrived just in time, because Bob noticed a few miles before we got there, that we were waaaay empty on our fuel – past the “5 miles until empty”….so much past that it just said “Low Fuel”.  Not sure when it got to that point – we just hadn’t been paying attention. Woops.

The church is called Coronado Bible Church, and it meets on the 3^rd floor of a rather large newer shopping Center.  It was a nice space with nice chairs and friendly people.  They had coffee out for all of us, and  one of the members had brought a nice Chocolate cake (He normally supplies them to restaurants).  There were several people there to greet us – a table with information about the church and a pretty good library at the back of the church.  They seem to have the same seasonal thing going that we have in San Carlos – most of the people gone for the summer.  They also had headsets for the Spanish speakers so that could hear everything translated for them.  There was a mixed crowd – young and old and probably 40 or so there, maybe 50.

We sang some great songs – to recorded music (been there, done that, felt sorry for them), and because they are recently without a pastor,  one of the elders spoke.  It was nice to be there and be a part of it.

When we left, we headed immediately for a gas station - $1.09 a liter.  Then lunch.  A Mexican restaurant called Ora Le that was colorful, bright and even had a fire pole to slide down from the top floor to the main floor.  The kids loved it.  There was a home store in that shopping Center, so we went in and checked it out.  I was floored!  2 stories of really nice items - like Ace Hardware in Hermosillo - on steroids!!  It was great.  Low prices to go with it, and they had more stuff than we could imagine!

We then headed back to Machetazo - a 3 (!!!) story Super-Walmart sort of store, but much finer quality, brand new building - and again - everything you could imagine!  They also had really cool escalators that took the carts up o the next floor. What a treat!  They even had Skim Milk! 

Before we headed down the mountain, Bob and I had looked on our maps for the city of Coronado....when we left there today, Bob said the reason Coronado wasn't on any map is that it is too new.  I think he's right.

It' great to know that all the shopping I might want is just under an hour away.  Fun.

Driving from Mexico to Panama

Notice for travelers: Condensed version

When we were preparing for this trip, I couldn't find ANY definitive information as to what to expect.  I hope to make some of that easier for those of you who are thinking of driving through Central America.  We do speak Spanish - not fluently, but enough to get by (can carry on a conversation).  This is invaluable.  This is just the basic info all in a nutshell.  I would recommend your reading the blog to get a better feel of things we encountered.  We went through the crossings that we had read about - there may be better crossings (or worse), but we can only tell you about the ones we went through.

First of all:  We did NOT have the original title for our car.  New Mexico law says that the lien-holder must hold the title until the car is paid off, so we could not get it.  We did have them send us certified copies of the title - one for each country we were going through - with a certified and notarized copy of a letter of permission for each country.  This DOES work - so don't give up.  You just have to be persistent.  In 2 of the countries, we had to pay for an attorney to write a letter saying all was OK.  In Guatemala, that cost an additional $10.00 - In Costa Rica, it cost us $40.  Remember - their first response is 'no'.  Just don't give up and they will eventually give in.  Not having the original titles cost us at least 30-60 minutes in additional time at each border.  If you can get colored copies of your title, that might make it easier.

In addition, be sure to have several copies of your Passports, Drivers License, Insurance, Registration, and if you have any pets - copies of their papers as well.  One or two copies of each for each country.  This will save some time at each crossing.  

Also - we read that it was good to have lots of $1's and $5's to use at each border.  We really didn't use them at all, except to pay the mordida when a policia at the Honduran border wanted to charge my husband for having his seatbelt off, when he'd just taken it off to get his wallet out at the crossing.  We got it down to $50 from $125 - and we paid him all in $1's!  Because we could. I guess you're not allowed to take it off even if you get out of the car. (SMH)

Here is a rundown of our trip and expenses.  I don't have all the meals included, but it will give you an overall idea of what to expect if you are planning this trip.  We did the trip in only 14 days - could possibly have made it 2 days less, but in addition to that, we left from IN Mexico, so that saved us a day as well.  Overall - 2 weeks is a reasonable amount of time to expect the trip to take.  Any shorter would not work.

We ended up staying in Auto Motels most of the time, because they have a private garage for each room, and since we were carrying a car full of our possessions, we thought that wise.  They aren't always the best - a couple of them were downright creepy, but most were very clean, nicely done and inexpensive.  These hotels normally charge for a 12 hour time frame, sometimes less.  Be sure to ask them how much for the night (you might only need 12 hours if you pull in later).  I will say that the nicer ones were in Mexico and they progressively got worse.  It may not be fun, but it's doable.  Read the rest of this blog for other tips and info on what to expect.

Because a lot of this is confusing, you may want to get runners at each place - however, know this.  You have no idea if they are actually paying for charges or not and they are very expensive.  Even if they tell you how much up front, we found that amount to increase substantially after all the transactions were done - and then they wanted their tip on top of that.  We were told at some crossings that the animals were $45.00 each - and we doubt they were.  We're guessing the runners cost us perhaps 75% more.

They also kept telling us that the car would not be inspected.  We had nothing to hide, but our car was full.  In actuality, when the back was opened, they asked a few questions and then were OK with it.

A GPS comes in handy, but it is also good to have a back-up map.  Sometimes, the GPS took us into areas we didn't want to be and told us to turn in places that had nowhere to turn.  Other times it got us away from places when it looked like we were lost. It was a love/hate relationship.  I just used the ones on my phone - just downloaded the maps for each country while I had wifi.

Be aware - Mexico's toll roads will spoil you - especially as you get further south.  But it took me awhile to realize that the highways in the other countries weren't going to be what I seen in Mexico.  I kept thinking we must be lost b/c we were on 2 lane roads - when those, in fact WERE the highway.  

Crossing into Mexico - Since we live here, I can't tell you all the charges, but can give some tips.  Just to say that we always cross in Nogales, at the Mariposa crossing - or Truck Route.  It opens at 6 a.m.  You can pull immediately to the left when you cross the border and there is an Aduana there.  Get your Visa, pay at the bank (somewhere around 280 pesos, I think) and then...if you go through their green lights, it will take you on the outskirts of town, but it is worth it to skip the toll road there.  The Aduana at the "top of the hill" that you would hit in just a couple of miles is always hard to get along with.  We have spent hours there, and then still been inspected after a green light.  It is not difficult to take the shortcut through town - you are missing downtown - and it's not difficult.  

Just go through the lights at the Aduana (red means pull over, green means go through) and then follow the road into town.  Go all the way until it dead ends ( a few miles), then turn right.  This road will join up with the highway - you will miss the first toll and the guys at the top of the hill who will ruin your day.  Just remember, when you turn right, the third lane from the center (usually second in from the curb) is the left turn lane - so stay out of that one.

The next place you will encounter is KM21.  You will need to go in there to get the paperwork to allow you to pass through all of Mexico.  This requires a $400.00 deposit, which they will refund you when you leave Mexico (We did it at Tapachula).

The tolls between there and San Carlos are about $10.00

Day 1 - San Carlos, SON, Mexico to Mazatlan  
Tolls - 665 Pesos, 
Fuel 645 Pesos, 
Lunch and Dinner 300 Pesos, 
Hotel 350 Pesos

Day 2 - To Tonala - We chose to stop here because there were some things we wanted to ship back to our home in Mexico.  If you want to enjoy some culture, plan to be here on a Thursday or Sunday for their Tianguis.  They fill the streets with their wares and you can get some real bargains.  Check out my post about this stop for the name of a Pet Friendly Hotel that is really nice and has secure parking.

Fuel 650 Pesos
Tolls 747 Pesos ($59.00)
Hotel 470 Pesos

Day 3 - Tonala - We stayed overnight here - so one extra night of hotel fees.

Day 4 - Tonala to Orizaba
Tolls 906 Pesos
Food 250 Pesos
Fuel 850 Pesos
Hotel 455 Pesos - Pets OK, Neat old Hotel

We took the road north around Mexico City.  It is a Toll Roll - Arco Norte or something like that.  Anyway, they don't have people manning the toll booths - it's all electronically  manned.  We were clueless, so I'm gonna help you out.  There will be a credit card looking thing sticking out of the machine.  Pull it out and go on your way.  The cost of your trip on this highway is determined by which exit you take.  You just give them the card at the exit and they tell you how much.  

Day 5 - Orizaba to Tuxtla Gutierrez
Breakfast - 160 Pesos
Tolls 572 Pesos
Hotel 450 Pesos

Day 6 - Tuxtla Gutierez to Tapachula - We arrived late in the day, so decided to spend another day to do laundry, take care of some business 
NOTE:  241 Miles - TEN hours!
Toll 75 pesos
Hotel 500 Pesos

Day 7 - Tapachula 
Hotel 500 p - Stayed at Hotel Costa Azul - Pets were fine there - people were very helpful.  Nice place, pretty gardens.

Day 8 - Cross in to Guatemala - 5 1/2 hour crossing - systems went down.
We crossed from Tapachula through Hildalgo
(Be sure to read about this crossing if you plan to do it)
Crossing 195 USD - with Runner
Fuel 480 Pesos (Mexico before crossing)
Hotel 19 USD

Day 9 - In Guatemala 
We headed to Guatemala City b/c we wanted to be on the Highway. Don't recommend it.  The roads are still bad, so it would be better to stay away from the city.  We went through Jutiapa and crossed at Santa Ana
Breakfast 19 
Hotel 48
Fuel Q 550 (Quetzal)

Day 10 - El Salvador - 2 1/2 hour crossing
We went around San Salvador and through San Miguel, then crossed at El Armatillo.
Crossing cost us $0.00 - We did not use a runner, the crossing was fairly easy, even though it took so long.
Hotel 45 - TERRIBLE!

Day 11 - Through Honduras to Nicaragua - 2 Border crossings 
We crossed into Nicaragua from Guasaule', Honduras to Somotillo, Nicaraugua
$311.00 to cross into Honduras - used runner - Entire thing very confusing, would be difficult to do without.  Buildings are perhaps a mile apart.  4 hours
$203.00 to exit Honduras! 2 hours
$50.00 to enter Nicaragua 2 1/2 hours
Hotel $45.00

Day 12 - Cross In To Costa Rica
In Nicaragua, we drove through Chinandega, Leon, Managua (spent the night there), and then south to cross into Costa Rica at Penas Blancas.  Nicaraugua is wonderful!
Extremely confusing - did it without runner - 4 hours, $90.00
Hotel $35.00

Day 13 - Costa Rica into Panama - 3 hours
In Costa Rica, we went through Liberi'a, Las Canas, then south on 34 along the coast.  An old guy told us that was a better route to take, and it was - and it was shorter.  We drove through Palmar Norte and the highway connects there with CA2 on to Paso Canoas and into Panama.  If you get there later in the day, the roads from the crossing and into David are really good and well lit as well - like American Highways.  No problem driving on into David.  They even have a McDonalds there :)
Get a runner - A person would have NO idea where to even go with your car. Very confusing - not set up well at all.
$135.00 included $45.00 for 3 pets, $15.00 each for "quarantine" which was not quarantine at all - just a paper
Hotel $50.00 not bad at all

Day 14 - Arrived in El Valle de Anton, Panama - On the highway, it would have been another hour to Panama City

Divine Appointment

We are thrilled to tell you that we rented a place today and get to move in the 1st of September - it is BRAND new and while small, I think it will be nice.  It's an upstairs apartment/house up behind another house - beautiful grounds - they are fine with us having pets and it's kind of like an amped up tree house.  Gorgeous views from everywhere. 2 bedroom, 1 bath, covered patio with hangers for hammocks.  Gorgeous views.  All utilities included - even internet and satellite TV.  Sweet.

Now comes the cool part.

I have been praying that God would direct us and that we would end up in just the right place.  After living here with my nephew Chuck in their house (rental) - which is kinda neat, but very old - we knew that we really didn't want an old place - and that we wanted a clothes dryer.  We hung some laundry the other day and it still wasn't dry several days later!    We had looked at some other places - one, very tiny with virtually no amenities and a fairly nice yard - and another one we never had gotten to see the inside of, but had a gorgeous property - and it was old.  I introduced ourselves on a local chat page and asked about a rental - in a few days, I got a reply back from a guy and he had a place.  We almost didn't go see it b/c the price was higher than we wanted to pay.  But we did. And we made an offer and he accepted it.

Today when we went to sign on it, Bob had to go to the ATM and get more cash, so I stayed at the guys store and looked around.  Before I knew it, I realized that the music playing was Christian - at least I recognized the melody. I asked him about it and he told me they were believers - that his daughter works with youth at a church in Panama City and that he belongs to a church that is growing by leaps and bounds.. and is going to build a new church. To me that was confirmation from God that this was the place we were meant to be. 

Here are the lyrics to the song:

Your Name

As morning dawns and evening fades

You inspire song of praise

That rise from earth to touch Your heart and glorify Your Name

Chorus:

Your name is a strong and mighty tower

Your name is a shelter like no other

Your name, let the nations sing it louder

'Cause nothing has the power to save

But Your name

Jesus, in your name we pray

Come and fill our hearts today

And give us strength to live for You and glorify You name

Your name is a strong and mighty tower

Your name is a shelter like no other

Your name, let the nations sing it louder

'Cause nothing has the power to save

But Your name (3x)

I love how He does this for me.  

Enrique - the owner -  also told us that probably 10 people had asked about his place for rent, but he didn't feel good about them - and he did us.  And then the kicker.  He told us that he had already committed our month's deposit to the church building fund.  I can't think of anyplace better for it to go. :)

So - here is our little piece of heaven.  (The pics are in no particular order) The layout is different, but it will be fine.  Most homes here don't have closets at all - and I don't care if the washer and dryer are in the kitchen - just so we have them!  It will be all new appliances - and he's going to let me help pick out furniture!  Granite countertops and backsplash in the kitchen.  We have full access to the yard - but our entrance is totally separate - parking totally separate and very private.  We do have to climb stairs, but that won't hurt us. 

Leigh (lover of purple)- we'll be in the purple room - and we'll think of you often!

We were told that a sloth comes to visit every 20 days and that we will be able to see macaws in the trees along with many other birds.

 Back Patio - these windows look into the purple bedroom.  Sliding door is weird, but it saves space.  River rock is on a lot of buildings here.

 Back Patio looking out - gorgeous views

 Purple (larger) bedroom, really nice closets for here.  

 Tiny bathroom, but brand new!

 Kitchen is those counters on the far end - the rest of this room will be LR DR .  LOVE the windows! New washer and dryer will go over in that corn where Bob is standing.

 This corner...

 Extent of the kitchen.  Cabinets will have grant tops, stove will go to the left and the fridge beside it.

Looking out from the patio to the front of the house.  We will have a separate driveway, entrance, etc.  

A multi-lingual church service

Here is a photo my nephew took of some of the Kuna ladies here in El Valle - they had spent
quite a bit of time dressing up our Kiernan, Elissa and Mona (from Germany) - the 3 girls in the back.  This is the clothing they wear all the time.  They often have a gold ring in their nose and a line drawn down their nose.

Sunday morning, August 11, 2013

We got up early this morning - it's Sunday, after all - and church was to begin at 8 a.m.  Evidently, it is much like the latin cultures - or so we were told - and they tend to begin late...so we didn't leave the house until 8:05.  The church is just a few minutes away, though if I were to have to find it again, I could not.  We wound in and around the residential areas until we were there, passing Kuna women, children and men walking underneath umbrellas and riding bicycles as they headed to church.  We were also told that it begins this early, so the Kuna can get down to the market and get their booths open for the busy weekend traffic.

Somehow, the people at the church hadn't received the memo that they were to start late, because as we arrived, the music was wafting out of the doors and windows.  I was surprised that the song was a familiar one and that they were singing it in English.  As we walked in, we were greeted - but this was not like any church we'd ever been to.  Rows of chairs on all four sides faced each other towards the center where there was a table with a yellow tablecloth that said - at least on 'our' side - "Yo Soy El Camino".  It was set for communion - three large oval wooden handmade trays - 1 with the 'bread' and 2 others with small plastic juice cups of the 'wine'. The crowd of 80-90 or so continued to sing out as many continued to come in the front door.  After we seated ourselves on the far side, I noticed that one side of the church was all men and another side was primarily women - the 2 opposing sides were mixed.  Not sure if it was planned that way or not.

For the time being, a local man - young man, really - was standing up in the "mens" section and leading the music, just by singing.  No piano, no guitar - just voices.  The song got faster and faster each time they sang it - smiles ringed the room.  We got our songbooks - folders with copies of various songs in them, and saw that they were in English, Spanish and sometimes Kuna as well.  We would sing the entire song in one language, then another and then the third, if they had it.   As they called out the page numbers, I noticed the order of service was written up on a white board.  There would be about 15 or more songs sung throughout the service.

After several songs (like 7 or 8), an English speaking man from a church in Florida stood and spoke a bit with a translator about Jesus loves us right where we are.  Next, the translator spoke a bit - and my nephew translated. And we sang more songs.  Then another man - who was visiting from another tribe, the Enbera', spoke and the first translator translated it into Spanish.  And we sang some more.

We were told it was time for the offering and quite a few people stood and walked to the corner behind us - I thought they were going to Sunday School or something - but as I turned around to see, I saw a woven, 12" tall basket that they were putting their offering into.  Bob handed me our offering and I joined them.  Daddy always taught us that no matter where we are worshipping, that the offering is part of that worship....and it stuck with me.  What was cool about this, is that some of the people don't make any money - so they bring fruits and vegetables to give as their offerings.

After a few more songs, it was time for Communion.  Three of the men from the visiting church in FL, served the elements - all at once.  And as the cups were brought before you, you picked it up, drank it and set it down on the tray.  Some of the men crossed the room with their cup and shared it with their wives.  Very different, very special.

While we were having communion, a family walked in that was just arriving.  We were told later that they walk 3 hours to be there at church.  Precious - very precious.

And we sang again.

We sang these songs again in all three languages - and then after that, we all sang one song all together - English speakers singing in English, Spanish speakers singing in Spanish and Kuna speakers singing in Kuna.

And I wept.  I think it was a little piece of heaven right here on earth.

Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes

Yes - a phrase from a Jimmy Buffet song - but this is real life here. 

San Carlos, Sonora -  27° 56'N /111° 03'W

El Valle de Anton, Panana - 8° 31' 0 N/ 80° 32' 60 W

When Bob and I moved to Mexico 14 years ago, we had to get accustomed to a different way of life.  I remember going into a grocery store in Guaymas called VH (bvay-ah'-chay) and being entertained by the things that were there.  However, Bob loves to go and look at the meat departments, so we walked back there and I immediately saw a cooler piled high with whole chickens - and I mean whole.  Legs, feet, neck...oh yeah....they were dead and plucked, but that was it.  I turned tail and headed for a 'safer' part of the store - liked canned goods.  That was way out of my comfort zone. The difference between then and now in our part of Mexico, at least, is huge.  But still - our little town of San Carlos is only 260 miles south of the border, so I have always had a pantry and freezer stocked full of things I enjoy from the US.  We also had a few stores that specialized in American products, so if we really wanted something, we could get it.  It was expensive, but doable in a pinch.  

It's just a little different now.

We are now some 3000+ miles away from Nogales, AZ.  El Valle de Anton is a fairly small town (6000) - located in one of the largest inhabited volcanos in the world.  It is a destination location for the wealthiest of Panamanians who have homes here - and is also a destination for many people from Europe - Germany especially.  I have been in several stores in this area and have been amazed at the products they have - and/or don't have.  The stores have the feel of an old fashioned grocery store - not from the turn of the century or anything, but from maybe the 1930's?  Definitely the General Store feel - maybe the precursor to what became our Wal-marts.  Everything from nails and plastic fittings in bins to light fixtures, to school supplies, to plastic goods,  bicycle tires, a few appliances and a piece or two of furniture, and - oh yeah - some groceries!  Nice cheese is difficult to find, but they have small bags of grated yellow cheese.  Vinegar comes in bottles the size of, well, maybe 2 ounce size?  It also comes in a small plastic bag - one tablespoon worth. Yes, really.  They have Miracle Whip here in several different sizes (not in Mexico). A small bottle of Nutella is $5.50, a gallon of milk $5.75.  Evidently you can buy a single cotton ball or a single 'Q-tip'.  More than one store had a display of Snyder's of Hanover products... Produce is abundant and there are many fruits and vegetables that I have never seen before. 

The main street is pretty well THE street through town, with numerous restaurants, a covered mercado where the  local kuna women sell their molas and painted items - also produce and plants.  

Not really cheap, but nice.There's a gourmet and coffee shop in town that sells the run of the mill coffee, but nicer items from the USA.  There are plenty of nice hotels, hostels and places with cabanas in and throughout town.  In many ways, it looks like a tourist town with lots to offer.  In other ways, not so much. I understand that in Coronado (down the hill on the ocean), we should be able to  buy just about anything we want.  Looking forward to checking that out.

We may still be in Latin America - but we are definitely in a different culture.  This different latitude is going to require a different attitude.  

First Full Day in Panama

This is so opposite from what my life has been for the past 10 weeks that I hardly know how to act!

Wake up when you want to - lounge around as long as you want to - take a nap.  Oh yeah - liking this!  I need some decompression time! I did get some laundry started, but then Bob wanted to go to town and check some things out, so the sweet girl living here (Yari) at Chuck's and Connie's finished it for me - put it out on the line to dry and took it down before it rained again.  

The day has been lovely - all the doors and windows are wide open - most of the time is spent on the covered patios - and now I'm making a fresh pot of coffee.  Say what?

The realtor came by late yesterday afternoon and took us to see the outside only of a couple of places.  He had to make a trip to Panama City today, but has contacted the owners.  One place becomes available at the end of this month, so we would need to settle into another place for a month or so before we could move into the second place. He said the one we would wait on is the best one - best price, and from what we could see, it looked like a gorgeous yard, so if the house is anything like that, we'd be thrilled.  He told us the owner wants to put new cabinets in the kitchen and do some clean-up once this renter is out, so we're thinking that may delay the move a little more than 1 month.  I'm just anxious to get things out of the car and be able to have access to more than our traveling clothes.

I woke up quite early this morning, so walked around the property a bit and took some pictures.  Its somewhat like being in the mountains because of the pine trees and cool weather - but with tropical flowers thrown in.  The 4 bedroom, 3 bath house sits in the center of the property with all sorts of trees, flowers and open spaces around it.  There's a mango tree here that is maybe 40-50' tall!  Here are some pics for today.

 Right in the yard!

 Looking at house - bedrooms left and right - living across the center area.  We sit on these patios and visit - and there are several hammocks to hang out in as well. 

 Bridge that enters into the property - looking away from house

 Drive leading up to house, crosses bridge - house in background

 Very unusual plant

 and the orchid looking flowers on it

Greens, red - all in the foliage 

 Another different little flower

 Air plants/tropical flowers up in the trees

 Mossy, fern laden walls

 Ferns growing out of trees

 Driveway - circles around huge tree - barbecue area in the background

 Open Spaces of the yard

 More air plants

 Serene setting

 Back of house

 Looking down at house from back of property

 A little footbridge across the draw

Today, Chuck and a friend took their kids to go work at the home of a poorer person here in town that he knows who needs some help.  They are putting in a door, running some electrical and hooking up a washing machine.  My Adventure Correspondent nephew is a really good daddy. 

Our Kitty Holster

So this is it.

This has a 2 1/2" x 3" velcro section that fits around the neck, and a 3" wide and 4-5" long velcro section for the belly.  When Bandido got out of it at the Mexico/Guatemala border, I hadn't had it on him very tight.  After that, I kept him pretty secure in it.  Even today, when he was flailing, he didn't get out of it.  Seems like it worked pretty well - and he looked pretty cool in it, too!  I, of course, have a matching leash.....

Photos

Turning papers in before Tapachula, Mexico in little town of Viva Mexico

 Bandido hiding between the pillows and a duffle bag

 Entering into Guatemala

 Cute taxis in border town

 This is where they fumigate your car

 Our helper

 Bob and the helper

 Tourism guy showing Bob about Guatemala

 Aduana - this was a huge wait at Guatemala

 Guatemala Quetzales

  Guatemala Quetzales

 Looking into Guatemala from the fence - while waiting

 Hotel Room in Guatemala

 Shower in Guatemala - only one handle - cold water only

 Tropical flowers along the way

 These grow on huge bushes

 Where we ate breakfast - looking out at the pool

 Coming into restaurant

 One of the hotel pools

 Coffee and fresh squeezed OJ

 Bowl of fruit

 Bob's breakfast

 Guatemala Highways

 Purple boulders painted along the roadside