Best. Road. Trip. Ever.

That road trip I mentioned I was going on with some friends? Well it was good. It was great. It was the best road trip ever!

Left Guatemala city early Thursday morning (29th December) and had Pollo Campero for breakfast (first surprise of the trip). We then detoured and went to Lago Atitlan, one of the most beautiful lakes of the world. It was on the list of things to see here so it came as the best surprise to learn we were going there! We took a boat trip from Panajachel across the lake to another town, San Pedro and had a look round. I was caught out and got my first taste of sunburn in Guatemala. Had a lovely rudolph nose for the next few days. It was spectacular to cruise across the lake surrounded by volcanoes. Moments like those, I wonder how people can question that God exists. We then carried onto our destination for the night, Retalhuleu (Reu). Just out from Reu traffic was crawling, we found out that a dead body was further up on the road holding up traffic.

Lago Atitlan

With Andres and Emilio heading across the lake

We stayed at relatives in Reu who were so lovely! Meet half the family that night - a whole lot of cousins! The next day was water/theme park day! It was such a fun day! Best water park I have ever been too. The slides were soo huge and it was mayan themed and very well kept. We were there (xocomil) for the morning then went across to the theme park (xetulul) for the afternoon. That too was great, it had country themed areas in the park so I visited Germany, Italy, France and Guatemala all in one day! The highlight of my day (yes I know this sounds ridiculous) was having a ride on a 4wd motorbike round town with one of the cousins! It seems like every second person in the town has a motorbike or moped. It was so fun! Just casually taking a ride round town passing tuk tuks!

Best waterpark EVER!

Xetulul

On the Saturday, last day of 2011, we ventured out to the beach. We went on a road that reminded me of NZ car rally roads - but worse! A whole lot of pot holes! Apparently the government should be looking after these roads better but they don't. So that was an interesting journey, the car was covered in dust by the time we got to the beach. I never imagined palm trees in Guatemala for some reason, but there were a lots! The sand was a little black but not that dark. It was so good to see the ocean again! And so refreshing to swim in it! The temp was about 30 degrees. We drank fresh coconut milk and bought water out of bag (so cool!). That night we had a nice dinner prepared by their aunt and then let of fireworks! A great way to bring in 2012! It was such a fun road trip with Andres, Emilio and their Dad Ludwig. They were the best hosts and I was treated like a queen!

Guatemalan ocean!

Drinking water out of a bag

Happy New Year Friends!