Having a great time over here, definitely a few problems so far, but no adventure is entirely positive. Arrived in Guate City, the biggest and most dangerous city in Central America on Thursday night. Two hostels were waiting outside the airport with Chris Rollins on the sign. Foolishly admitted being Chris Rollins to the first guy and got in my first Spanish argument. Stayed at a sick hostel, but was warned that I would probably get robbed if I went walking around for some dinner, this was in the safest zone. Something like 80 people a day die in Guatemala City. Chatted with this dude at the hostel about the women of Columbia, apparently they´re not to be missed. Told me about one girl whose husband had died as a guerrilla, didn´t escape that encounter with his Ipod or money, she robbed him when he was in a post-sex daze.
Friday made my trek over to San Marcos La Laguna. Decided to go the cheap local way on these decked-out US school buses called chicken buses. Had to transfer several times getting lost in one of the towns. The chicken buses drive like maniacs and constantly go right into incoming traffic to pass people, guess the name is fitting for them. Packed in tight with Guatemalans as the only gringo.
Then had to ride on standing up on the back of a pickup truck down a treacherous road since landslides had devastated the main roads. Made it to Lake Atitlan and gazed out on an epic scene of towering volcanoes and gorgeous water. After a series of boat rides with jacked-up prices for the gringo, made it San Marcos.
As soon as I got off the craziness began, went to this bar my friend had told me about, chatted with this dude about life, then took off with this Ramji guy to meet a variety of awesome locals, lots of Germans here. Ended up at Merlin, the local shaman´s place. Amazing people and fascinating conversations. One girl told me about flouride in our water supply blocking our pineal glands. Merlin tossed water on a lava rock with wax on it and made flames explode out. Became the only non-Spanish speaking person in the room for a bit, realized I really need to learn some more in order to make it here. Jam circle outside with native Mayans singing soulful melodies to the spirit world as others played drums, guitar, and didgeridoo. Crashed on the floor and woke up with Montezuma´s revenge, got zero sleep and puked through the early morning. Wandered around in a delirious stumble through the town, finally made it to an open hotel and crashed.
We´ll see what´s next.
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