Holla Guatemala!

So the road from Flores to Lanquin was in pretty bad shape, turning our 7 hour trip into an 11 hour one. Terrible floods are affecting thousands of people, the worst flooding in 30 years. We came upon the first bit of flooding, which didn't seem too deep, though the current was incredibly strong. We waited 3 hours for a truck to tow us, and finally drop us off in a dry patch. Horray! However, 2 minutes down the road, the flooding returned, worse than before. We waited a while to tag on with another truck, which towed us into this small town, with buildings completely underwater. We were towed onto a ferry, and floated across to safety. It took a full hour to get through the floods, with the help of the towers. Then we continued on, another 6 hours to our hostel. We were traveling alongside another bus from Flores, with an English girl named Emma, and a French Canadian couple. We went to the same hostel in Lanquin, Los Retiros, wich was set off in the hills along a rushing river. There were stilted bungalows, which were all full, so Emma, Oli and I decided to bunk up together in a loft above the bungalow. Not much bug protection, but the beds were okay!Went down the road for some much needed beers and dinner, then retired early, as we were taking the 9am tour to Semuc Champey!

We were picked up at the hostel in a truck, where we rode in the back like cattle. 10k later, down a very bumpy road, we arrived at Las Marias caves. First we all hopped on the rope swing and flung ourselves in the rushing river, then we grabbed candles and headed into the caves. We waded through water, with only the dim light from our candles. It was amazing! Climbed up ladders, through small crevices, and into more pools with waterfalls. The water was surprisingly warm! Such an incredibly unique experience.

From the caves, we trekked back down the hill, grabbed some tubes, and floated down the river for a while. So relaxing to look up at the lush green trees and hills surrounding us, and we were blessed with a beautiful day. Once de-tubing, and walking back, we decided hey, why not throw ourselves off this massive bridge? Its only 30+feet to the raging waters below. We got some great photos! I tried to chicken out, but then some local police drove up and cheered me on, I had to do it! It felt like I would never hit the waters below, and once in the water, it took ages to get back up again!! Crazy.

We then walked up to the entrance to Semuc Champey, buying some delicious handmade chocolates along the way from some local girls. We decided to take the tough hike up the mountain to see the glorious lookout point over the sparkling blue pools below. And what a hike it was! Straight up, through mud, holding on to vines and tree trunks to steady yourself. But the payoff was incredible. What a view! We trekked down to the pools, and immediately hopped in, and each pool became increasingly warmer. This was one of the best days so far, such incredible beauty and fun times!

We decided to go to the Lanquin caves when we got back, to see the hundreds of thousands of bats that emerge at sundown. We waited for a while, and suddenly they began flying out of the mouth, never once hitting us. There were other tourists there that made the experience a bit painful, with CONSTANT flashes so we couldn't see a thing! It was a cool experience though. Oli, Emma and I walked back through town in the dark, passing a massive spider along the way.

English roast for dinner, which was not so great, then beers and great company! We chatted with the very nice guy who was staying below our loft and had been on the tour with us, and basically hung out all evening! We signed up for the trip to Antigua the next morning, a direct bus which would take 7 hours. Not bad!

Or so we thought. After passing through Coban, we found the roads blocked because of an impromptu teachers strike. Our driver took us to a nearby mall to wander for a little more than an hour, and it was FREEZING! Had some lunch, waited ages for our bus to return, and then off we went. We found out that the roads were going to be completely closed the next day, today, for more strikes, and transportation would be impossible. Lucky timing! The rest of the drive was uneventful, restless naps, reading, counting down the minutes until we arrived and could get off the bus. We finally arrived in Antigua around 6ish, a nice 10 hour ride! Wow!

Oli, Emma and I walked around to a few different hostels which were all highly recommended but completely overpriced. We settled on one down the road, a clean place with hot water, and a cheap triple room. We bought some chips and dip, some Brahvas, and played cards all night in the freezing cold.

Today we are off to find a tour to take us up the active volcano! More soon, my lovelies!