Return to Panama

There are many houses and buildings around Lago Antilan that are being submerged! :eek1 The water has risen about 10 feet in the last few years. The run off from the surrounding volcanoes is more that the water usage from the lake. Since there is no outlet for the lake, it keeps rising.



Nice!

Carl and Kathleen came over and we went out for the evening. They visited with us a couple days when they come through Escuintla a few weeks ago. We are in the hotel they recommended.

Carl and Kathleen, who visited with us a few weeks ago came over this morning and we took a boat ride over to a small pueblo on the other side of the lake. BTW, Carl and Kathleen are on a moto trip down to the furthest reaches of South America. Their Ride Report is here: http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1021672

When we got off of the dock at our destination it was quite windy. I was trying to pay for Ana and my ride with a 100 Quetzal bill, but the money taker did not have change. As I was putting the bill back into my billfold, it blew out of my hand and into the lake. :eek1 Carl was closest to it and immediately got on his stomach on the dock trying to get the money. 100 Quetzals is $7.50 US. But the bill ended up sinking to the bottom in five feet deep water, but we could still see it. :huh In the mean time, Kathleen negotiated with a young Mayan to retrieve it for 20 Quetzals. He stripped off down to his under wear, no he did not have on swimming trunks! :eek1 And in he went. It took three or four dives, but he got it! But then he demanded 50 Quetzals ransom. Since he was holding the 100 Quetzal bill, he got the 50 he wanted and the 100 was returned.

The story is worth more than the 100 Quetzal bill is worth!

There was listing for homes for sale here at San Marcos La Laguna for as low as $25,000.



It was a very small place. We strolled along taking pictures.

In both the pueblo we are staying as well as this one, there are loads of tourist. Mostly younger Europeans, plus most of the Mayans are light complected, indicating a fair amount of European (Spanish) blood. This is a stark contrast to the town of Solola we have stayed in three or four times located just across the lake. There, the Mayans are full blooded and very dark. And in the total of 10 days or so that we have been there, I have seen four gringos and that was one group of Jehova Witnesses.

We stopped by a restaurant/Hotel/Camping location at 11:30 for lunch. They said they would begin cooking at 12:30. So Kathleen and Ana went walking while Carl and I drank coffee and virtual rode all the motos we could dream up. Kathleen and Ana returned at 12:30, but no, cooking would begin at 1:00! :huh Kathleen and Ana had a single order that they received at 1;30 or so and I think Carl and I received our burgers around 2:30. Yes, this is Latin America, time is of no consequence!

Carl, Ana and Kathleen.

Then we returned too San Pedro La Laguna. These pictures were from the to of a Baptist church which housed a radio station at the very top. Ana talked with him the disc jockey through a open window as he went about his work.

This photo was taken by a lady from Toronto, Canada. We saw several Canadian vehicles earlier in the day. getting away from the snow and cold!

A few shots from our fourth floor room as the daylight was fading. I think I said third floor earlier, but I was wrong. :huh

Nice scenery around the lake. Good story about diving for money. I don't imagine the water is ever warm there.

Great picture of you two!

Agreed and on board!

Great report Donnie and Anna! Thanks!
Regards
Dave

Thanks!