Denver to Latin America for 3 months - Page 13

WilderRider · 10-31-2012, 01:21 PM

[QUOTE=sevengrey;19940967]

Quote:

Originally Posted by WilderRider

After class I moved into my homestay. A really nice home with a 70ish(?) couple. Only two blocks from the school. Secure parking in their courtyard too.

Chiki and Lico are awesome! I'm sure you'll enjoy staying with them. You'll get pancakes every other morning, a maid to make your bed daily and more food than you can eat!

For the showers, turn the knob just a little bit so the water trickles for hottest setting, turning it higher will give you more water pressure but cooler temperatures. The right shower is better than the left

Thanks for all the tips. Already it is great. The hospitality is amazing. And the food delicious.

sevengrey · 10-31-2012, 03:44 PM

[QUOTE=WilderRider;19941197]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sevengrey

Thanks for all the tips. Already it is great. The hospitality is amazing. And the food delicious.

check out choco bananas on pop sickle sticks. they are really great! sometimes they have them at the bakery across from the house

WilderRider · 11-01-2012, 05:38 PM

[QUOTE=sevengrey;19942105]

Quote:

Originally Posted by WilderRider

check out choco bananas on pop sickle sticks. they are really great! sometimes they have them at the bakery across from the house

I will do that. I already had their coffee. Not bad.

Keep those tips coming. The shower one already made the stay a lot better.

WilderRider · 11-01-2012, 05:45 PM

Time for a little catching up.

Yesterday was a full, fun day.

Class was a little longer because we need to make up time we lost with the the festival today. With the extra time, Billy took me on a field trip to the market. Not only could we talk, walk, and learn, but he was going to help me find a cheap costume for the Halloween party.

It is still fascinating to see all the things at the market.

Billy

WilderRider · 11-01-2012, 05:56 PM

I was looking for something easy and cheap. And I found it.

I negotiated the price from Q35 to Q20. About $2.50. And it worked great.

The party started at 8:00 and lasted until about 11:00. It was fun. Mostly it seemed an excuse to take pictures, but I had left my camera at the house, so I didn't get in on that. Plus it was rainy and dark.

There were about 40 people overall. Split between staff and students, pretty evenly. Plenty of Spanish spoken, but plenty of English too. I am the only American currently, but there are Aussies, English, Scotch, Canadians, Dutch, Swedish, Belizian, Chinese (Hong Kong).

WilderRider · 11-01-2012, 06:09 PM

Then today we went to the kite festival in Santiago. There were a LOT of people. We had to walk through narrow streets just packed. At one point I timed us and it took one hour to walk four blocks. Crazy.

But the kites (these kind are called Barriletes) were enormous and very pretty. Colorful.

You just hang out in the cemetery to look at them. Get right up on the tombs.

Unfortunately, these giant ones did not fly, contrary to my expectations. Nor did we fly our barriletes. I guess we are doing that with local Antiguans on Saturday.

WilderRider · 11-02-2012, 06:48 PM

Today it was back to class. But we snuck in a field trip to Hotel Santo Domingo, where apparently Bill Clinton attended a conference during his presidency. It has a neat courtyard and museums too.

A little gimmicky, but there is an indigenous person doing some weaving there too.

After that, we went to the jade museum for a tour. The "museum" is really just a jewelry store, but they do show you the process.

The sculpting.

The polishing.

The best part is that it is free including the guide and actually goes into a lot of Mayan history. Of course, I did the tour in Spanish, but I was excited and amazed at how much I really understood. Even all the abstract concepts and history.

WilderRider · 11-04-2012, 09:35 AM

With a lazy Sunday morning I will add a few more pictures.

Here is the front entry way of where I am staying. It doubles as the garage.

Looking from the front of the car.

WilderRider · 11-04-2012, 09:46 AM

Yesterday was nice. Had my weeks laundry done for Q35. Then I walked around the museum at Hotel Santo Domingo. After a delicious lunch, I walked around town, but was exhausted so I came back, took a nap and did some homework. Despues, I had dinner then akbill from Horizons unlimited who was coming into town. Ended up meeting up with him, rtwpaul, motomon, and a few others at the main park.

But first, saw the procession. It started at three thirty, but it was fun to see it at night.

This was for day of the dead and lasted well into the night. I still heard it when I went to sleep at 11:00.

WilderRider · 11-04-2012, 10:03 AM

I did not stay out late. I am a lightweight at night. But I do like the mornings.

This morning was gorgeous. I had heard about this restaurant on the hill, from a few people. El Tenedor Del Cerro. There is a free shuttle from Hotel Santo Domingo that leavs every thirty minutes and they have a buffet breakfast on Sunday. All you can eat and coffee, juice (fresh) for Q90 including tip. IT IS WORTH IT. O Vale La Pena.

Of course the weather ,without clouds today, was perfect.

Looking down on Antigua.

My new housemate joined me. Freddy at our breakfast table. Volcano in the background.

The others

The viewing area

.
The restaurant is to my right (the left side of the picture)

There are also many gardens with artwork to view.

Colorful horses for my daughter.

It was great food too. Bread, eggs made to order, glazed bananas, tamales, sausage, bacon, beans, fresh fruit, hash browns, fresh pear papaya orange juices, good coffee, all you could eat. Not bad for $11.

WilderRider · 11-07-2012, 03:36 PM

Busy few days, but not many pictures.

Did feel this, this morning. Not too bad in Antigua, but I guess there were some deaths. Freaked out the locals a bit too.

WilderRider · 11-09-2012, 03:11 PM

This week has been a little slow picture-wise. The big news was the earthquake noted above that happened on Wednesday. Not many pictures of that in Antigua because it did not cause much damage locally. Quite a few died a little further north, even though that was further from the epicenter.

But this week has been about finishing my classes which I did today. A little bittersweet. But this weekend I will leave and make my way to Honduras.

Before I leave I keep meaning to take a picture of breakfast. Here is Freddy getting served his.

Always some fresh fruit. Usually pineapple, papaya, and bananas.

This morning also included pancakes.

WilderRider · 11-09-2012, 03:16 PM

This afternoon we were able to watch a futbol/soccer game between our school and another. Our school was in blue.

Those Guatemalans really belt it.

WilderRider · 11-11-2012, 10:50 AM

Today, I finally left Antigua. It was fun to learn more and get some home cooking. The dueños were great people are too. Lico y Chiki

But I was ready to see some new places.

WilderRider · 11-11-2012, 07:35 PM

Well today I actually made it would over the border and into Honduras. My second" new" country of the trip. I decided to go north to Copn rather than ride through El Salvador. It was ended up being a good choice. Not only is the rod nice, it the section of Guatemala off CA9 is actually developing nicely. New shopping areas, etc. And almost no tumulos (as they call the speed bumps in Guatemala).

But really the best part was that the border was nice and quiet. I was almost the only person there for much of the time. The officials were very nice. With all of that, I was able to make better time than I had planned.

Made it to Copan. Nice town. And for only 400 lempira I found a nice room, private bath, Internet, and again let me pull it right in. My room is right there on the left.

The town is nice.

And because some have expressed confusion about what a Tuk-tuk is, I finally got a couple pictures.

11-01-2012, 05:45 PM	#184
WilderRider ^OP Beastly Adventurer Joined: Oct 2005 Location: Denver, CO Oddometer: 1,696	Time for a little catching up. Yesterday was a full, fun day. Class was a little longer because we need to make up time we lost with the the festival today. With the extra time, Billy took me on a field trip to the market. Not only could we talk, walk, and learn, but he was going to help me find a cheap costume for the Halloween party. It is still fascinating to see all the things at the market. Billy __________________ RISK: "The loftier your goals, the higher your risk, the greater your glory."

11-01-2012, 05:56 PM	#185
WilderRider ^OP Beastly Adventurer Joined: Oct 2005 Location: Denver, CO Oddometer: 1,696	I was looking for something easy and cheap. And I found it. I negotiated the price from Q35 to Q20. About $2.50. And it worked great. The party started at 8:00 and lasted until about 11:00. It was fun. Mostly it seemed an excuse to take pictures, but I had left my camera at the house, so I didn't get in on that. Plus it was rainy and dark. There were about 40 people overall. Split between staff and students, pretty evenly. Plenty of Spanish spoken, but plenty of English too. I am the only American currently, but there are Aussies, English, Scotch, Canadians, Dutch, Swedish, Belizian, Chinese (Hong Kong). __________________ RISK: "The loftier your goals, the higher your risk, the greater your glory."

11-01-2012, 06:09 PM	#186
WilderRider ^OP Beastly Adventurer Joined: Oct 2005 Location: Denver, CO Oddometer: 1,696	Then today we went to the kite festival in Santiago. There were a LOT of people. We had to walk through narrow streets just packed. At one point I timed us and it took one hour to walk four blocks. Crazy. But the kites (these kind are called Barriletes) were enormous and very pretty. Colorful. You just hang out in the cemetery to look at them. Get right up on the tombs. Unfortunately, these giant ones did not fly, contrary to my expectations. Nor did we fly our barriletes. I guess we are doing that with local Antiguans on Saturday. __________________ RISK: "The loftier your goals, the higher your risk, the greater your glory."

11-02-2012, 06:48 PM	#187
WilderRider ^OP Beastly Adventurer Joined: Oct 2005 Location: Denver, CO Oddometer: 1,696	Today it was back to class. But we snuck in a field trip to Hotel Santo Domingo, where apparently Bill Clinton attended a conference during his presidency. It has a neat courtyard and museums too. A little gimmicky, but there is an indigenous person doing some weaving there too. After that, we went to the jade museum for a tour. The "museum" is really just a jewelry store, but they do show you the process. The sculpting. The polishing. The best part is that it is free including the guide and actually goes into a lot of Mayan history. Of course, I did the tour in Spanish, but I was excited and amazed at how much I really understood. Even all the abstract concepts and history. __________________ RISK: "The loftier your goals, the higher your risk, the greater your glory."

11-04-2012, 09:35 AM	#188
WilderRider ^OP Beastly Adventurer Joined: Oct 2005 Location: Denver, CO Oddometer: 1,696	With a lazy Sunday morning I will add a few more pictures. Here is the front entry way of where I am staying. It doubles as the garage. Looking from the front of the car. __________________ RISK: "The loftier your goals, the higher your risk, the greater your glory."

11-04-2012, 09:46 AM	#189
WilderRider ^OP Beastly Adventurer Joined: Oct 2005 Location: Denver, CO Oddometer: 1,696	Yesterday was nice. Had my weeks laundry done for Q35. Then I walked around the museum at Hotel Santo Domingo. After a delicious lunch, I walked around town, but was exhausted so I came back, took a nap and did some homework. Despues, I had dinner then akbill from Horizons unlimited who was coming into town. Ended up meeting up with him, rtwpaul, motomon, and a few others at the main park. But first, saw the procession. It started at three thirty, but it was fun to see it at night. This was for day of the dead and lasted well into the night. I still heard it when I went to sleep at 11:00. __________________ RISK: "The loftier your goals, the higher your risk, the greater your glory."

11-04-2012, 10:03 AM	#190
WilderRider ^OP Beastly Adventurer Joined: Oct 2005 Location: Denver, CO Oddometer: 1,696	I did not stay out late. I am a lightweight at night. But I do like the mornings. This morning was gorgeous. I had heard about this restaurant on the hill, from a few people. El Tenedor Del Cerro. There is a free shuttle from Hotel Santo Domingo that leavs every thirty minutes and they have a buffet breakfast on Sunday. All you can eat and coffee, juice (fresh) for Q90 including tip. IT IS WORTH IT. O Vale La Pena. Of course the weather ,without clouds today, was perfect. Looking down on Antigua. My new housemate joined me. Freddy at our breakfast table. Volcano in the background. The others The viewing area . The restaurant is to my right (the left side of the picture) There are also many gardens with artwork to view. Colorful horses for my daughter. It was great food too. Bread, eggs made to order, glazed bananas, tamales, sausage, bacon, beans, fresh fruit, hash browns, fresh pear papaya orange juices, good coffee, all you could eat. Not bad for $11. __________________ RISK: "The loftier your goals, the higher your risk, the greater your glory."

11-07-2012, 03:36 PM	#191
WilderRider ^OP Beastly Adventurer Joined: Oct 2005 Location: Denver, CO Oddometer: 1,696	Busy few days, but not many pictures. Did feel this, this morning. Not too bad in Antigua, but I guess there were some deaths. Freaked out the locals a bit too. __________________ RISK: "The loftier your goals, the higher your risk, the greater your glory."

11-09-2012, 03:11 PM	#192
WilderRider ^OP Beastly Adventurer Joined: Oct 2005 Location: Denver, CO Oddometer: 1,696	This week has been a little slow picture-wise. The big news was the earthquake noted above that happened on Wednesday. Not many pictures of that in Antigua because it did not cause much damage locally. Quite a few died a little further north, even though that was further from the epicenter. But this week has been about finishing my classes which I did today. A little bittersweet. But this weekend I will leave and make my way to Honduras. Before I leave I keep meaning to take a picture of breakfast. Here is Freddy getting served his. Always some fresh fruit. Usually pineapple, papaya, and bananas. This morning also included pancakes. __________________ RISK: "The loftier your goals, the higher your risk, the greater your glory."

11-09-2012, 03:16 PM	#193
WilderRider ^OP Beastly Adventurer Joined: Oct 2005 Location: Denver, CO Oddometer: 1,696	This afternoon we were able to watch a futbol/soccer game between our school and another. Our school was in blue. Those Guatemalans really belt it. __________________ RISK: "The loftier your goals, the higher your risk, the greater your glory."

11-11-2012, 10:50 AM	#194
WilderRider ^OP Beastly Adventurer Joined: Oct 2005 Location: Denver, CO Oddometer: 1,696	Today, I finally left Antigua. It was fun to learn more and get some home cooking. The dueños were great people are too. Lico y Chiki But I was ready to see some new places. __________________ RISK: "The loftier your goals, the higher your risk, the greater your glory."

11-11-2012, 07:35 PM	#195
WilderRider ^OP Beastly Adventurer Joined: Oct 2005 Location: Denver, CO Oddometer: 1,696	Well today I actually made it would over the border and into Honduras. My second" new" country of the trip. I decided to go north to Copn rather than ride through El Salvador. It was ended up being a good choice. Not only is the rod nice, it the section of Guatemala off CA9 is actually developing nicely. New shopping areas, etc. And almost no tumulos (as they call the speed bumps in Guatemala). But really the best part was that the border was nice and quiet. I was almost the only person there for much of the time. The officials were very nice. With all of that, I was able to make better time than I had planned. Made it to Copan. Nice town. And for only 400 lempira I found a nice room, private bath, Internet, and again let me pull it right in. My room is right there on the left. The town is nice. And because some have expressed confusion about what a Tuk-tuk is, I finally got a couple pictures. __________________ RISK: "The loftier your goals, the higher your risk, the greater your glory."

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