Here in Guatemala Day 1

Hey all

Today was insane... we went to this place called Iztapa lagoon nearby Puerto Quetzal (where the ship is docked).

I'll write all about it later, but it was one of the most deserted "where are we" moments that I've had in the entire voyage. We ended up on a sandbar in the middle of a river (accessible only by a little dingy boat) that faced the ocean. We were told that it was a bustling place with restaurants, but what we found was pure abandonment. The dingy driver just left us there... in the middle of nowhere... and there was nothing and nobody around. All of the shacks were empty and boarded up, and here we were, 8 americans on a black sand beach (Guatemala is known for their black volcanic sand beaches). So... we went swimming in the Pacific, met a guy from Israel named Aaron and eventually found a way to get back to the mainland from our desert island and back to the ship after a great lunch in the middle of El Pueblo Puerto Iztaba.

Spanish is great. Every time I get in a spanish-speaking country I just go crazy. I can communicate pretty well, I've found, and actually had a really long conversation in only Spanish with a police officer today. When the conversation ended with 'hasta,' I was like beaming at how great it is to talk in a foreign language.

The ship has a curfew of 2300. I'm back earlyish, it's 2131, but everyone should be coming back soon.



OK So tomorrow...

Tomorrow, I leave for the Acatanengo Volcano Climb. Here's the description:

"ITINERARY:
Day 1:  In the morning, transfer to the foothills of the towering, twin-peaked Acatenango Volcano. Then begin a
six-hour strenuous but rewarding hike through fields and Pacific cloud forest. Spectacular views over neighboring
volcanoes, the Antigua Valley and even Lake Atitlan will accompany the hike. The tree line stops at 10,500 feet, a
clear sign that we are close to the peak. Reach the summit after lunch, and from our 13,044-foot perch, catch
amazing views over nearby, smoking Fuego Volcano.  Make camp near the summit and enjoy a hot meal before
retiring for the night in a tent.  (L, D; tent)
Day 2:  A pre-dawn wake-up call is provided for those who wish to hike back to the peak for a summit sunrise.
Your reward includes magnificent views over eleven other volcanoes in the distance, Lake Atitlan to the west, and
the Pacific Ocean to the south. Return to the campsite, have breakfast and then head down the mountain. Once in
Antigua, enjoy a late lunch and then some free time before returning to the ship. (B, L) "



A few people with experience have said this is a "real" climb... not like table mountain (which was hard as shit already...). You have to worry about things like altitude sickness and all that. It should be an insane experience. Also, it's an active volcano. Past SASers, and the field office have told me that its common to roast marshmallows over the free-flowing magma that runs in different places. I will be able to share with you what actually happens once I'm back safe (IF i'm back safe, ha).

The Israeli who I met on the beach today had just come back from the same volcano, and told me to expect "a different world up there."

So. Without further adieu... wish me luck, and I'll talk to you in 2 days!

Best,

Greg.