Three Things You Should Be Grateful for Today… But Probably Won’t Be

I’ve meant to finish this post since last week, but I’ve been busy with a few other things.  Turns out this week couldn’t be more perfect, since Thanksgiving Day is in the minds of most Americans (my Canadian friends already had their Thanksgiving day, so they’re well ahead of everyone else when it comes toContinue reading “Three Things You Should Be Grateful for Today… But Probably Won’t Be”

Sumpango Giant Kite Festival – Barriletes Gigantes De Guatemala

November 1st, All-Saints Day in Guatemala, holds a very special meaning to its people. It seems almost everyone pours out to the cemeteries to pay a visit to the dearly departed. There are two important events on November 1st: The Giant Kite Festivals (held simultaneously in Santiago Sacatepequez and Sumpango) and the Todos Santos DrunkenContinue reading “Sumpango Giant Kite Festival – Barriletes Gigantes De Guatemala”

Castillo de San Felipe Guatemala: When is a Castle Not a Castle?

If you’ve ever looked at a tourism brochure for Guatemala, you’ll notice that Antigua Guatemala, Tikal’s Mayan temples, and Lake Atitlan occupy front and center.   Occasionally though, you’ll may also notice that included in the brochure is a picture of “castle”, sitting on the shores of a placid lake.  That would be Castillo de SanContinue reading “Castillo de San Felipe Guatemala: When is a Castle Not a Castle?”

Lago de Amatitlan: Lake Atitlan’s Oft-Forgotten Little Sister

Lake Atitlan gets all the attention from foreign visitors, and rightly so. But less than 16 miles south of Guatemala City lies Lago de Amatitlan (Lake Amatitlan), a beautiful lake with a volcano for a backdrop. And also a sad reminder of what happens when industrial pollution and waste are ignored for years. Lago deContinue reading “Lago de Amatitlan: Lake Atitlan’s Oft-Forgotten Little Sister”

Things to Do in San Ignacio, Belize: How a Delay Led to a Great Trip

Sometimes, when it seems like things are going from bad to worst, all you gotta do is hang in there for a bit until the sun comes out again.   After barely being allowed into Belize, we were able to get to the insurance office on time. At 3:00p.m. we were still harboring hopes thatContinue reading “Things to Do in San Ignacio, Belize: How a Delay Led to a Great Trip”