A Bumpy Ride to Our Lovely Guatemalan Casa

We arrived in Guatemala City from DFW on the afternoon of Nov. 1 via Spirit Airlines. Round trip fare for both of us was less than $850, but we were allowed only one carry-on. Our four checked bags were charged at $33 each and had to weigh 40 lbs. or less. Customer service was fair, and the schedule, including a stop at Fort Lauderdale, was generally maintained. We used wheel chair assistance for Gloria, and that worked well; we were even assigned wide seats from Fort Lauderdale to Guatemala City.  At our destination airport that afternoon we were met by our driver, Dionicio, who drove us to Wal-Mart for groceries and other supplies. Then it was off to San Marcos, La Laguna, where we would stay for a month. This would be our fourth trip here. Heavy fall rains had taken their toll on roads that are barely adequate at best. Bathtub-sized potholes were pervasive the last 40 miles. At certain points the hard surface had been totally washed out leaving nothing but small gravel-laden streams to cross. However, cheerful Dionicio and his trusty Toyota van were not dissuaded. On open stretches of highway, it was pedal to the metal, just like when he was an ambulance driver. We wondered what had happened to the missing passenger seat belts. Yellow center lines on main roads in Guatemala appear to be for decoration rather than to deter passing. Drivers make maximum use of horns; even atheists must pray for safe passage. Dionicio spoke little English, so any fearful groans from us went unheeded.

It was a national holiday in Guatemala, which was celebrated by festivals everywhere. The narrow highways were lined with thousands of cars, which slowed our trip. Colorful kites were flying high, swooping and diving in the wind. On this All-Saints Day the latter were flown to drive away the evil spirits. One of the high points of the grueling ride from Wal-Mart was an enjoyable dinner at a wonderful upscale restaurant, Paulino's, located mid-way from Guatemala City. We have stopped there each of the four times we have visited Guatemala. Friendly, uniformed waiters quickly serve guests with efficiency and dignity in rustic surroundings that include a high peaked ceiling and huge stone fireplace. The food is always great, and the setting reminds one of a U.S. National Park restaurant.  

The purpose of our journey was to visit daughter, Courtney, husband Josh, and young granddaughters, Althea and Mirabai. It was wonderful giving them hugs as they met us at 10:00 p.m. when we finally arrived at our rental home.We had stayed in the same quaint, yellow and white cottage (top of page left) on picturesque Lake Atitlan in November 2008 when granddaughter, Mirabai, was born, so it was great to awaken the next morning to a familiar, awesome view of the lake with three volcanoes as a backdrop. Fishermen in their little dugout boats were already at work. Palm trees were waving in the sunshine with the gentle breezes. Courtney had insured that everything in the cottage was clean and in order.

Our huge front yard with hundreds of plants and bushes receives tender care from a full-time guardian, who has a small home on the property. One of our favorite activities is to stand on the shore in early mornings and evenings to watch the small, covered passenger boats pass in front of our property. Thump, thump, thump they sound--the captains standing proudly--as their crafts hit the waves with outboard motors churning the waters. The little cabana (top of page right) that used to be a haven for us is now flooded with lake water that has risen 15-20 feet since we were here before. During early chilly mornings and at night we love sitting by our glowing fireplace with our snacks and beverages made more delectable by the crackle of the burning wood.  We take daily walks downtown to shop, have lunch, or use the Internet. The guardian packs our big jugs of fresh, pure water and firewood to the cottage, and we have, Estella, the best cleaning lady in town. Sometimes our grandchildren, Althea and Mirabai, spend the night with us, and we see their busy parents nearly every day. Life is tranquil and good here. We are excited about this opportunity to spend quality time with our daughter's family, whom we seldom see.