Lessons from Guatemala, Part I

Cristie and I are learning a lot in our travels through Guatemala. Here are some of the lessons we have come across (I am sure I will be posting future volumes as well):

1. There is an easy way and a hard way to get into a sleep sheet in a hammock.

2. Never, ever assume you have a clue about what´s going on, especially where transportation is concerned.

3. Always check your hammock for frogs before sitting down.

4. A 15-passenger van holds far more than 15 passengers (as in, say, 26).

5. Wear a bathing suit on the trip from Río Dulce to Livingston - there are hot springs on the way, complete with what might be pirhannas.

6. If arriving in Antigua in the rain, wear either sandals or waders, as you will have to ford numerous rivers to get to your hostel and your hiking boots will be soaked in street juice otherwise.

7. No matter where you are, you´re never far from a bag of Doritos, even halfway up an active volcano.

8. No matter what restaurant you eat in, your food may still come from down the street.

9. When buying chili-spiced mango, always buy at least one bag per person, then sit down to savor the experience.

10. Accept the fact that you have no idea what´s going on, and go with the flow (I know, I mentioned this one already, but it´s so important it deserves another appearance).