Hiking from Santa Cruz to San Marcos

1/4/12

Hiked from Santa Cruz to San Marcos on Lake Atitlan today. Matt, Ryan and Bryan went with me for the 2.5 hour trek. Beautiful seeing the lake from different perspectives. Should have hiked earlier in the day instead of beginning at 11:15 am, very hot.

Heading to Philippines in a month

1/26/12

Everything fell into place just as I was about to give up on a Philippines trip. American Airlines credited me with enough miles for a FREE trip from San Salvador, El Salvador to Los Angeles. (even though it involves 18.5 hrs to get to Los Angeles) What we do from free trips. Then I get on a plane 2.5 hrs later for the 19 hrs involved getting to Manila via Tokyo.

But really excited as Boracay Beach is one of most beautiful beaches in world. Ranked 2nd by many. Also the underground river is on the New 7 Natural Wonders of the World. Add the steepest rice terraces in the world and swimming with Whale Sharks and I am expecting an awesome trip. Just need to get my new credit cards before my trip. Old ones canceled due to cloning. But will work it out. 2 more weeks in San Pedro, then to Antigua for few days to see friends, then to Playa Tunco for remainder of my trip before heading to the airport.

This trip will give me the excitement that I have been missing in not seeing new places which is my passion. Will return on April 24th and then work on Backpacker Travel and guided trips to Ireland in late May/early June. Then Costa Rica and Guatemala trips during summer.

Last week in San Pedro

2/4/12

After a great stay in San Pedro since December, I will be leaving Thursday for a few days in Antigua. Then to the beach in El Salvador for 2 weeks at Playa Tunco. Then on to San Salvador for my marathon plane rides to the Philippines which will involve about 33 hrs of travel. Starting to get excited about new destinations and new experiences which is what drives my travel obsession. Will definitely be back to San Pedro as it is truly beautiful and one of the cheapest places to live in the world.

Almost hidden path to Santiago Dock

2/4/12

Did not even know of this route last year when I visited. So many hotels, hostels, bars and restaurants along the path. Starts out in lonely alley next to convenience store (tienda) and ends up on large road next to Santiago dock.

Last photos San Pedro La Laguna

2/7/12

Leaving Thursday for weekend in Anitgua and then to El Salvador for 2 weeks before 2 month trip to Philippines. Pictures include great shots of Lake Atitlan and San Pedro from top of Hotel Villa Del Lago ,a picture of my Banana Bread Lady who keeps me from starving in the mornings and my room for past 6 weeks. Private room with balcony on the lake, cable tv, private bathroom all for $5.75 a night. My kind of place.