Hi Guys, This is my last day in Guatemala. Here's a edited condensed version of up-date..... RIO DULCE: Spent 2 days here, at the Hicienda Tijax, a jungle lodge. We had to get a water taxi to get there. I liked my cabin but the were a few that complained about rats, some fondly called it rat island.... I had small veranda at the back of my cabin and I enjoyed watching the fish and turtles swimming below me. Rio Dulce has a yatching communtiy which takes shelter from the hurricane season. I also went horse riding, my trusty stead was skinny, I was amazed it could carry me. The most enjoyable activity was going on a boat trip which took us to the mangroves, there were so many lilly pads there, it was beautiful. We stopped off at a house and bought some coconuts and drank the water. it was very filling.We made our way to Livingston, (Carribean town) which only has access by boat. I tried the local dish, fish stew....I didn't realize that the fish would be whole and I had to shell the crab and shrimps. GUATEMALA CITY: Thankfully, we only travelled through. Its a scary city. Every building featured bars on the windows and razer-wire. There was a heavy presence of of armed authorities. The rain created an atmosphere which made the place all the more gloomy. CHICHIEASTENANGO: The best market in the world.... Our mode of transport to get there was the chicken bus. (Very old school buses the USA don't want). The buses were jam packed with locals, traders and some tourists. Every one of us were wedged in like sardines. (See picture). The market sold everything and anything. The best buys were textiles, beadwork, masks and jewellery, in particular, jade. PANAJACHEL: Beautiful town beside Atitlan lake. 3 volcanoes surround this little town. Its a dramatic region where towering pinewoods and steep terraces spread accross the lush lands. The food here was excellent both in the restaurant and on the street. SAN PADRO: We took a boat trip to this little village. Its not the most attractive but grows and sells wonderful coffee. We were only there for 45mins but I took pictures of the church and of the locals. JABAILITO: This was our last stop on our boat trip. Its a very small, remote community. It is very poor indeed. Our group donated items of clothing, soap, tooth-paste and tooth-brushes. I gave Moose to a young mother. I thought moose would have more fun being played with everyday. I took lots of pictures of the children. It absolutely poured down... Im sure the elders of the communtiy thought we were mad. ANTIGIA: Another beautiful, charming town with its cobbled streets, pastal coloured buildings and court yards. Its also nesttled between 3 volcanoes. We climbed up Picayno Volcano which is one and half hours away. The lava field was hardened but you could feel its heat. It was amazing..... Well that it for now, my other only news is that 1/3 of my group caught a sickness bug. I so far, have been lucky. I have almost become obessive about cleaning my hands... NICE.... Anyway, I trust you are all being good and behaving yourselfs, if not, write to me and let me know! Love Annie.