We were grateful to finally arrive in Antigua, especially after six hours in a van with a triad of annoying, high energy, Americans. We found a hostel and went out for a wander and some dinner and, for the first time in ages, got a good night's sleep!

The next morning we decided to simply wander around. Antigua is a really lovely city that is not unlike Granada, but with a slightly less touristy feel to it. We checked out several churches and a bunch of ruins, and sat on a roof top patio for lemonade and fantastic views of the city and the three surrounding volcanoes. We visited a chocolate museum, that was really more of a chocolate room, but happily they sold their wares and gave free samples; my bag just got a few pounds heavier!! We also got to make our own mayan hot chocolate- yum!!!!

We decided that after our day of leisure, drinks were in order, so we went to another roof top patio and enjoyed a couple of cocktails. While it's true that we only had two, they mixed them stiff and our bellies were fairly empty. We stumbled out in search of dinner and found the restaurant we were looking for just before it was closing. Happily they let us sit. As English teachers, we've often heard our students say that they find language easier to use when they've had a few drinks. After our ordering experience, I'm not sure I understand this concept!! The waiter came and tried to explain the items on the menu to us and we just stared at him blankly and broke down in a fit of hysterics. We tried to distinguish the side dishes and thought we were quite clear; Ola stated no broccoli and I wanted no guacamole. We ended up stammering out the Spanish words for beef and chicken and crossed our fingers. When our meals arrived they looked identical (including the two greens). Luckily dinner was great- at least I think it was.

Anyways, we caught a 5:30 shuttle out to Lake Atitlan this morning and are just finishing our dinner and relaxing by the lake now. I heard about the crazy snow back home. Hooray for Central America!! I'm going to enjoy and appreciate every minute of our last ten days. But we need to rest up, cuz tomorrow is market day, and so we shop!!!