We waited for our bus to Antigua for half an hour until it finally showed up. For a ten hour bus ride we were travelling on a huge, airconditioned 1st class coach. Two levels with bathrooms downstairs. Our last bus trip with air con was freezing and we didnt have the appropriate atire, so this trip we came prepared with our sleeping bags.

Finally snuggled up on our fully reclinable seats we set off on our journey ready for a long sleep. One hour into the ride I noticed I soft ticking. Curious, I woke myself up and realised I´d kicked off my sleeping bag. For such a cold bus why should I be hot? I soon realised the soft ticking was the sound of the airconditioning conking out. The final 6 hours of the trip was spent trying to sleep in a pool of sweat with no windows to relieve us with fresh air. We arrived to Guatemala City and jumped on our conecting to bus to Antigua which was a 2 hour bus trip going up and down beautiful mountains and with clear views of the surrounding volcanos.

Anitgua itself is a gorgeous colonial city surrounded by 3 volcanoes and lush mountainside. The gorgeous city is plonked right in the centre in a valley that hides it from the rest of Guatemala. We checked into our hostel and settled in for a short nap. After showering and freshening up we set off to explore the cobblestone streets that lead to many different sites. Our arrival in Antigua also marked the end of the AWESOME season....the rain had set in and it did not want to leave, thus proving difficult to explore in comfort. However, not letting torential rain get us down we did our best to see what we could for the first 2 days.

On the 3rd day we set off bright and early to climb the volcano Pacaya. Stupidly we had gone out the previous night for a few beverages and were slightly hungover......note to self: Do not drink the night before climbing a volcano....not smart. The bus ride there was also an interesting trip going through narrow, steep, pot hole ridden streets and was a test for our sensitive stomachs.

The trek itself was a challenge for oneself. Its was an hour and a half trek up vertical tracks, however if one felt the need to surrender to the volcano...Do not fear!!! A few trusty horses are there to aid you through the challenge. One poor German girl was the first to succumb to the effects of altitude sickness. (I was just so happy it wasn´t me, usually im the first to wuss out!). We made it to the top and revelled in the views, which didnt involve alot of colour but the magic of being atop a volcano was an experience we will not likely forget. With huge boulders of cold lava and steam rising from the land it was the perfect natural heater for the cold afternoon. We thought it random that the local kids were trying to sell us marshmellows at the bottom but we found out why at the top. See a whole in the ground?? Stick a marshmellow down it and you have yourself perfectly baked marshmellows. Was awesome!!

It was a slow descent and a sleepy bus ride home so we spent that night grabbing a quick dinner and savouring sleep. The next day we climbed (not happily) a long hill to reach a look out which gave us amazing views over Antigua, we also checked out the markets which was an awesome cultural experience. Who needs Warringah Mall......rubbish compared to Antigua markets!!

So.....that was our time in Anitgua. We jumped on the shuttle the next day with note pads and pens ready to go back to school!! Although unfortunately there was yet another amazing bus journey to enjoy!! Mmmmmm.....Potholes are our best friend!!