Lake Atitlan sits between 3 volcanoes (one is active) and offers majestic views. We relaxed in Panajachel and took in the beautiful sunset over the lake.
The next morning we visited 3 indigenous communities (including San Antonio – I should have saved my up do). Each offered friendly locals promoting their goods, simple architecture, and bustling streets.
We also couldn't leave Guatemala without a ride on a "chicken bus". We took the bus to Solola, the region's capital, to visit another market.
We flew from Flores to Guatemala City and arrived at nighttime. There was an amazing traffic jam and we learned we were in the midst of an annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony. A big deal here! Fireworks and all.
After our fun filled adventures exploring the Pine Ridge and swimming in waterfall pools, we headed off to Guatemala for a week. Melina dropped us off at the border and we took a 2 hour taxi ride to magnificent Mayan ruins of Tikal. We enjoyed a sunset hike, climbing pyramids, and the roar of howler monkeys waking us up during the night (and also throwing things on our heads during our sunset hike). Tikal reached its height between 200 - 900 AD and served as a political and economic center. This was my second trip here and I was just as impressed 
as th
e first time I visited.
Of course I had to take Steve to the Mountain Pine Ridge – where I am living with my dear friends, Melina and George. You can’t come to Belize and not experience the majestic views, amazing waterfalls, and dense jungle of Belize. We stopped in Cayo (San Ignacio and Santa Elena) for lunch and enjoyed a roadside BBQ, rice and beans. Yummy!
I was very excited to greet Steve at the airport and we flew directly to Ambergris Caye – one of the largest and most populated cayes of Belize. We spent a relaxing 3 days at Portofino Resort and enjoyed the water, kayaking, fishing, and just strolling in town. An excellent way to start off our two week vacation together.
