Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala 13°55'14”

Because of the poor connection to the internet on the ship, I am giving you the low-down in shorthand, keeping my fingers crossed that we will be able to upload.

Strong winds, heavy rain made landing at Puerto Quetzal a challenge. With some skillful manoeuvring and a lucky break in the weather, we were able to dock. Leaving port proved a bit more difficult, but winds died down enough to make a run for it.

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  Travelled with 10 other ship's passengers in a privately rented van (with driver and tour guide).
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  Ride to Antigua, a UNESCO world heritage site about 1 hour 30 minutes, narrow passage in some spots because crews were still clearing away debris from week-old mud slides.
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  Pouring rain, but kept dry under my trusty $1.99 Canadian Tire poncho
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  Touristy spots – textiles factory, jade factory, monastery converted to five star hotel, town square.
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  High speed Internet in Antigua cost $1.00 US for half an hour, a stark contrast to the $12.00 for the same amount of “slow-speed” time on the ship.
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  Lunch at restaurant in Antigua with genuine Guatemalan cuisine cost $23 for 2.
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  City of Antigua – cobblestone streets, many buildings in the process of restoration. I would definitely come back again.