In investigating different places to visit after Copan I had read a lot about SPLL (I shall refer to San Pedro La Laguna from now on as SPLL). There were definitely positives and negatives.The negatives, primarily being, that it has a lot of hippy/backpackers particularly around the port area. Wow, did they get that wrong. There isn’t just a lot. This is hippy heaven (or hell, if like me you aren’t the “peace out” hippy type). We are talking grown adults of all ages as old as in their 60’s by my guess dressed as if they were going to a hippy fancy dress ball. Seriously, I am living the 1960’s and only my buddy Gallo to commiserate with. We are talking, full fledged, barefooted, dreadlocked, “peace out” types with feathers and beads hanging from every orifice. And this isn’t just the young people here. There has to be some characters, as I shall refer to them, in their 60’s. They are the ones that look the most stupid. Or, maybe I have the problem and should have a more open attitude. But seriously, what on earth must the locals here really think of us gringo's??
Actually, as I type this I am starting to see the humour.Or is it the fact that I am half way through my first Gallo (local beer for those of you trying to keep up). Anyway these characters are everywhere, lounging on corners and in the streets. They are even selling mayan type jewellery that they have apparently made. That seems wrong and doesn't compute with me. So, not a great first impression. But, being the intrepid traveller that I am, I shall not let first impressions totally depress me. I am here first and formost to study Spanish.
The boat ride over by the way was interesting and reminded me somewhat of being on the Georgian bay, white caps and all. This is a big lake! There were 13 of us on the bus from Antigua to SPLL. An assortment of nationalities. Me (Canadian), Italian, Dutch, Denmark and Japan, our very own United Nations so to speak. It took about 40 minutes to drive around Antigua and pick everyone up and I got to see some of the back areas and local areas. Antigua really is a beautiful town and so clean! It was an easy drive here (about two hours once we got on the road). My first view of Lake Atitlan as we were driving down the mountain;
Waiting for enough people to fill th boat to leave Panajachel for SPLL.....
Once here I was shown to my school to register by one of the local tour guides (Juan). I tipped him about 90cents…he seemed happy enough. I registered at the school and left my big backpack there as I can’t go to my host family until after 4pm. I walked back in to the hippy area and then went to a restaurant that Juan told me was for the locals. I tucked in to a plate of spaghetti and sauce with a cold beer. I didn’t like the fact that three times I was approached in the restaurant by young girls selling their wears, something you don’t get in Copan. Anyway, I have to stop comparing to Copan and make the best of the week here. Just recevied an email as well from Dunia which didn't help. They miss me already and they wished I was back there.
I am presently in a little cafe that has free internet. I may pick up a Tigo stick....about $22 for 15 days....unlimited....that way I can post at night from my house if I don't want to come out. I shall see how the first night goes before I decide.
I am also comforted a little by the thought that my school here comes with really good recommendations and that I have 6 hours of class a day. No matter what my final thoughts are on this place, it should keep me busy. Perhaps to, my expections were too high, having heard how beautiful the area was. I also need to remember that all the recommendtions were to stay in the north part of the town with the lcoals so I shall explore more tomorrow. The sun is coming out now and my mood is brightening a little along with it. I did take a few snaps a little further up in to town so take a look;
Anyway, let's see how the week unfolds....for now.... "Peace Out"
No comments:
Post a Comment