Gallivanting in Guatemala

I'm so excited for the group to join Juan and me!  The hotel is elegant and a busy place.
 Yesterday, I got money exchanged which was a bigger deal than I expected.  To try to curb money laundering, the bank will only change $200 at a time to Quezales if you don't have an account at the bank.  $200, thats probably one dinner for the group and I need to pay for a bunch more than that!  What to do?  A young man who was doing his banking at the teller next to me heard my problem.  He offered to have me deposit the money into his account and then he would withdraw it in Quetzales.  Well, sometimes you just have to trust the world.  He got $20.00 for his time and I got my quetzales.

We then went to the travel agency who will be providing the bus for us.  We had a few additions we wanted them to make.  No problem.  The woman didn't know Juan but knew his name as he is often the guide they use when there is a Mexican portion of a trip.  I am always amazed at the extent of Juan's contacts.  Many years ago, someone said, "Ah, Juan Vazquez, como sal, conocido en cada casa."  Ah, Juan Vazquez, like salt, know in every house.

We took a walk from the hotel to find a restaurant for the group for dinner.  McDonald's is right next door to the hotel but we agreed that the group would really wonder about us if we took them there for dinner!  We found a nice place about 3 blocks away.  We really enjoyed it and are looking forward to taking the group there.  We especially liked the salsa that they made right at the table side.

Breakfast buffet this morning was great and eating it out on the patio, hearing the birds was a delight.  It will be a great start with the group! 

Off to the airport to meet the group!