Crazy Market in ChiChicastenango

From Chickens to blankets, fruits and souvenir, ChiChi is one of the biggest markets in Guatemala. Also a great place to experience the true lifestyle of the Mayans. So it is! We got lost for several hours threw the dense alleys. The market takes over the entire town. We didn't even know how we would drive back out!
It offers great photo opportunity but in Guatemala, taking photographs isn't an easy task. Either the people want money to take their photos or you get beans thrown in your face like I got one time trying to take a shot!
With a little undercover work, you can sometimes manage to get the shot you want. But watch those beans coming at you!

After trying hard to bargain for a new hammock ( need a new one since I left mine to our friends in Belize ) I'm usually good at wheel and dealing but here was hard! They didn't like my offer. They usually run at 225 Quetzales aound $30 ~ way too much for us ~ we paid $15 in Mexico ~
My price was 100 Q ... 150 Q is the lowest they would go, but my trick is to only have the money you want to pay and show then you don't have more. It almost worked, lady thought about it.... but didn't go for it.
Tired of the madness it was time to hit the road. between El Salvador and Nicaragua... I'm sure I'll find my price.

Antigua

When travelers arrive in Guatemala, Antigua is usually number one on their hit list. Nestled between three volcanoes, it offers a true colonial feel with cobbled streets, mustard and ochre colored houses. A popular destination for those wanting to perfect their spanish with many schools available.
Antigua was founded in 1543 and served as the colonial capital for 233 years. The capital was transferred to Guatemala City in 1776, after Antigua was put down by an earthquake in 1773. You can see some of the remains of the effect where the preserved some of the buildings.
Fancy restaurants with beautiful courtyards, gift shops, and bars, Everything to please a happy traveler.
We spent 3 nights here, one day fixing our bikes racks and frames and another doing the tourist thing ... found my hammock!
It's time to hit the road again, today we jump back in the saddle and make our way to El Salvador. We hope to cross today, but as we now know.... the roads always take twice the time expected, but we are heading back towards the ocean. I look forward to trying out my new hammock and the smell of the ocean again also a new country. Lets just hope that sunshine will fallow us, as in the afternoons these days, we get hit with pretty heavy storms, after all, we are in the wet season! But we have been lucky at staying dry...