Xela Spanish Class (day 5) and Fuentes Georginas, 20 miles

My teacher was sad to see me go. She was a very nice older indigenous lady that gave me a lot of background on Guatemala, the suffering of the indigenous, contemporary politics, etc. I was astounded at some of the things that she said, I don’t want to recount the details, because I don’t remember them precisely and wouldn’t want to pass on false info. Suffice it to say, the indigenous population in Guatemala is treated like indentured servants, if not animals by the ruling class, which is, believe it or not, direct descendents of the conquering Spaniards from 500-600 years ago!

We received our diplomas ( a diploma after just 5 days!?) and returned to the house to pack up the bike. Amie was anxious to get back on the road, I was enjoying taking a break from it. Time goes by fast when we are moving. Staying in one spot really slowed things down. We are already a month in! I can’t believe how fast its flying by.

Driving the motorcycle down here is mentally draining as well. I’m constantly scanning for the next hole in the road, darting child, donkey, careening school bus, etc. Days off are really days off.

We made the short trip to Fuentes Georginas, natural hot springs in the mountainous jungle above Xela. The ride was only 20 miles, but it took us some time to wind up the one lane road to Fuentes. The higher we got, the foggier and cold it got. The scenery, proximity to sheer cliffs, and the mist made for really fantastic views. This was my favorite ride of the trip.

The cabanas at the hot springs is where we planned to stay, but when amie had a look at them she changed her mind. We are definitely in tarantula territory and amie is very uneasy when it comes to spiders. I laid out the options to her (not many as it was getting late and we don’t ride after dark) and we decided to stay, pitching our tent on the bed.

The springs themselves did not disappoint. A very large natural pool that was warm at one end and down right scolding at the other was what we had all to ourselves. The steam coming off the water and the tropical foliage made for a very romantic spot indeed. We both enjoyed this destination very much and were pleased with the lack of tourists and cheap eats and drinks. I expected to be gouged for our poolside beers, but they were the same price as at roca negra, about a buck fifty. Heck of a deal!

We met a british couple in the restaurant later that evening who had been robbed at knife point. Both of them, on separate occasions! Made me think hard about what happened last night! In both incidents they were walking in the street, alone, after midnight. They both gave up there wallets, and that was it. Amie and I are very cautious and are usually in our bed/tent by 10pm, so I don’t feel to at risk, however, this was a good reminder in that we can’t take for granted where we are, and how desperate the people here can be.

Zunil in the mist

Mike in the mist

Amie in the (hot) mist