Around the World in 717 Days

CHANDLER, ARIZONA – When we left the United States in November of 2011 we were in search of an adventure. We didn’t intend on traveling for any finite period of time. There was no big list of countries that we planned to visit, and we definitely didn’t intend to circumnavigate the world. Every day we made decisions regarding which direction to head or where to spend the next week or month and every day we were surprised by what laid around the corner. The constant discovery and unending challenges and lessons are what made our trip worth continuing. Combined, they are why our journey lasted much longer than either of us (or our family and friends, for that matter) imagined.

Starting with Latin America, we traveled by land between Mexico and Read the rest of this entry »

“Guate” and Antigua; The New and Old of Guatemala

GUATEMALA CITY, GUATEMALA, GUATEMALA – Since our departure from life on the lake, we’ve spent another five very relaxing days getting to know Guatemala City and Antigua. On Wednesday we arrived in Guatemala City via Chicken Bus, our new favorite mode of transportation here in Central America. For fewer than six dollars apiece we rode from Panajachel, on the most north-eastern shore of Lake Atitlán, to Guatemala City, or “Guate”, as it is known across the country.

Even though there are only 40 miles as the crow flies between the lake and the city it takes nearly four hours to gradually wind your way Read the rest of this entry »

Serenity in Lago de Atitlán

LAKE ATITLÁN, SOLOLÁ, GUATEMALA – Forty miles west of Guatemala City, nestled between steep mountains and three giant, sleeping volcanoes lies Lago de Atitlán, an incredibly serene and profound lake, the deepest in Central America.

Dotting the shores across its vast perimeter are several lake-towns of which all but a handful of the inhabitants are of Maya heritage. A gravel road snakes its way through the mountains, connecting each of Read the rest of this entry »

Happy New Year from Guatemala!

LAKE ATITLÁN, SOLOLÁ, GUATEMALA – Wishing all our family, friends and readers a fulfilling and beautiful new year. This week marks the beginning of our second month abroad and in two weeks we will celebrate seven happy years together. Thanks for your ongoing support and well-wishes as we continue our path south through Central America.