Traveling back in time

Traveling from Israel to Guatemala is like going back in time, much more than the 9 hours of time difference between the two countries.

I landed in Aurora Int`l airport in Guatemala at noon local time, and decided on taking the authentic way to get to the city – a city (chicken) bus: a 15 year-old driver drives a bus 3 times as old, collects $0.15 from the passengers while driving, uses two electrical string ends to start the engine every time it fails, and opens its cover beside him, to cool it down at red lights, heating up the passengers… Chapines (Guatemalans) fill the bus slowly, getting on while it`s still in motion, and everytime one thinks the bus is full, more Chapines make their way onto the front steps.

Fleeing the dirty and dangerous Guatemala City was probably the best choice – Antigua, only 45 minutes away was a much better place to begin. Beautifully set between three volcanos, much cooler and safer, it is the starting point for most backpackers landing in Guatemala.

I chose the most social sounding place to sleep from the travel guide, and went on a one day hike to one of three active volcanos in Guatemala. It turns out lava is really not too pleasant to be around for a long time at 3000 degrees celsius, but it roasts marshmallows in no time

The trip begins…