For absolutely no good reason, we were both fatigued when we reached B&B Bartolomé here in this elevated city high above the sea level. But, when we got the car parked within the walls of the compound where we were to stay for a duet of days, we both figured we would at least walk the six blocks to the central park and plaza of the city we were visiting. Along the way we noted that the sidewalks were even narrower than those we had become accustomed to in Antigua. While it was possible to meet and pass others coming in the opposite direction, it was not always easy - especially when the meeting party was as portly as we are. Stepping down into the street was the only answer when that happened. Some of the streets are also narrower than those in Antigua and reminded both of us of some lanes in Italy and Spain. Lanes which we would think were one-way were in fact provided for cars going both directions. We witnessed several cars having to stop, pull the mirrors on both sides of the automobile in towards the windows and then proceed slowly while driving upon the narrow sidewalk to pass an on-coming vehicle. There is a charm about this city and a definite European feel if ever so slightly.
We walked about the square and inquired of the residents who were vending in the area where we could find a post office. We were given precise directions which we followed and we walked an additional three short blocks to find the Correo doors open and, upon entering, a large unattended counter. We did spot two or three workers in the back area and one immediately came up and greeted us. We returned the greeting and I asked where I might find a buzón for the three postal cards we had finished and awaited posting. She responded that we had found the buzón and immediately canceled the stamps which we had purchased at Q6.50 (approximately USD0.84).
We walked a bit further and then headed back to the Parque Central where we found an old colonial-type hotel that had a beautiful patio cafe which beckoned to us. We were at first going to just refresh ourselves from our trekking but when we saw the menu, we decided to make it our second meal of the day. We sat there enjoying our rest and soon the food that was set before us. Before we could begin though another couple finished their meal and when passing, the lady wished us buen provecho. This is very common when people pass others in eating establishments in this country. The greeting is given by just about anybody who passes others at tables where they might be in the midst of feeding their faces and stomachs. The translation into French would be "bon appetit". You take it from there to translate once more into our mother tongue.
We finished our meal and were questioned about dessert and/or coffee. We opted for a coffee and tea. My tea was great, John's coffee was inferior and had sat on the burner too long to be enjoyed as fresh brew.
Then the six block walk back to our digs for the night and a time to catch up on-line. Then it was to bed for me and for John. Our beds were adorned with thick, decorated bedspreads under which there were two blankets at least one-quarter inch thick each. The next layer was a sheet under which each of us sandwiched ourselves in our separate beds. Fortunate that I traveled with my own pillow this time. As a much younger person, I would not leave home without my own pillow. Made most nights more than tolerable, despite the circumstances! The pillows here leave much to be desired. But, sleep I did and to believe reports from John, there was little time counting sheep or examining the cracks in the dark ceiling overhead. Both of us reported enjoying all the covers to begin our slumber but both of us reported that they were removed, one by one, until just a sheet and one blanket remained. We also noted that the windows had steamed up when we both awakened in the morning. Much like the full barn of bossies warms up considerably during the winter time, we had generated a great deal of hot air between us in that small room. There is no heating here or cooling in the majority of homes and businesses here so during the cooler portions of the year, one does what one has to - dons additional layers for comfort.
Our breakfast was set the evening before for 8 this morning. We were given choices of three of four items and that had been done before we retired. We showered with very hot and full-pressured streams of water, dressed and headed upstairs on the patio to enjoy our breakfast. Good coffee for John and my own English breakfast tea for me! I had pancakes and John had cold cereal.
We walked about four miles throughout the city center and then out to a fairly new shopping center. On the way we viewed an assortment of areas which included both businesses and residences. We passed a large, well-manicured Mormon church as well as other churches along the way. We finally reached the commercial center called La Torre. Behind the center and high above the commercial center as well as the city was a huge white temple upon whose spire stood the Angel Moroni blowing his golden trumpet. It is apparent that the Mormons have an outstanding presence here. And, yes, Wal-Mart is also here folks. For those of you who despise it and its omnipresence, neither of us is in agreement with you. In fact, the truth be told, we disagree with you wholeheartedly. It was wonderful going into that large, fully-stocked warehouse and be able to select from among several different items of the item we were seeking. I challenge you to try making it from the local markets here. You will no longer have an unclear understanding.
We checked our previously purchased items at the front of the Wal-Mart and received a check card for eventual retrieval on our exit. Checking parcels at the door is very common here which activity I suspect tends to curb the lifting of items without compensation. John was successful in locating all of the items he desired and we checked out, picked up our checked items at the door and headed for the taxi stand. The person who prepared our food this morning had responded to my question about how much we should pay for a taxi from the La Torre shopping center so I knew what I could expect to pay for transport back to our B&B. The first taxi driver wanted almost double of what I expected so we walked away looking for an alternate ride. The driver behind the first yelled out Q30 which was right on queue so we accepted, packed our things and were soon on our way to Parque Bolívar in which part of the city we are staying. Our driver took approximately 20 minutes to reach the B&B. We exited, paid the fare and now we are sitting upstairs in the patio enjoying the beauty of the day. Life is tough my friends! Who knows what lies ahead? I shall report in the next posting. The only thing lacking at the moment is a large hammock which would be swinging in the light breezes up here.
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