Guatemala
 

Hey if your still in Guatemala we will be in Panajachel dec 17 or so. sara

Antigua, Guatemala
 

Finely, made it to Antigua for spanish lessons and such.... My room has this mural. I don't think there are any flowers anywhere this big...
http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/...IMG_3635-1.jpg

I was bemused to learn that the little oil seal ($9us) that I needed for the Kawasaki would be ordered from the same desk as Porsche, Jaguar, Volvo etc.
http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/...a/IMG_3647.jpg
Standing near my apt (5,000 feet above sea level) and looking up at one of several local volcanoes, one reaches to 13,000 feet. This is the view most often seen. Being forty miles from the Pacific the clouds tend to get caught here. The rainy season is over now or put another way, it is now south of here now. No real need to hurry into the monsoon season.... http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/...IMG_3655-1.jpg

Thanks
 

Thanks, for hanging in there while I fumble, mumble and grumble with the tech that is soooo simple if ya got any idea what ur doing. Yes, saralou, a visit seems in order....Thanks again and I will try to get caught up soon...mike

I almost reported this thing as a 'one off' in Guatemala , but just in time I saw several more for sale on E-bay... Too cute to count!!http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/...IMG_3646-1.jpg

Thanks for the update.
 

You can buy the maddass here in oz.Carry on,Noel:scooter:

Hunting for a ride
 

There are days when I lament my bogus dna, my profound lack of meaningful, effective progress through life and in general, demented origins. Other days, my mood is brighter. http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/...IMG_3651-1.jpg

I could not find the rumored gathering of sport bikes and wound up having breakfast with these Republican Guatemalan bike guys. I counselled that Obama was probably not as bad as Fox News would lead you to believe.....Great breakfast with straight arrow folks.http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/...IMG_3658-1.jpg
When these kind folk could not tell me how to find the motos, They got in the car and lead me to them...

http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/...IMG_3664-1.jpg

The Rally
 

We found them!!!

http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/...IMG_3670-1.jpg

It turns out it was not a dozen bikes but more like 500 bikes. This guy interviewed me for Motorista

http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/...IMG_3711-1.jpg

There was trophies
http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/...IMG_3731-1.jpg
And a brass band
http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/...IMG_3747-1.jpg

The Rally
 

Being almost the only gringo at the rally and 'rode the moto from Alabama', well, it is not that easy to be a celebrity. After this one had her way with my bike and camera, she avoided me personally. Now she is famous. http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/...IMG_3767-1.jpg

This guy was having fun and had to have a picture as well. He was selling lemons. He is not uncommonly short.http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/...IMG_3712-1.jpg

This one was very earnest in relating that her friend was ready to take off to Costa Rica. I was nice to the kid and moved on to other subjects.
http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/...IMG_3716-1.jpg

rally
 

Lots of interesting bikes ......like this Aprilla 650 http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/...IMG_3681-1.jpg

200/250 ? motard from Chinahttp://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/...IMG_3751-1.jpg

Or this Trimph Twin. Taz and I had a sporting but not quite stupid ride back to Moto Cafe/CATours http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/...IMG_3780-1.jpg

Moto Cafe/CATours
 

Whatever you want in Antigua, this is the 'go to' place. They know the answer to your question and offer good counsel. http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/...IMG_3781-1.jpg
It has been said that the best burgers in Guatemala are to be had right here. http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/...IMG_3783-1.jpg
It is my experience and my observation that these two can be trusted, especialy the quite one in the background. http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/...IMG_3832-1.jpg

Antigua
 

At the Rainbow Cafe, it is not cheap by local standards but it's about a third of US prices. They make a serious effort to keep it interesting. Tap dancer with standing room only.... http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/...IMG_3785-1.jpg

while a band, complete with horn section, walked in the front door.http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/...IMG_3787-1.jpg

This guy shined my shoes for cheap. http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/...IMG_3812-1.jpg

Big Ride....
 

A big ride was had to Lake Atitlan, a couple of hours awayhttp://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/...IMG_3802-1.jpg

A sizable waterfall was gazed upon. Note the bike http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/...IMG_3808-1.jpg

A pause to gaze at the lake before delivery http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/...IMG_3804-1.jpg

It the same stuff. Really. http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/...IMG_3784-1.jpg

The local guys do good work.http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/...IMG_3833-1.jpg

I have never seen a truck load of cops before.http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/...IMG_3851-1.jpg

Always look forward to your blog's
 

You have a knack of showing the real face of the countries you travel through.
Noel:D

Hey Mike,

I'm enjoying your grand adventure. Question: Now that you are "way down there" are you working your back, headed further south, or conflicted?

I think I would be conflicted and keep going, maybe sell Chiklets or wash windscreens , shine shoes, to keep going.

Your adoring fans would like to know.

~Jerry

Keep it up Mike; good stuff. BTW, our friend in Arkansas is fading fast.