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| Semuc Champey |
Bienvenidos a Guatemala!
Shawn & I have spent our first week here in Guatemala and have been EXTREMELY BUSY, but not without it's share of fun.
We finally went to Semuc Champey ourselves to see the photos, such as the one above, in person. While we were browsing
INGUAT 's website (Guatemala's national board of toursim) all the way from Kuwait, we saw just 1 photo of Semuc Champey. I have never heard of this place nor EVER seen pictures of this amazing jungle jewel- and I've been to Guatemala many times. So we did our research and the 1st stop just HAD to be
Semuc Champey. But first, we stayed in the outskirts of Coban with my dad's friend at his AMAZING property. This dude was working for the US Postal Service in California, retired, and came back home to Guatemala where he lives in the mountains and his entire....I forget how many acres but it's a LOT....is very well landscaped. He has natural aqueducts formed right from the mountain itself as well as lush gardens that overflow with blooming orchids. He has a river at the entrance of his place!
Anyway- the drive to Semuc from Coban was pretty far. Once we were making our way into Lanquin, a city just before Semuc Champey, the road pavement was no more. The road got narrow. It was a dirt road at first- then some rocks- then some semi-paved tracks over dirt. We were driving on mountain edges with a prayer in our hearts to God hoping we don't go over the edge. Steep hills & curves, trucks heading toward you and you've got to figure out just where on that tiny road, will you be pulling over. Or will it be HIM pulling over to the side? I mean there were shuttle vans that drove way too fast for those roads carrying tourists- in the RAIN! But somehow they still managed LOL. And thank the good the Lord we managed too!
We went into the Lanquin Caves & saw the gorgeous Lanquin River. Then went to Semuc Champey which was only about 15 mins away, and walked along the Cahabon River, which then opens up to the amazing pools of Semuc Champey. The water was so enticing I jumped in with my clothes on! I mean- after hiking inside those hot & humid caves, holding on to bat dung-covered rocks so you don't slip into a hole that will take you down into the river in pitch black because of how slippery it is- you come out sweaty & gross. So a jump in the pools is exactly what was needed!
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| Lanquin River |
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| Lanquin Caves (Grutas) |
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| Rio Cahabon |
It was quite an adventure just driving there, being there, and most certainly the drive back too!
There's FAR more I can write about where else we went. Like we went to Chiquimula & relaxed in volcano water spas called Aguas Thermales. Water from the local volcano is carried into these pools and the water is HOT (oh and it's sulfur too). It was quite relaxing and surprisingly, NOT a tourist destination. The locals created something very nice for themselves to enjoy.
Well we have been everywhere! Coban, Lanquin, Semuc Champey, Chiquimula where we met an
American couple who are missionaries here, Totonicapan, Quetzaltenango, Zacapa, Jutiapa, Guatemala City, Antigua (we have already begun making friends in the expat community)- we went from East to West & let me tell you....Guatemala is an amazing country. From jungle to desert, tropical to ancient. No region is alike.
As for our Bed & Breakfast hotel, we already have clients! We are located in Ciudad Vieja, just minutes away from the bustling streets of Antigua. I really like how quite & peaceful our location is. The property we have is pretty big and our master bedroom is huge! We are actually going to be fully booked for Semana Santa (Holy Week) so we are thankful to God that He is providing us with income already. Not to mention all the people my dad introduced us to- members of Congress, the Director of INGUAT, a School of Tourism owner who is sending his students to work for us as interns for on the job training hours (which means we don't have to pay them). There are just SO many things falling into place for us....I mean, I became friends with one of the wealthiest indigenous men in Guatemala who came over and prayed over our home/business/marriage (turns out he's also a pastor).
Things are going well! I just have to learn to drive stick shift. We got a vehicle too! But the stress is about to begin b/c, since we are already fully booked for Easter, we need to buy more beds!
Well so far, so GOD! I say God instead of 'good' because God IS good and it is HE who has gone before us in this business venture, in this new country, in our new marriage.
