Chichi shopping trip, leaving Guatemala, arriving in Costa Rica

This morning, we had a two-and-a-half hour drive to Chichi, which was hailed as the largest, most colorful market in al of Guatemala. It did not disappoint. After walking around for a few hours, getting the lay of the land and figuring out some of the prices (dirt cheap, by the way), I began my Guatemalan shopping spree. I bought hand-embroidered textiles, bags, masks, paintings, t-shirts, shirts, etc. We also made time to visit the main cathedral of the town.



Here are a couple more pictures of the market area. I didn't want to get pictures of people's wares because I didn't want to upset anyone or then have them ask me for money for taking a picture of their things.









All in all, he trip to the market was a great success, and the bargaining process was a lot of fun. Thankfully my Spanish has progressed to the point where I can get by in these daily type situations and I was really able to enjoy myself, as well as pick up a lot of souvenirs to remember this trip for forever!

After we returned to Antigua from Chichi, we had dinner, began the packing process, and eventually went to sleep. We arose the next morning, had breakfast, finished packing and then were on the road to the airport of Guatemala City. Our flight to San Jose, Costa Rica was about an hour-and-a-half. We were met at the airport and whisked away to our hotel for the evening. It is a former coffee plantation that has been turned into a hotel, resort and spa which is far above San Jose and a hill. I wish I was able to get a picture of the view before it started raining; however, these pictures of my private cabana will have to do for now.









Tonight we have a welcoming cocktail party (there will be several new people joining us on this part of the trip) and then off to dinner/dancing in San Jose.

A picture from the balcony before we leave reveals the thousands of city lights on the horizon.



Apparently, Friday night is a lot of fun in town. Time will tell... Tomorrow we go zip lining over the canopy of the rainforest and then make our way to our beachside resort which will be our home for the rest of our time in Costa Rica. Should be great!




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