After spending the last week getting 1) fat on cheap plentiful food and 2) slothful in hammocks by the water, we are about to embark on trek #2 to Tajumulco, the highest point in Central America at 4220m. Again we are staying at Casa Argentina, the Quetzaltrekkers base.

The chicken bus ride back from San Pedro was fun. The first point of interest was the three-point turns required to navigate the switch-backs that climb up the mountains surrounding Lake Atitlan. Then, at the transfer point, Julie was almost left behind but jumped into the bus through the rear exit as it was pulling away. We later realized this is a standard manouver for chicken bus passengers and especially operators. The money-collector and baggage assitant routinely entered and exited the passenger compartement through the "emergency" exit, even while the bus was moving at top speed. Once onboard, we were left standing in the aisle because each seat already had three occupants. This situation didn't last long enough to lose it's novelty -- after half an hour there was room to sit down. Because we are so lame and can't speak Spanish, we only were able to make it back to Xela by bus with our friend Max's help. There are, however, more expensive shuttle bus alternatives.

The book stores in Xela are a paradise compared to San Pedro. I finished "Life of Pi" a long time ago and today picked up "The Zen of Motorcycle Maintenance" So far the book is fine -- lots of good observations about how to be effective at fixing things that I think apply equally well to motorcycles, computers, and software. I tolerated the philosophy at first, but now I'm beginning to think it's all bullshit.

Only one week left!