Saludos de Guatemala

Vamanos!

Bienvenidos a Julie!

Boat ride to Tortuguero in Costa Rica 2009

retroceso de la pura vida en Costa Rica Nov. 2008

Un poquito dinero

I love foreign currency.  It's so much more colorful than US currency.  With the exchange rates in Latin America, it feels like you have more money than you actually do.  Of course, it's all relative.  Lately, a few countries have been switching up their bills from paper to plastic.  It's more difficult to counterfit and more durable.  Both Guatemala and Mexico have made the switch.

Currency can be a little history lesson too, with local heros, buildings, and other symbols of national significance.   I'm ready with a small amount of Guatemalan Quetzales to get me to the hotel, tips and other snall expenses.

Guatemala baby!

This will be my 4th big trip to Latin America.  This time, Guatemala and Mexico.  Several years ago, I did a study abroad program in Mérida, Yucatan, Mexico.  It was an amazing experience and since then I have been intrigued by the Mayan culture.  Guatemala has been on my list for a while, and I am finally visiting this coming winter.  I'll also be going with my study abroad buddy and after Guatemala, visiting Mérida again for the first time in 13 years...so excited.

As I prepare for the trip, I will post a few photos and stories from my trip to Costa Rica in 2009.  Who knows, I might even scan a few photos from Mexico and post those too.  Friends and family, I hope you enjoy this chronicle of my travels.