Hanging at the beach in Monterrico with friends, local and foreign.

The greatest explorer on this Earth never takes voyages as long as those of the man who descends to the depth of his heart.    -Julien Green-

Be open, be avaliable, be exposed, be skinless.  Skinless? Dance around in your bones.   -Wallace Stegner-

And the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.   -T.S. Elliot-

See you soon,
Bren and Kate

Kate´s most favoritest birthday, EVER!!

´You must learn to be still in the midst of activity and to be vibrantly alive in repose´  -Indira Gandhi-

Sunday! Sunday! Sunday!  Hurry on over to the market in Chichicastenango!  What do you need? A present for your sweetheart?  Supplies for dinner?  A new pair of shoes?  Step right up, it´s all here!  Wander around and stay a while!

Kate and Bren left for the market at eight in the morning from Panajachel on Lago de Atitlan.  It was a relativly short drive before the two were set free for a day at the market.  Kate and Bren wandered randomly through the colorful shops and displays in order to get a feel for the place, then they skirted out of the conjestion to eat some breakfast and make a game plan.  With sugar running through their veins and a rough itinerary they dove back into the maelstrom. They realised that it is not prudent to stop anywhere unless you have an intention of buying something because you will be assulted with prices and offers of anything and everything.  So Kate and Bren walked the narrow crowded hallways, weaving this way and that, while almost constantly fighting off the shop keepers with ´no gracias´.  At the market there were many beautiful works, and probably at a good price, however Kate and Bren do not need those things and do not want to carry them either.  Satisfied that they had seen all they wanted of the market they secluded themselves in a restaurant, which offers protection from people attempting to sell you anything.  A few people did make it though the protective barrier but Bren and Kate were able to fight them off with the ´no gracias´ and for the really strong the ´no hablo espanol´spells.

The next morning, Kate´s birthday began at 545 am with a shuttle to the beach town of Monterrico.  For whatever reason the shuttle was running late and in order to meet the other shuttle in Antigua heading to Kate and Bren´s final destination of the day there was a need, a need for speed.  Knowing this the driver sped, passed cars on curves, honked, and whatever else was needed to get the birthday girl to the next shuttle.  They made it to Monterrico at about 1030 in the morning and checked into their new hostel, El Dolphine.  It is a relaxed place on the beach with hammocks, food, a pool, and games. After eating some food and playing backgammon they wandered out to the beach.  The black sand beach offers some fun waves to play in as well as plenty of sand.  It is a wide beach and seems to run a very long ways in each direction.  Kate and Bren explored a bit before they played some catch with the frisbee and jumped in the waves.  Then it was time for a little rest and reading.  They kicked back in some of the numerous hammocks around their hostel.  Roused from their nests from a hunger Kate and Bren wandered around looking for a place to eat.  There were many restaurants all of which were empty.  So they picked one, ate some food, then wandered on.  They went to a store and go supplies for the nights festivities.  On their wandering they heard of a turtle hatchery which would be releaseing baby turtles at sunset near their hostel on the beach.  As the days end grew near Kate and Bren again strolled down the beach to catch a glimpse of the cute little babies fleeing to the sea.  After this little miracle Kate jumped into a game of volleyball with the locals with was happening close by.  The light was running out seeing as the sun had already set, but Kate and Bren were invited back to play the next day.  They strolled back to their room and mixed some drinks for the beginning of the end.  After a few games of drinking farkel and 500 the birthday girl went out to the restaurant with Bren to get some dinner.  They played more games, like backgammon and snakes and ladders (similar to shots and ladders but with less drinking and a Guatemala twist).  As BG (birthday girl) and Bren walked out to the beach to drink some water (not from the sea) they met a couple from Wisconsin.  They were playing cards and invited BG and Bren to play.  Since they love games so much, they obliged.  After some golf and estimations the two Wisonsonians turned in tired from their day.  But for BG it was not over!  They went back to the room to mix another concoction in their Gatorade bottles then went for a night swim in the pool.  As they were spashing around fireworks started going off nearby.  Then after hanging out a while under the stars enjoying the warm night the two retired for the evening as well.  Making it all the way until 1230 and completing Kate´s birthday.

cheerio,
BK

Album Release

-All of us invent ourselves. Some of us just have more imagination than others.-
Cher

While relaxing at Lake Atitlan Bren and Kate found themselves with some free time.  They decided to busy themselves with the hopes of entertaining their vast blog following.  They hope that the songs they picked are familiar to all of you, well at least one of the songs. They may be holding auditions for the upcoming filming of the music videos.  Let them know if you are interested. 

A link to Jack Johnsons Banana Pancakes for those of you who need a refresher
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dC-KeoegcHg
A link to Jack Johnsons Banana Pancakes Instrumental Version for all you brave souls who wish to insert the following lyrics.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5igVxsW8BgY

Arroz y Frijoles by Bren and Kate a parody of Banana Pancakes 

cant you see that were a traveling
weve just got to get outside
baby, doing Belize and Guatemala
going where the wind blows
this song is meant to tell you
everything weve been doing
like waking up real early
to have some grand adventures
while eating arroz and frijoles
everydays the weekend now
wish that we could do this all the time

cant you see that were a traveling.
weve just got to get outside.
were taking public transporatation
and climbing over mountains
we embrace the sketchyness
of the tours weve been on
crawling through caves with candles
cause we love to do things crazy
swimming with sharks and stingrays
and trying to take some sweet photos
wish that we could do this all the time

cant you see that were a traveling
weve just got to get outside
walk all day walk all day
then we read and we play
games with anyone we find
chicken buses honking beeping
roosters crowing we cant sleep in
we dont need to
weve seen Mayan ruins big and small
and many towns with colorful walls
just so easy
when all our stuff fits inside of our bags
we will sleep anywhere just give us a mat
here we go here we go

baby, doing Belize and Guatemala
going where the wind blows
this song is meant to tell you
everything weve been doing
like waking up real early
to have some grand adventures
while eating arroz and frijoles
everydays the weekend now
wish that we could do this all the time

cant you see that were a traveling
weve just got to get outside
walk all day walk all day
espanol we hablamos hablamos all day
now were free yeah were free
we gotta get on home


And if that werent enough Kate and Bren wrote another song, maybe just for the younger generation but they invite everyone if they are daring enough to check it out.

A link to LMFAOs Sexy and I know it.  This is the real music video and may not be suitable for all eyes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyx6JDQCslE&ob=av3e

A link to LMFAOs Sexy and I know it.  This is the more appropriate version with lyrics only.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNMyfPZ28JI

A link to LMFAOs Sexy and I know it instrumental version.  For those who think they got the skillz to insert the following lyrics.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DyptXV5gamw

Gringo and I know it by Kate and Bren parody of Sexy and I know it

when I walk on by
they be like whatcha wanna buy
Im trying to buy this
but dont know that talk
this is how I roll, snappin fotos, going out control
I get lost ask where to go
cerveza, only word I know

oh look at this gringo
oh look at this gringo
oh look at this gringo
I stand out

oh look at this gringo
oh look at this gringo
oh look at this gringo
I stand out

when I walk into town this is what I see
everybody stops and they starring at me
I got a backpack on my back, and I aint afraid to show it

Im gringo and I know it
Im gringo and I know it

when I need a drink
cant trust what comes out the sink
I go outside, put on sunscreen
trying not to get fried
this is how I roll, got my passport everywhere I go
I got malaria meds, Im not taking no chance
salsa lessons, but I still cant dance

oh look at this gringo oh look at this gringo
oh look at this gringo
I stand out

oh look at this gringo oh look at this gringo
oh look at this gringo
I stand out

when I walk into town this is what I see
everybody stops and they starring at me
I got a backpack on my back, and I aint afraid to show it

Im gringo and I know it 
Im gringo and I know it

wiggle wiggle wiggle wiggle wiggle
yeah
wiggle wiggle wiggle wiggle wiggle
yeah
wiggle wiggle wiggle wiggle wiggle
yeah

Im gringo and I know it

oh look at this gringo
oh look at this gringo
oh look at this gringo
I stand out


oh look at this gringo
oh look at this gringo
oh look at this gringo
I stand out

Im gringo and I know it



Enjoy,
Bren and Kate

Where are we?

-Wherever we have travelled in this great land, we have found that people everywhere are about 90% water.-
Unknown

After a few days of rest in Quetzaltenango Bren and Kate decided it would be a good idea to walk to their next destination as opposed to jumping on one of the famous chicken busses or tourist shuttles. A short three day, 20+ mile trek through the mountains would eventually lead them to San Pedro on Lake Atitlan. 

Their journey began bright and early on Tuesday morning where they were picked up at their hostel by their tour guide. It turns out they were the only two travelers who wanted to make the trek so the group consisted of Bren, Kate and their guide Jaicer *sp? They drove for about a half an hour and arrived in a small town where they organized their bags with sleeping bags and sleeping pads and of course food and water.  The daring hikers began walking at about 7:00am. They hiked up out of the town for about a half an hour and then the real trek began. They crossed a small river and began up a trail that was steep and rocky. It took about an hour to reach the top of this difficult terrain, and as they reached the top Bren and Kate found themselves walking among fields of corn and other crops that were grown and harvested by the people living in the small village. The hikers stopped to rest along the road, taking in fluids and food so they would have energy to continue. From there Bren and Kate continued to gain altitude as they climbed higher into the mountains. They reached a point high in the mountains, about 3100 m (10,170 ft) ,  where they had an incredible view of the mountains surrounding Antigua, including Acatenango which they had recently climbed, as well as the beautiful Lake Atitlan and its surrounding volcanoes. They continued through the mountainous terrain until they arrived in a small mayan village nestled high in the mountains. Here the travelers took off their packs, ate lunch and rested. Their guide informed them that this is where the group normally sleeps on the first night, but it was only 12:00 so if they wished to continue to the next village, another 2.5 hours away that they could. The strong and brave backpackers decided they would rather continue on than stay.

 Bren and Kate guided by Ceasar sp? walked down a ridge for a long time.  They continued to walk down the mountain they had just climbed up. Down, down, down into a burning ring of fire. Actually a flowing river.  They sat among the rocks and rested.  Then it was time for Kates favorite activity of the day, crawling up hill.  After a half an hour Kate and Bren reached another village translated to ´the land of the avocado´ from Quiche. Xavier sp?, their guide, opened up the door in a village owned house.  The house was a cement box with a door.  It was not funished at all execpt for a painting of The Last Supper.  While sitting in their little prison Kate and Bren discussed the fact that they had no idea where they were or how to leave without the help of Yahir sp?.  But they were fed and told when they would depart in the morning.  Trying to be social to people in the village Kate and Bren kept their door open and greeted everyone that walked by and peered in curiously.  Like moths to the light, three little boys were brave enough to cross the threshold when they were invited in.  Kate and Bren tried to think of a card game which Kate could teach the boys in Spanish.  They came up with spoons, or waterbottles, since Bren and Kate do not typically carry four spoons.  The kids were terrible but they were having fun.  Bren and Kate started cheating in English because the boys were probably cheating in Quiche, their native language.  As Kate and Bren were laying down to sleep on the floor the boys would run by, knock on the door, giggle, and run away.  Their version of ding-dong-ditch.


The next morning Bren and Kate steadily walked uphill for a few hours, climbing over yet another mountain.  Then after climbing close to an elevation of 3000 m they decended downhill again.  They exited the mountains and made it to Santa Clara at 11 am.  This was supposed to be the location of their second night of sleep.  However, Kate and Bren decided that since they were only two hours from San Pedro they would not stop for the day.  They ate lunch in Santa Clara then set off again with Pablo sp?, their guide.  Down, down, down to a burning ring of fire.  Or Lago de Atitlan.  Lago means lake for all you gringos.  The three day trip was finished in two days.

Exhausted. Kate and Bren said goodbye to Andrew sp?, their guide. They found a hotel and Bren signed up to climb Volcan San Pedro the next day even though they could hardly walk up stiars.  Kate opted out because of her intelligence and the blisters on her feet.


Bren woke up early, climbed stairs for two hours, reached the summit of San Pedro at about 3000 m, saw the incredible view for less than 29 seconds before the clouds closed in again.  Then reverse stairmaster, down, down, down into a burning ring of fire, or back to the hotel to find Kate swining in a hammock reading her book.  Both humans were happy with their choices so far that day.


chillin and relaxin,
Kate and Bren

not for the faint of heart

"He who goes up step by step always finds himself level with a step." -Antonio Porchia-

 Bren and Kate woke up at 4:30 am packed their bags and scooted a few blocks to catch the shuttle to the mountain.  The summit of Acatenango was their destination.  This is the third highest volcano in Guatemala reaching 3975 masl (meters above sea level) or 13041 feet.  After an hour drive the two reached the trailhead along with a few other hikers, two guides from the company, two guides from a local village, and one six year old guide in training from the village.

After a half hour trying to part the van because of difficulties due to heaps of loose dirt and gravel everyone was off through the fields.  The hike started up a steep path, made of loose dirt, taken daily by farmers who work the land around the base of the mountain.  Some of the crops were corn, snow pea, and lily.  About an hour into the hike Kate and Bren reached old growth cloud forest.  The trail began to do a few more switchbacks and was a little firmer.  The Duglas (six year old boy) was full of energy, he was continually running ahead and climbing trees, only to jump out and yell in an attempt to scare the hikers. The Duglas managed to do all this in his cute little rubber muck boots.  The trail then became less steep as Kate and Bren started to traverse around the mountain through the red pine forest.  The pine beetle had been working pretty hard so many of the trees in this section were dead.  Bren and Kate popped out into the saddle of the mountain, partially covered by dwarf pine trees.  From the saddle there were two peaks with trails leading to each.  Kate and Bren had signed up to go to the higher of the two, obviously.  The last push up the mountain led the trekkers up steep, loose, gravel/sand slopes.  After every step one would slide back half a foot and feel as if little progress was made.  *reminder: the courageous crew had carefully climbed close to 13000 ft at this point and were feeling the low oxygen levels*  Everyone struggled to the crater rim then took a short walk to where lunch would be served.  Depending on the speed of hiking it took between 5 and 6 hours. Sitting on the south side of the crater they enjoyed a typical Guatemalan tuna taco lunch with views of Volcan de Fuego, Volcan de Agua, Volcan de Atitlan to name a few.  Aptly named Volcan de Fuego put on a show and spewed smoke and rocks out in large powerful bursts every ten minutes.  Everyone rested for a while before they made a short hike to the highest part of the crater and the summit.

Tired and weary...thankfully it was all downhill from there.  The descent was much quicker taking only 3 hours.  Everyone was taking a short break in the cloud forest when all of a sudden the lead guide says, "everyone go now! I hear voices".  Everyone hustled really quick for a while in fear of the voices.  Luckly the two local guides carried machetes, not that they were used.

Sleep. Then the alarm went off at 4:50 so Kate and Bren could catch the shuttle to Quetzaltenango (Xeha). And here thee be.

ooduhlaley,
BB-KK

Schooooool's out for Summer!

"Personally I'm always ready to learn, although I do not always like being taught." -Winston Churchill-

Kate and Bren finished an entire week of spanish school.  Graduated with honors even though Bren slacked on his homework a little.

Love,
Kathy and Brain

No more teachers. No more books.

"The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and the lightening bug."  -Mark Twain-

Kate and Bren found a great little hotel that no one knows about because the name is Juma Ocag, which does not mean anything in Spanish or any Mayan language.  It is an acronym for the first letter in peoples names.  It is right across the street from a giant market, a bakery, and a pet shop.  Kate and Bren have been enjoying their time in the old colonial town of Antigua.  The buildings are typically no more than two stories and very colorful.  The town is surrounded by volcanoes, some of which are active.

Kate and Bren started language school on Sunday.  They have class from 8-noon for five days before they graduate.  The school offers random free activities in the afternoon.  Bren and Kate signed up for a hike.  They started the hike walking across town, through the market, then got on a chicken bus.  This is about the time when the would be hikers started to wonder where they were actually going.  However, their adventurous spirits kept them on the bus.  The bus drove to a nearby town, San Juan del Obispo.  The bus stopped and everyone got off including the "hikers".  They walked around the corner and into a museum/convent.  A nun gave a quick tour describing some photos but never getting close to using 1000 words.  Bren was super excited because everything was in Spanish.  They saw a picture of a great view of Antigua and the volcanoes then took two steps to the left and saw the same view out the window.  Everyone was confused, but thankfully the nun told the tour the picture was taken from that exact location.  Then Kate and Bren were led outside to look at the same view not obstucted by glass.  The tour guide was telling everyone about snake skins and leather working meanwhile the bus left.  Which gave everyone that had not had a chance to take in the view or photograph it for themselves time to do so.

Kate and Bren discovered a great little bagel place near central park which plays free movies on a nightly basis.  They saw a documentary about the civil war in Guatemala, which ended in 1975.  Last night after their hike they had two great cups of hot chocolate and watched a Hollywood movie in English.  Hot chocolate? That is correct, it is freezing here at night says the over exaggerating Kate.  However, they have been putting on a few more layers in the evenings since moving into the highlands.

Bren and Kate also eat food typically three times a day.

Kate and Bren decided to attempt another after school activity.  This time they started walking not towards the market and bus station but out of town towards a hill with a view.  A great view of the town and another volcanoe.  Kate and Bren were sad because at this viewpoint there were no photographs of the view.  They only had that real thing to enjoy.  Since attending school life has slowed down for the adventurers so this brief hike was a welcomed bit of excercise.

The food eaters also have experimented with different sources of food including but not limited to restaurants, markets, bakeries, random street vendors, and ice cream shops.  One of their favorites is the "Travel Menu", the food is more exciting that the name would lead you to believe.  Their favorite is the giant plate of guacamole, chips, and salsa all for $2.50 US.  Last night Bren and Kate consumed an estimated four avacados while playing board games supplied by the restaurant.  The music was in English and awesome.  If one is lucky they can even catch some good old American football.

peace out,
BK