August 31 2009, Monday: Our flight to Guatemala City was 6 in the morning. Therefore, we left for JFK International Airport at 3 am. We arrived at Guatemala City, checked into our hostel, and took a cab to the city for walk. We did not encounter any problems although we were warned of the notoriety in the city. Click here. (click here for hostel in Guatemala city)

September 1 2009, Tuesday: We went to Antigua this morning. Not a very big city, but it was nice. Weather was cool, minimal traffic and lots of cathedral for a small little town. Click here. (information for hostel in Antigua)

September 2 2009, Wednesday: Did a lot of walking around Antigua. We had dinner at a very nice local restaurant. Click here.

September 3 2009, Thursday: We were at Panajachel this morning. Weather is a lot warmer than Antgua. Took a 'chicken' bus to LaLaguna, where we have our home-stay experience. However, I was disappointed with the condition of our stay. The bathroom was in bad shape, and it was supposed to be one of the best in the area. Click here.

September 4 2009, Friday: We hitched a ride back to Panajachel. Managed to find a nice hotel in town. Click here. (click here for hostel information) Walked around the beach and it was wonderful.

September 5 2009, Saturday: Today we took a boat ride around Lake Atitla. Met someone whose married to a local, and teaches English in St Marcos. St Pedro and St Antonio were the next two stops. In these smaller towns, we've seen so much poverty in this country. Children worked day and night and most of the kids have only 6 years of school. Click here.

September 6 2009, Sunday: We went to Chi Chi this morning. The market square was great, crowded, colorful, and lot of stuff to buy. I was glad that we went there. We took a shuttle bus back to Antigua the same day. Click here.

September 7 2009, Monday: Took our flight back to New York. This was a short trip for me this year but nice.