Peten and The End

On Wednesday, I left Chimaltenango and went to Antigua.  I was able to leave my suitcases with the pastors of Iglesia del Camino and book a trip to Peten.

I took an overnight bus (9+) hours to get to Tikal. During this bus ride, I sat next to an Israeli man who asked me tons of questions about Jesus and what Christians believe.  He was my divine appointment and, I believe, one of the primary reasons I took the trip.

Tikal is in the region of Peten and the place where there was once a vast Mayan civilization.  It was absolutely astounding!  (Pictures below.)  In my hotel, I was the only guest.  My view looked out on Lake Itza Peten.  GORGEOUS!  On my second night there, I went hiking in an ecological preserve.  I spent all afternoon in Flores (AKA most boring city ever) before taking an overnight bus back to Antigua.  Tonight, I am in Guatemala City and tomorrow I head home.  I CAN'T WAIT TO BE HOME!!!!

Lake Itza Peten

A school in Peten

I think this was a spray painted styrofoam replica of the origial

Woodworker at a tourist trap

Replica of a Mayan tomb. The Mayans worshiped jade, believing it could contain energy of the cosmos.

It's not every day that you see "puma crossing" signs.

Can you find the crocodile?

This crocodile was waiting for someone to disobey the sign in the picture above.

Backstrap loop worker....incredible to watch!

A model of Tikal

This tree was HUGE!!!

The backside of Mayan ruins that were left covered

Human sacrifices were offered here

I learned so much about the Mayan culture.  I am not sure I can remember it all, though.  One the things I found most interesting is that all of their temples were built on bedrock and therefore are earthquake-proof. 

No words can describe the view...breathtaking!

A sweet Swiss lady and I

A Mayan refrigerator below the ground

Pepper grows on trees and this is the seed!

Rich Mayans lived here at one point

This is a moth- not a leaf!

No monkeying around... that is a REAL monkey!

The trees are HUGE!!

My hotel..."Gringo Perdido"..."Lost Gringo (American)"... FAR away from any other form of civilization!

My view :-)

Not exactly private rooms, but it didn't matter since I was the only one there!

Lake Itza Peten

The water was SO CLEAR!

It's a rough life ;-)

This is the entrance to the "Biotopo" that I hiked for 2-3 hours on my last day in Peten.  "Biotopo" basically means "Ecological Preserve."

God's creation astounds me!!

I am writing this post from the concrete jungle of Guatemala City.  I can't wait to board my plane tomorrow.  God has spoken so much to me and I am eager to get started with the next chapter of my adventure!