-Guatemala City- Days 1 to 5

-Guatemala City- Day 3

-November 29th-

¡Que buen día! They don't call it the country of eternal spring for nothing. It is a nice 22 degrees this morning and to top it off a cool summer breeze. The ideal weather in my opinion. When walking down the street earlier I noticed there were sales galore and then it hit me that it was Black Friday. Miguel messaged me earlier and mentioned it was pay day so take care in the streets, I was more worried about the life threatening Black Friday stampedes. I do wonder if Miguel is too paranoid about thieves, let's hope I don't find out why he is so vigilant.

Papaya everywhere I look it seems, I had to grab a quick bag for breakfast, irresistible. It tastes great but don't smell it as it could put you off. It isn't called the vomit fruit for nothing. Some advice, from experience, squeeze some lime on it and voila the smell is gone.

Doing some writing in this Cafe, decided to try the Guanaba smoothie (soursop). Soursop is very difficult to find in London so I feel fortunate to have done so here. Worth a mention, from what I have heard Soursop is a potent anti - carcinogenic.
If you ever find yourself in Guatemala City, this Cafe is great if you are craving some tranquility.

Miguel mentioned he will take the day off today as his stomach is feeling off, his doctor said he should cut down on the meat consumption and up the fibre, serves him right for calling me a conejo (rabbit).

The third day in a row and I have managed to give in to temptation and go to Rey Sol. I bought enough for lunch and dinner and guess what the veggie carnes (vegetable burgers) consisted mainly of carrot! The Rey Sol has been here for 30 years, I am over the moon I stumbled across it.

It took over an hour travelling back to San Miguel Villa Hermosa. The traffic was embotellamiento 'bottlenecking' as Bert the Uber driver described it. You've got to respect the patience these Uber drivers have, they must meditate before shifts. Uber drivers in London are not always as interesting as those in hazy Guate. Bert was a nice gentleman we spoke about many things, ranging from his daughter's under active thyroid and how he is encouraging her to eat more vegetables to how he wanted to work in London once upon a time but his nonexistent English stopped him in his tracks. Bert, 47, spoke about how he wished to have travelled more and that he once went to Mexico for work and had never been further a field. He also mentioned his wife was from El Salvador and that he would like to retire there and live in the campo (countryside) which created some terrific imagery in my mind. Speaking with Bert really confirmed to me how much of a privilege it is to be able to see the world. We exchanged numbers obviously.. (as you do with Uber drivers) and spoke about potentially checking out some nice spots around the suburbs.

Upon arrival to Miguel's gated street, The guard asked Bert for some I.d, I told the guard I was here to see Miguel, he replied "el Moreno?" (The brown man) I said yes and he let us through.

Miguel and I took a walk to the local football stadium where locals played. There wasn't much grass and there were no kids playing, I would have enjoyed nutmegging a few if there were.

Miguel spoke about how he would like to live in the US one day and reunite with his wife who lives in California and how his wife is finding it difficult living there with such high expenses. Does the American dream even exist? Having to pay for healthcare is off putting. Who knows, us English may well have to soon!

Miguel then mentioned something that made sense to me. He spoke about how his father was killed by a thief 6 years ago when refusing to give up his car to a thief. The thief shot him dead where he sat. It is hard to comprehend how easily a life can be ended, especially when it is related to possession of an object. I guess the moral of the story is give up your stuff or give your life. This revelation made it clear why Miguel is so wary of thieves and protecting foreigners like myself.

Looking forward to getting out of town tomorrow, Miguel and I will do a mini road trip and check out Amatitlan Lake, Escuinta and finally the coastline at San José.