So a few weeks back I decided to make an impromptu expedition up to Santa Maria de Jesus, which is a town high up on the skirts of Volcan de Agua. I really just looked at a map and decided it didn't look to far away and probably had quite nice views from its perch up there; and in the end, I was right about one of those two assumptions. As some of the photos I share here suggest, the views from the town are pretty incredible. However, the path up was not the easy Sunday cruise I envisioned, especially when riding the only slightly-used bicycle I was graciously borrowed from my roommate.
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| My mode of transport for the year |
As it turns out, what appears to be perhaps one switchback on the map is more like a continuous ridiculously-steep climb for 5 km or so. A sharp decline in gym visits since I came here combined with brakes that rubbed continuously and gears that didn't shift all helped insure that I walked the bike up at least the last half of the climb.
However, getting to cruise around the town's narrow streets for a few hours on the rusty bike made the climb well worth it. Here are some photos that I took during my time there:
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| Small farm plots on the side of the volcano showing through a corn-stalk fence |
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| Facade in the town square |
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| Girl sitting in front of an old, abandoned church |
Now, this next picture may not be the greatest quality, but it provides a pretty accurate glimpse into at least one aspect of Guatemalan life. These kids are simply hanging out in the open area in town and setting off firecrackers. If I had to guess, I'd say the kids could range from anywhere from 5 to 10 years old. Lots of freedom for kids here, especially with regards to fireworks.
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| kids lighting firecrackers |
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| Some of my pyrotechnic friends gathering for a picture |
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| More kids gathered to see how they look in a camera |
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| Surrounding hills peeking out behind some old corn stalks |
Needless to say, the ride down was much more pleasant than the ride up. My chief concern was watching my speed as I really had no faith that my brakes were going to last all the way down. Fortunately, all went well and I made it back safe and sound. This being said, I'll probably just grab a ride in the bus next time...
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My view as I flew down the road on the way back to my house
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