Desde Guatemala: Antigua 1st Attempt, Day 3

We arrived back at Tia Angie's house at about 7am after the long ride back from Tikal.  We immediately hit the bed for a few hours.

Tia Angie's Kitchen

Local store

The most exciting part of today was the big reveal of my grandparent's new house!  It's almost every latino immigrant dream to "make it in America" enough so that they have the ability to build a house back in their home country and one day retire there. Thanks to my uncle's help, my grandparents did just that.

Abuelito planting mangos

Their avocados

Volcano in the background

After checking out the house, we headed to Antigua --- 

Cathedral of San José

Desde Guatemala: Tikal, Day 2

We were relieved after existing the sweat box and hopped into a microbus which took us to breakfast at Restaurante Katok.

Then we had another hour and a half ride before we reached Tikal so we took a quick break at a little tourist shop:

I honestly didn't know what to expect at the ruins but it was spectacular.  It almost seemed fake, like a movie set because how are these structures still standing? How were they found? What exactly did the Mayans do here? The questions were flowing from all of us.... and it's too bad we opted to go without a tour guide.  We did catch bits of info about the temples as we eavesdropped on other tours around us but I have a lot of research to do (which I should have done BEFORE arriving) sheesh!

After walking and climbing the temples for 4 hours we enjoyed dinner on Isla Flores and did not enjoy the freezing (but not broke down bus) 8 hour ride back to La Capital.

Desde Guatemala: Miguel-iver, Day 1

The flight to Guatemala was pretty straight forward. I think this is the first time we traveled without any cell phone signal so I had no idea how we were going to find my mom at the airport once we landed.

Exiting the Guatemala airport is like walking down the red carpet at the Grammys.  There are hundreds of people waiting, all eyes on you as soon as you exit.  My mom, along with the other 12 people she was with found us quickly. 

We arrived at my Tia Angie's house in San Jose Las Rosas and it's exactly as I remember it.

There was no time to waste though. After a few hours rest, we all packed a bag and headed down to the bus station to got to Tikal! The kiddos teased us because we packed flashlights, a hatchet, neck pillows, meds, a hydration back pack, and a few other stuff which may have seemed unnecessary for a bus ride.

We boarded the 10PM bus and braced ourselves for the 8 hour ride to Petèn. We didn't know what type of ride we were getting into: did it have A.C.?, did the seats recline? Any pit stops? To our pleasant surprise the bus wasn't as bad as we thought it would be although we seated next to the bathroom which was only used by one person.

Two hours into the ride I was woken up by the feeling of diesel directly entering my lungs, the driver/mechanic elbows deep into the motor of the bus.  This man had a measly little flashlight which barely illuminated anything along with another guy shining a cell phone light at the motor....Were they serious??? Adonis brought out the small and very powerful flashlight which basically saved our lives lol. The gear selector was broken and the driver/mechanic temporarily fixed it using a wire hanger.... Yes, a hanger. We couldn't make this stuff up. Thanks to "Miguel-iver" the bus was driven to a safe spot and we had to wait two hours for another bus to get us in order to continue the trip. The second bus has no AC which means we had a miserable sweaty ride.

 

Desde Guatemala (Intro)

My Abuelito (Gabriel) giving my cousin Angel a "talk" on Father's Day (2013) :: Bronx, NYC

Welcome to the Longology mini series: Desde Guatemala.  ("From Guatemala")

For those of you who don't know my family is from Guatemala. Both my parents & both sets of grandparents were born and raised in Guatemala so I like to say that I'm 100++++++% Guatemalteca lol.

For a long time now I've been wanting to document my family's story.  How did we get here? Is our story different than any other immigrant's story? Why do I care?  The honest answers to these questions are: I know a little bit, but not enough.

Do you know your family's story? How did they get to where they are today? Do you care to know and is it important for later generations in your family to know? I am very intrigued by families who have their history documented in one way or another (video, books, photos, etc).  I don't have that and I want to have it for my family.  I have one seen about 5 super old pictures of my family. I feel the urgency now more than ever to at least begin this journey in capturing our story. My plan is to document our story via photographs and mini-video stories which I can compile into one nicely packaged format and hand out copies to each one of my family members.  I have no idea how long this will take to finish, but my goal is to get it done and finished.  I envision this project to be on-going after the initial cut since our story will continue.

On Saturday Adonis and I leave for Guatemala.  It'll be my first time back in 11 years and his first there.

Here is a little of what I know (or think I know):

• My grandfather was in the Guatemalan military
• My grandparents met in Guatemala but were from two different "social classes" Country girl vs. City Boy and dark skin vs. light skin
• My grandfather was the first one to come to the U.S.  A few years later my grandmother, uncles, and mom followed (all a la "Cross The Border" style)
• They lived in California before settling in NYC
• My mom was 17 yrs old when she came to U.S., spoke zero English, but eventually earned her high school diploma & Associates Degree
• My uncle has ran his own appliance shop in the Bronx ever since I can remember
• My oldest cousin (who was 5 yrs old when she arrived in the U.S.) was the first in our family to earn a bachelor's degree & a master's degree.  I was the 2nd.
• My grandparents have been married for 53 (ish) years
• My grandparents have been U.S. citizens for many many years now -- but my mom isn't. 

We'll save the "why we're going" and "what we'll do once we're there" for later posts.  In the mean time -- Welcome back Longologists!

Day 294: Kings Canyon

One word:

Acrophobia

What was I thinking?? I didn't sign up for this. I hate heights, I can't stand it. I remember visiting the Intrepid in grade school, and it was the worst class trip ever. However with age comes a certain amount of confidence and I've noticed a decrease in my fear of heights. Still, this was extreme. I didn't realize we were actually climbing up the canyon and then proceeding around the rim. Lucky for me the natural beauty of it all overrode my fears and I was able to conquer this natural wonder. As soon as we got off the bus, I thought I was in a movie. I mean, its was unbelievable. Diana and I took several moments to just stand still and listen. To think. To feel the breadth of history surrounding us. There were only two moments during our hike that I had to stop and recollect myself. Once we got to the first section on top of the canyon, there was a stretch about 50 yards long and only one person wide, along the canyon wall, the other side was a 300meter drop!!! No fence, no guard rail, nada!! The other time was descending the canyon, it was the creep up to the edge and climb off and down the canyon part, the holy crap what if I fall off and die thing that had me a bit hesitant. Once again no fencing or guard rails, just rocky steps down.  

Diana never ceases to amaze me. She is such a source of strength for me. When I think of what she has done, and the things we will continue to accomplish together, it makes me excited for the future. She did drive me crazy continually walking up to the edge and looking down. Or climbing up the rocks on the edge of the rim, Diana, what if that rock slips! Ack!! 

Day 293: Kata Tjuta

Kata Tjuta

Kata Tjuta

The Outback holds no prisoners.... Unknown remains where we collected our firewood!

Kata Tjuta, also known as The Olgas, are a group of large domed rock formations. The alternative name, The Olgas, comes from the tallest peak, Mt. Olga. The hike was about 6 or so miles (9km) and took the better part of the morning. We woke up around 4:30am and made it back over to Uluru for sunrise. Shortly after the sun crested over Uluru, we were back on the road and headed to Kata Tjuta. It was amazing. I wish the pictures could do it justice. We saw water falls, climbed up steep valley's, in and out of rock formations, and thru parts of the Outback that looked like a Dinosaur would appear at any moment. This was...is..the land before time!


We left the Olgas and headed to our new camp site. On the way we stopped to see a huge salt lake surrounded by beautifully silky red sand. It was unbelievable! We took a minute to reflect and then proceeded to the roadway were there hadn't been a car sited in hours. Except for the one that snuck up on us right before we decided to jump in the middle of the street....AHHHHHH! We made another stop to collect fire wood. Dude, with what tools? Apparently true Aussie blokes can chop down trees with their bare hands, or at least get their tour members to do it. After being speared by several pieces of splintering wood in 105 degree heat it was time to go....bandaids, Diana where are the bandaids?!


Once at camp we built a fire, and got dinner ready. What an amazing sunset to put us to bed...

Day 292: Uluru - Ayers Rock

The ride through the Outback looked like this the whole weekend

The loneliest gas station

Uluru

 Today we left Alice Springs at 6:15am.

Left on a small bus with a group of people we'd get to know along the way.

Kissed our asses and civilization goodbye!

Prayed our Ipod and Camera batteries would last at least three more days.

"Goin' places that I've never been.
Seein' things that I may never see again

And I can't wait to get on the road again.
On the road again -
Like a band of gypsies we go down the highway
We're the best of friends.
Insisting that the world keep turning our way

And our way
is on the road again."

                         ~ Willie Nelson

We would be meeting our friends from Melbourne, in Yulara. They decided to fly further into the Outback to avoid the agony of the first 500km in the bus. Jen and Adam boarded the bus shortly before our hike around Uluru. Long pants, tee-shirt, and shirt with long sleeves. I started to sweat as soon as I saw them. But, they must have gotten the note about your skin burning up and falling off, so I don't blame em'. 



Quick Facts:
Uluru is the Aboriginal name for this site. On 19 July 1873, the surveyor William Gosse sighted the landmark and named it Ayers Rock in honour of the then Chief Secretary of South Australia, Sir Henry Ayers. Since then, both names have been used. The sandstone formation stands 348 m (1,142 ft) high (rising 863 m/2,831 ft above sea level), with most of its bulk lying underground, and has a total circumference of 9.4 km (5.8 mi). 


Brief History:
This site has major cultural significance to the Agnanu Aboriginal Tribe. So much so that certain areas of the rock and surrounding area cannot be photographed/filmed. This is so serious to their people, that if one of them sees a prohibited picture of one of these sacred areas, they must tell theirs elders, who are then served penalties as severe as DEATH! Also don't be an asshole and climb the rock. Its disrespectful to the Aboriginals and not condoned. The path to climb was installed by station owners trying to increase tourism in the area. However the original path up the rock was significant in that it was a  part of that men's maturation/becoming a man ritual. 


The Australian government held the rights to the land until 1985, when the local Aboriginals semi-successfully won their lands back. Only for the Australian government to stipulate a 99 year lease back. However, the Agnanu have remained in control of the lands. During the time that land had been taken away the watering holes became contaminated, bush fires ravaged vegetation and wildlife. Once the local people regained control, they reclaimed nearly all that was lost. Awesome! 

Sunset during dinner in Uluru

Sunrise over Uluru the next morning

Day 291: We'll be OUTBACK

Statue in front of the "Second Hand" store in Alice Springs

We finally made it to the Australian Outback!! So excited we don't even know what to do with ourselves! Funny, not many Aussie's we've met have actually been to the Outback. Which doesn't surprise me since many American's have never been to the Grand Canyon or Mt. Rushmore....Hoover Dam? Shall I continue...

Well, our time in Australia wouldn't be complete without a trip to the Northern Territory. We arrived in Alice Springs, NT today. From here we'll jump on a backpacker's tour to drive about 1000 miles into the Outback. Then we will hike around 20 miles thru the desert to see sacred Aboriginal sites.

Firt Impressions:
Go to HELL, you mean Alice Springs??

Okay so this Celsius & degrees thing needs to be more equivalent. There has to be a better way to let people know that if you walk outside your skin will burn off!! Reading 41 degrees on my phone just doesn't equate to "put you face in the oven while its on pyro-self clean mode" hot. The only benefit, if there was one, is that it is dry heat. So you just dehydrate and stick to the concrete like a worm the day after it rains. Rant aside...

Alice Springs is a small town. One main strip with bars, restaurants, and community/cultural buildings. This was our base camp before and after our tour around the Outback. Surprisingly there were several facilities to learn about the Aboriginal's arts and culture. On the downside this would be a good place to see how they were utterly screwed out of there land. Humm..just took a negative turn there. But the Aussie's that decided to come over with guns and disease and say, you can have the Outback....have no GOD. They were literally, and as far as I'm concerned, sent to hell. Another story for another time.....moving on.

Day 253: Can't Wait

Here's a quick extra: Manly Beach

I can't wait until Adonis and I get to tour some Sydney Beaches next year.

Uneventful day.

Day 245: Manly Beach & Meat Pies

Photo Credit: Adonis Long

Photo Credit: Adonis Long

I love the beach, who doesn't right!? We were told about several beaches to visit while here. Since the weather was nice, we set out to find some more. We took the ferry over to Manly Beach, where we were greeted by a friendly little shopping strip which opened up to Manly at the end. We had a bit of a laugh as the ferry approached the dock, which has a small beach of its own. We didn't say anything at first but the look on all of our faces said it all. What the hell, we travelled all this was for this? There had to be more to it, right?? I had a funny thought. What if this was some sort of joke, an initiation if you will, to the unweary traveller. They hype you up and tell you to go to this great beautiful beach, you get there, and it sucks...hahaha I'm glad it was just a thought. Manly was amazing, damn near better than Bondi if you ask me. Butttt, we went to Bondi on a rainy day, so we'll go back and give it a second try. 

Forget if you think Meatpie's are an English or British thing. When you come to Australia, one of few distinctively Australian things to eat, is a meatpie. My advice, stay away from the microwave mystery "may contain meat" pies that you'd find at an Aussie sporting event. Just like your favorite pizza place, sandwich shop, or hotdog stand (Windmill in Jersey yummmm!!!) there's a must go for meatpie. We were told by many of our Aussie friends that we must must mustttt go to Harry's. When we got to Sydney, it was on the top of priority list and I'm glad we found it! They had Meatpie's with mashed potatoes with gravy, peas and gravy, tomato sauce, just gravy, whichever and however you like. They also have vege pies, hot dogs, and a load of other snackeroos!

Day 244: Bondi Beach!

The Blackburns

Bondi Beach

Photo Credit: Cindy Lopez

We slept-in on Day 3 in Sydney. We needed a few extra hours to let our bodies catch up to our spirits lol. We got dressed and headed to Bondi Beach. The weather was cold, cloudy, and rainy.... crappy! But it didn't stop us from having fun.

We stopped to eat at Mojos Tapas Bar.  OMG was this place amazing. Every tapas dish we ate was soooo gooood and their sangria is good too. If you ever find yourself at Bondi Beach, you must must must eat here!

Day 243: V8 Supercars

Aussie Racing Car

When we made plans to go to Sydney the last thing I expected was a racing event. The Australian V8 Supercar Series can be compared to Nascar in America. However, the cars are different and the majority of the tracks are road courses. Watching it on TV the past couple of months just didn't do the experience justice. If you're in Australia, and they're racing in a city near you, treat yourself! The weather was beautiful, sunny with clear skies. The metallic smell of brake dust and gasoline hovered in the air, if I could make it into a cologne I would. As the cars zoomed by you could hear the drivers shift through the gears. As the cars slowed you'd hear the gasoline explode in the exhaust causing what sounded like shotgun blasts in quick succession. It made the hair stand up on end and got the adrenalin flowing like I've never felt before. I kid you not, I started skipping as soon as we walked off the train, and I heard the cars flying around the course. I felt like a kid in a candy store, all day.


If you have never been to a racing event, make it a point to do it at least once in your life. There is usually off track entertainment, especially for kids. Here in Sydney, they had a pit crew challenge where you could challenge the pro's at jacking up the car, and changing the tires. There were racing simulators, concerts, car shows, and stunt/drifting exhibitions. Last time I was this overwhelmed and excited was the Food court at Paragon Mall in Bangkok. I was on an insane high every second that we were there.

 Photo credit: Cindy Lopez

 Photo credit: Cindy Lopez

One of the Porsche Series Cars, the paddock was buzzing as the teams worked on their cars between races. 

Photo credit: Cindy Lopez

Seriously!!! These are some of the coolest little cars I've ever seen. They're known as Aussie Racing cars. After talking to one of the team owners, they cost about $50k to build and another $50k to maintain and race over the course of a season! HOW AFFORDABLE!! I'm doing it!! They weigh just a fraction of a normal car and run on a 1300cc motorcycle engine. With over 150HP, and revving to over 10,000RPM, how could you not like em'!?

Did you guys know my dream job is to be a race car driver?? I'm going to make it happen, maybe not NASCAR, but Imma do it!