We arrived in Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala, this morning while we were still asleep. Once again we walked ashore and arranged our own tour to Antigua the capital city of Guatemala - about a one hour drive. As with the rest of central and South America the Spaniards colonized this part of the world in the 1600's and virtually everywhere you look there is a building of historical significance. Some are in ruins and a lot are being restored. We visited one hotel which is built around a ruined monastery and cathedral. The whole thing has been covered by a steel roof and it is very beautiful - apparently a very popular spot for weddings. Guatamala was and is the home of the Mayan people and the local jade was used for ornaments and burial masks by Mayan royalty. Unlike Chinese jade, Mayan jade is almost as hard as diamonds and comes in a large range of colors. We visited a jade factory and enjoyed viewing a range of stunning (and very expensive) replicas of the royal jade discovered by archaeologists over the centuries. Tried the local beer which was great and then it was time for the long trek down the mountain and back to the ship. We've just returned from the Stardust Theatre where we were treated to a performance by a Beatles tribute band (The Beatles Celebration) - they were so good it was uncanny. Tomorrow we berth at Huatalco, the first of our Mexican ports.
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