Alternate Vision

Friday morning. Wake up at noon. Cristian and Marcelo, Guatemalan colleagues of Tata inform us that for the past week now security at the border has increased and my chances of crossing the border are slim. Tata drags me out of bed and were off to the consulate. Thirty minutes later, while stuck in traffic, it becomes apparent to us that there is not much hope left except, well to just do it.
"Cerote, we can get you across from the south border, puta serote" says Tata. "But as a backup we should get you a fake ID." The wonders of powerpoint and the internet I tell you. I am now in possession of an ID that states that I am an International Red Cross Volunteer from India. Its another thing that I never needed to use it at all. Completely overhyped if you ask me. At Pedro de Alvarado, the Guatemalan side of the border, the security officer glanced at our Guatemalan license plate, barely glanced into the car, and waved us on. Maybe its a good thing that I didn`t get to test this new ID of mine. Anyway, so around 8pm we arrived at the Robles residence in Guatemala city. Greet the folks, sip on some Gallo (local beer), shower and change and were ready to paint the town red. Oh, and there was three of us. Serdo, the Salvadorian metrosexual joined us as well. After a quick drink at La Gastroteca, we proceeded on to the cocktail party. Unlimited Black label is what I remember distinctly from the party.



We landed up at an Axe Bahia party at this club Kahlua in the city. Fancy running into Brazilians in Guatemala. The night didn`t end there. Tata dragged us to the 40th birthday party of some family friend. The youngest person there must have been in his/her thirties. Serdo and I, not completely excited about the crowd, took immediate fancy to the open bar and buffet instead. Guatemala city bears an uncanny semblance to Belo Horizonte, Brazil -the overall city layout, the weather and hilly terrain. Brought back a thousand memories from Brazil. I think simply being around anything or anyone Latin does. The next morning, around noon, we drove to Antigua. Words nor pictures can describe the beauty of this quaint little city. Anitguans are of African lineage, descendants of slaves brought there centuries ago to labor in the sugarcane fields by the Spanish coloniasts.Cobblestone pathways and gorgeous 16th century Spanish architecture. Its like the Guatemalan version of Ouro Preto. No time to furnish more details.


After spending an hour strolling around, we head on out to Monterrico beach, the infamous location of the Robles` private beach house. After a thirty minute ferry ride and what seemed like a neverending trek we were there.


Private pool, fresh ceviche, perfect weather, volcanic beach sand, ATV`s and the list continues. One couldnt possibly ask for more in life. After a hearty dinner which consisted of Tamales cooked in bananaleaf, chicharon and michiladas we made our way to some beach party which landed up being infested with Europeans and Spring breakers alike. Reggaeton and Merengue is what people rock to down here. Works for me. And this (pic below) is what we did for the rest of the time.


Am running out of time here. These pictures and random assortment of my thoughts and reflections by no means can do justice to how great a time I am having.( this is just the beginning you see..ma pepu get hea tomorrow:)
Tata`s grandfather is one of those wise grandads who can leave you in awe after a mere 10 minute conversation. We talked about everything from his time at the IMF, to his perceptions on the Moghul Empire and his travel tales to India and Brazil. Inspiring to say the least. I have a lot more I want to share in terms of my perceptions of the people,culture,food and life here. But, I must go now. Ate logo!

# posted by Surya Swamy : 7:45 PM