Antigua/Hobbitengango

After several hard weeks at work, a group of us decided to head back to the beautiful city of Antigua again. Though this time, many of the group were especially excited about an adventure to the newly opened Hobbitenango hostel (a lord of the rings, hobbit themed hostel).

We started the day on a chicken bus (technically I got amazing pancakes before we left), a chicken bus is a large converted bus that operates as a collectivo (people get on and off as you make your way). Our chicken bus was especially empty in that there were only a few seats that had three people in the two person spot, and only once did someone have to stand.

When we got to Antigua we did a little souvenir shopping and had lunch at Frida's a mexican restaurant with lots of pictures of Frida Kahlo. The made our way through the streets to the shuttle that would take us up the mountain. We waited for friends for a bit, and then decided to meet up with them later.

The hostel is located about 15-20 minutes drive up a near by mountain. The van took us to the drop off spot and we walked another 15 mins virtually straight up to the spot. Upon arrival we were quickly shown around and then the crew had a few drinks before setting off for a quick hike. We weren't quite sure where we were going which added to the sense of adventure but also a bit of anxiety when it felt like we had walked to the other side of the mountain.

When we got back, we spent most of the time huddling near the heater and waiting for dinner while chatting. The place doesn't have electricity so it was candles and acoustic guitar and good conversation all night before an early bed time.

The wind picked up this weekend, it was probably the coldest it has been since I got here, so sleeping was a tad tricky with the tin roof of the building clanging loudly with each gust of wind. The three buildings are made out of recycled materials. Soon they will start making earthen buildings like a hobbit village.

This morning we froze. I had had my phone set to Minneapolis time which was accurate until this morning's day light savings. So I woke everyone up an hour early, and later we found out there was no shuttle down the mountain till 10:30, so we huddled with blankets, talking future travel plans etc.

When we finally made it down to Antigua we had some time for shopping and more coffee. I went with coffee. The chicken bus home was much more crowded, and the driver did not believe in slowing down on turns, or easing on the breaks.

Showers and errands... and here I am.