Fuentes Georginas, the most popular natural spa in Guatemala, four pools fed directly by boiling sulphur waterfalls, framed by steep high walls, today’s destination. A 40 minute nail biting bus ride from Xela for a blissful bath floating in the hot water with steam rising around me staring up at the tropical ferns and vines climbing the rocks.
 |
| In with the weekend locals at the volcanic hot springs |
The mountain air is cold, especially in the morning, and it took courage to lose the layers and plunge in, but once in I soaked for hours. The locals, who throng up at weekends, seized the chance to give me, the gringo, a face pack with volcanic mud. Very effective, my skin now feels baby smooth, long may it last.
 |
| Locals mining the mud for... |
 |
| ....my Volcanic mud pack |
Returning reluctantly on the lunchtime bus we stopped on route to ‘wind dry’ our sulphur soaked hair. I went with a great group from this lively buzzing hostel, who had invited me along despite the obvious generation gap.
 |
| On the way back - Volcano baked and drying off |
 |
| Window view on way back - often best not to look! |
When they decamped to the nearby bar on our return, i seized the quiet time here to skype home and then had a minor meltdown when the wifi went down and I burst into tears. This prompted lovely kind gestures from the staff who fussed around with water and tissues whilst patting me on the shoulder and crooning in Spanish. Fortunately the wifi came back up so all was well, though I have a feeling I now understand the dialect for ‘ the crazy English lady’.
As the sun went down I wandered the streets admiring the busy evening promenade around Parque Central and finished the day staying true to my roots by finding a ‘thrift’ shop where I picked up a thick nearly new jumper for 10 q. These highland nights are chillier than I anticipated but tonight I am snug and warm in my Guatemalan jersey.
No comments:
Post a Comment