Montericco Beach

Hooray, finally made it to the beach ( I was supposed to go two weeks ago but was ill). It was so lovely to be in the proper heat again (32 degrees instead of 23/24 here in Antigua). The beach is only 2 hours from Antigua (however the driver managed to stop quite a few times on the way which turned it into a 3 hour journey) and so is perfect for a weekend break. It's on the pacific coast so quite a lot of waves which is good for surf watching again (although not the same level as in Puerto Escondido). Really, all there is to do is sleep in your hammock, catch some rays, drink some margharitas and eat lots of fresh fish. I did manage to drag myself out of my hammock to enter the turtle race at sunset. It's run by the turtle reserve which hatches the turtle eggs and then releases the baby Olive Ridleys back into the sea every Saturday. You pay Q10 (about 70 pence) to have your own turtle to enter into the race. I managed to get a pretty dopey one which first got stuck in the sand then set off in the wrong direction!!

Even though it was hot and very sunny at the beach there still managed to be a slight christmassy feel to the place with lots of decorations in all the bars. It gets really busy there over christmas with a real party atmosphere.

Now back in Antigua and getting ready for this weekend. I've been receiving Christmas cards daily in the post which is great, so thanks to all who sent one. They are now only taking about a week to reach me instead of the 4 weeks the parcel from my mum took!! There will be about 14 of us atthe guest house on christmas day for a bit of a fiesta (but no turkey, which doesn't bother me being veggie). We've now decorated the place and it is very festive. I'm going to make some mulled wine on Christmas eve before we go out for a meal. The Guatemalans celebrate more on 24th than on 25th.

Every night since 15th December there havebeen processions in the streets from 8 pm where they carry the 'Nacimiento' (crib) from house to house and stop there to drink and eat. A few of followed one of the processions on the first night and got invited into the house where the Nacimiento first went. We got given a local punch after they blessed the crib with Joseph and Mary. Another Guatemlan tradition - there seem to be so many in December. Last week (12th December) was Virgin Guadelupe's Day with yet another big procession through the streets of Antigua. This is a bigger celebration in Mexico, but it is still celebrated here.

I may not get another chance to update this site before Christmas, so I hope you all enjoy the festive season. I'm off to do my homework now,
Lots of love
Hannah
xxx