For the last several years, my partner D and I have arranged end-of-year trips, in part with the idea of celebrating New Year's Day in an exotic locale. Some previous trips have been to New Zealand, the Galapagos, and Cuba. This year, we selected Adventure Life and a trip to Guatemala. While Guatemala has not been a ''bucket list'' destination, it …

In the clear light of day, the courtyard that had looked somewhat mysterious in the subdued light the previous night, burst into a profusion of colors. After the previous day's diet of airport food, we eagerly attacked a most satisfying breakfast of huevos, black beans, tortillas, fresh fruit, and of course, coffee. Promptly at 9:00 AM, we were …

Greeted by another beautiful morning, after an early breakfast we left the wonderful Hotel Aurora for a full day of travel. We were met at 8:00 AM, and joined by
our new travel mates, Nita and Larry for the approximately three-hour drive to Chichicastenango and it's famed market. ''Chichi'' lived up to its billing of displaying a dizzying array of …

This was our first unhurried morning, and after a leisurely breakfast overlooking the lake, we met our guide, Gary, and travel companions, Nita and Larry in Santiago. To get into town, we were treated to our first tuk-tuk ride. These three-wheel glorified motorcycles were a most convenient and inexpensive mode of transport. Our driver, who …

On our second relaxed morning at the Posada, we devoured magnificent blue corn pancakes while again gazing at the lake. While we were waiting for breakfast, D who is an excellent musician gave an impromptu concert on the hotel piano, including some of her own compositions. Prior to leaving our home, D had arranged a session with the local Mayan …

Well, not exactly ''Planes, Trains and Automobiles'', today was boat, van, and airplane. Because of our long travel day, we got an early start, being picked up at the Posada boat dock by Gary, and then picking up our travel companions at their hotel boat dock. We soon learned that the wind of the previous afternoon was just a harbinger of things …

On this last day of the year, we awoke eagerly anticipating our excursion to Tikal. Following breakfast, we were met by Noe, our guide for the next two days. During the hour-long drive, we were presented with much information about the ruins, and the lake Peten Itza area in general. While we had read a fair bit about the ruins if Tikal; naturally …

We thought it would be a wonderful idea to begin the New Year by visiting Tikal just as it opened at 6:00 AM. However, when our alarm sounded at 4:00 AM, I will admit to having second thoughts. Nevertheless, we persevered, awoke the clerk at the desk of our hotel to retrieve our boxed breakfast, and met Noe who was waiting for us at 5:00. True to …

All too soon our trip came to an end, and it was time for an early-morning departure. This time, the desk clerk was awake, and our boxed breakfast was waiting. A quick shuttle courtesy of the ever-prompt ViaVenture driver brought us to the airport and our flight to Guatemala City. Knowing that we would have a very long wait for our connecting …