Installment 5 of JT Cruise November 2010 - Today, Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala

Another full day at sea reading, eating, listening to music and playing on the blackjack tournament. Oh, oh, look who's on top of the tournament leader board!



The score, $12,100 indicates what I was able to earn, starting with $2,000 and playing seven hands. One more day of qualifying rounds and then the top six scorers will play in the final. No way I can be knocked off, so I am now guaranteed a seat in the championship round in a few days. Stay tuned to see how I did!

Of course, the day ended with a new friend, this time, a real swinger! !





Bright and early on November 13, Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala.



Our driver this day is a gentleman of Mayan descent that fled his country as a youth to avoid being forced to serve under the revolutionaries. He later returned and now fishes for a living and conducts tours on a part-time basis. He was extremely connected to the Mayan community and shared his world with us very eloquently and graciously on our two hour trip to Antigua..





Many volcanoes along the way, several with a worrisome smoke plume at the top!



Also saw a rock that is said to be a mayan man's profile



First stop in Antigua was a Jade factory. Guatemala is said to be home of the hardest, highest quality Jade in the world.





The city itself is a 1600's era Spanish Garrison that is still much in its original form. Many colorful buildings such as this hospital



And this school



A former university that is now a museum





Roughly translated, the sign reads, "This is the edifice of the Antigua university of San Carlos, founded in 1675. From here radiated the culture to the entire kingdom of Guatemala."

The central, most secure part of the garrison



The public pond where citizens bathed and washed their clothes.



The city cathedral



A fountain in the town square



Music in the square



And perhaps the most ornate Church I have ever seen!







Typical street



These are the local taxi's. They were everywhere!



You may have already noticed many of the local Mayan people in previous pictures. They were amazing!













Of course, you know I love to photograph flowers. Check out what happens to these ladies slippers when they are pared up like a pair of slippers!





Other flora







Antigua from a nearby hill and volcano in background



All too soon, time go back on-board.



Don't remember what the towel animal was that night, but I do remember the sunset!







Had a wonderful, culture enriching day! Tomorrow morning, Huatulco Mexico!

Thanks for looking