Things I learnt in Guatemala

1. Travelling in a chicken bus isnt as difficult as I imagined it to be
2. Beans and tortillas are a staple
3. Men wear cowboy hats, intricately designed jackets and interesting polka dotted fleece blanket like things around their waist and over their pants
4. There is a McDonalds but no Starbucks (Antigua)
5. Tikal, Rio Dulce, Flores, Livingston and Atitlan are places of supreme beauty
6. You can get Giant Margaritas for $4 on Mondays at Fridas
7. Jumping into the back of a truck to get to work at the foothills of a volcano is so cool
8. The best pastries are near the central market at La Reposteria
9. Fuego is an active volcano oh so close to the city
10. Brahva and Gallo are local beers and the latter is actually good for health and apparently OK for pregnant women too 
11. Mary is the best house mom ever 
12. People telling you the monsoon is over doesn't mean you wont be struck with torrential downpour every single evening
13. Dr. Morfin is the best-est and gives you the option of Pink, Purple or Blue casts (broken arm)- that's his real name :)
14. Swinging a machete is the coolest thing ever
15. I now truly understand what 'slow roast' means for coffee beans
16. Zip lining with a bummed arm and pulling the brakes mid way, having to pull yourself over to the end using a cable is fun but painful
17. The best way to see a coffee farm is on horseback
18. If you love Nutella and crepes, go to Luna de Miel near La Merced
19. Indian nationals holding US or Schengen visas do not need a visa to enter Guatemala
20. Tikal is the site of the 4th Star Wars movie (so I've been told)

Image courtesy: http://www.afrocookbook.com