Guatemalan Food

[omegaet]

ward1 & bonniejoy03....we had fried plantains a couple of mornings with breakfast. Usually in the evening, we would order fresh "yucca frita" (I think this is what bonniejoy03 is referencing)....just munch a bowl full with our sunset libations on the terrace watching the volcanoes.

If you like fried yucca (they can do it as "chips" or in "sticks" like traditional french fried potatoes), then by all means let Jennifer or Mario know in advance.....they don't typically keep the yucca in their kitchen and one of the staff will need to stop at a local mercado and do some shopping.

showard1, if you plan to take most of your evening meals at CP....then encourage the kitchen staff to innovate and share some of the "off menu" dishes. Let them know the different ingredients you like or would be willing to try and they will make their best efforts to do special shopping to find them.

We are vegetarians and basically put the fate of our meals in their capable hands.we were never disappointed.

Point of Information: Jennifer, the GM, loves Pepperidge Farm Milano cookies..they cannot be obtained in Guatemala.if you have a little extra space in your luggage and you want to have a friend forever .just take along a couple of bags as a show of gratitude....just ask bonniejoy03!

[bonniejoy03]

Hi O...absolutely correct...fried yucca!!! Very interesting dish and great snack!!! Do bring Jennifer the Minto Milanos. She will be pleased! Enjoy!

[showard1]

Yes, this will be our second trip. Am really looking forward to it.

A couple of years ago, we vacationed in Costa Rica -- San Jose area and Lapa Rios (Osa Peninsula). Had a great time, but felt that Costa Rica, by and large, was quite Westernized and touristy. We prefer the relative obscurity of Guatemala and have more of a feeling of adventure and at the same time, a sense of quiet beauty and serenity. It probably won't be long before Guatemala emerges from its unstable political image into another tropical tourist mecca. If you have read "The Georgraphy of Bliss", you'll know what I mean. But in the meantime -- enjoy! Ha!

No, we will be traveling from Houston. Where are you visiting in Florida?

Fried yucca -- yum!?!

[bonniejoy03]

Hi S. Agree with you on your description of Guatemala. We tried the Pacific region in February and loved it...very wild and untamed! Consider a trip to the beach. From Houston, you have a lot of great travel connections. I was just checking fare for the winter to Guatemala and saw some great prices on Continental via Houston or Newark. I think both of us won the last LL package to Casa Palopo!

We are going to Celebration Florida.

[showard1]

Really? Was the auction for CP a tie?

We're checking on travel dates now. Would like to try the helicopter ride -- one way. I've never been on one! Omega says the landing at CP is a real "adventure" -- Ha! Guess we know what that means --

Are you a travel agent? Or do you travel on business? I have to work my trips around the business vacation calendar and spend lots of time "covering things" while away. Oh, well, such is life in a small business --

[omegaet]

showard1, actually the term "adventure" was used by another couple who arrived by helicopter during our stay at CP. Apparently they had been on helicopters before, but never were involved in "flying directly into the side of a mountain" (once again their terms) and seeing a "small" landing pad only "second" before setting down.

They loved the flight, especially the low level fly over of Lake Atitlan, and had no complaints about the costs......but they did make repeated comments regarding their "adventure" landing......for $740, you should have something to remember!

I still think landing and taking off at the 34 Street Heliport in New York City is an "adventure."

[bonniejoy03]

Hi S. No, not a tie. I won the 2nd CP package that closed on Sunday. We had been to CP in February and loved it so this will be our 2nd visit to the property. Is this your 1st visit? We had people helicopter in for breakfast while we visited. It was so amazing to be on our terrace with a chopper looking right at us!! Kind of cool!!

No, not a travel agent....just LOVE to travel and have been travelling since I was born. Don't travel on business at all. My travels are purely for fun and adventure. (or visiting family!!)

When will you be going to Guatemala and what other places do you plan to visit? Have you been to Tikal? La Lancha is a lovely property on the lake up North.

[showard1]

Hi, Bonnie,

No, haven't seen Tikal -- tell me about it and La Lancha. I have been to the ruins at Chichenitza (sp?) in Yucatan, Mexico. Wonder how that would compare with Tikal --

Still working on the CP trip --

[bonniejoy03]

Hi S. Tikal is absolutely amazing and quite large. It is located in Northern Guatemala. It is relatively close to Belize. La Lancha is one of the three properties owned by Francis Ford Copola. It is a lovely lodge on a lake. I believe they only have 14 rooms. Nice service, food, location. They offer trips from the lodge to Tikal.

[showard1]

Hi, Bonnie,

This reply is a bit late -- have been inundated with summer visits from family, including the three grandbabies (ages 3 - 5).

How lucky that you are free to travel so often. During my marriage we lived in southeast Asia and for a time, India. It was then that the travel bug truly bit me. But haven't had the time to do much of it in recent years. Hope to start catching up -----

We are interested in the ruins at Tikal. How do you get to the lodge at La Lancha? Do you fly in from Guatemala City?

Thanks for the input.