What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of Guatemala? Does anything? To be honest it took me a little while to think of something. After a few moments though the images started to flow. First the images of incredibly colourful clothing came to mind. The clothing often worn by the hippie and Birkenstock crowd, I hate to lump it all up like that but we are talking generalised thoughts. Secondly I thought of Rigoberto Menchu, the Nobel Peace Prize winner who fought for the rights of indigenous populations in first Guatemala, then Central America and now has become a global crusader for the rights of native populations.
My thinking then turned to the people. What do they look like, I wondered? They’re small I thought. They are also dark. Aren’t they descendants of the Mayas or is it the Incas? Hey don’t get mad at me I was still in the “general thinking” mode. Give me a break would you? Then I scratched my head. That was about it. Well almost, the final thing was thinking about a real trip. For those of you that know me, sad thought, not many of you do, you know I like to discover new things and places. So I hit the web and drew up a quick dream itinerary of a visit to the Land of the Mayas or is the Incas? It’s important to dream right?
I would fly into Guatemala City, I flew through there once before, which brings to mind a horrible disaster during my diplomatic life but that is another story. I would probably spend a couple of hours in the city but not much longer. The hours would include in no particular order picking up a rental car and being very lost. I don’t panic when I’m lost. I actually think it’s a good thing to be lost. It helps get your bearings and who knows you might see something new.
Once out of the capital city I would drive to Antigua. The city, founded in the 16th century, is listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage register as possessing “a number of superb monuments” inspired by the Italian Renaissance. Since I fancy myself as a modern Renaissance man I would set up my three or four day camp here.
After checking into the Hotel Posada del Angel, the hotel where Bill Clinton stayed when he visited the country, I am of course a presidential type, I would hit the streets of the small preserved city. I would slowly walk the streets of the colonial outpost taking in the amazing 
architecture, the plazas and smelling the flowers. Yes, that may not be very macho but I’m a smell the flower type.
I would enjoy one or several coffees or maybe even a good stiff drink at Cafe Condesa on the central square. Hopefully I would have a view of the Plaza Mayor and La Fuente de las Sirenas that were built in 1739. 
Not only would I drink myself silly, it is after all my first evening in the city, I would also sit back to just watch and observe the local people. How do they walk and talk? What do they wear and why? What makes them smile and do they let their children run free?
After getting my fill of Antigua, which may take me a day or two I would head into the mountains to visit the Tikal archaeological park or maybe visit the lake at Atitlan. The Tikal Park, which is also on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, is the oldest and best preserved ruins of the Mayan civilisation, Guatemala is Mayan. From what I gather it may take a day to fully inhale the site. I was thinking why not even plan a picnic for the visit?
If I’m not really into the whole Maya thing I may break away from the city of Antigua towards the natural wonder of lake Attilan. The lake surrounded by volcanoes and colourful Guatemalan cities seems to be a place where I’d like to spend a day or so exploring. The food, site and fruit would be high on my list.
Guatemala, a neat dream vacation…