Down the memory line

[Jan K]

Thank you Curt, Attu is a great place, subsequent visits opened up even more
insights into the history, but that has to wait - still down the memory lane
As for sailing through the Aleutians on S/V Windwalker, I agree with your wife,
not a good idea. The weather there is awful most of the time regardless of
your female crewman age
The first extensive visit came to end and helo and ship head back home...

[Jan K]

[Jan K]

[oldsalt]

I continue to look forward to your postings here, and compare them to my rather mundane life. My younger son, 16 years old at the time, flew in to Guatemala on his own at about the same time (1989 and again in 1990), and has similar stories to tell. People ask,"You let your teenage son make his own arrangements and visit a country in revolution?". I guess I'm not much of a parent. I was making deployments to the Aleutians and Western Pacific at the time. Our most memorable trips have been when we've dared to "go local" as you have here. My interests, wildlife, history, and cultures really make me a fan of your travels. I hope you keep them coming.
-Curt

[Jan K]

Curt I agree, there is not better way to get feel for the foreign land than "go local".
It might not be comfortable, but it sure is unforgettable One of the main reasons
I wanted to visit Copan, is that nowhere in the Mayan sphere one can see the stelas
in such great shape ... It was worth it ...

[Jan K]

Heading back to Guatemala ...

[Jan K]

[Jan K]

[Jan K]

[Jan K]

[Furnari]

Thanks, Jan- I've been looking forward to these posts

[renoun]

Jan, it is always a pleasant surprise to see that you have updated your journals and travelogues. My ex was in Guatamala about 8 years ago but had the tourist experience rather than the chicken buses. I think you had a better trip but hearing about her having to go buy her dad underwear at the public market after a luggage mishap was pretty amusing.

[Jan K]

Thanks, I am glad you enjoy it. It brings back good memories as I cut and paste, rummaging through old files and logs.

[Jan K]

Fast forward from 1987 to internet info on Antigua in 2012:
You can catch a crowded chicken bus (reused U.S. school bus) from Guatemala City for Q8. More than 100 bus drivers have been murdered as a result of gang conflict. Drivers who refused to pay exorbitant protection fees were murdered. Despite the violence, many still consider the chicken buses and local city bus in Antigua safer than taking the taxis or Tuk-tuks (small three wheelers with cloth side doors). Tuk-tuks have been blamed for taking tourist to an obscure area for robbery - so knowing a local tuk tuk driver might be safer than procuring one on the street. When safety is of utmost concern, it is best to call a cab company or prearrange your rides through a shuttle company

[oldsalt]

Jan: I relate to your comment about "chicken buses". On our trips to Central America we rode on old school buses which served as a testament to the resourcefulness of the locals in keeping them running. I remember one in which most of the gauges were missing with a pair of wires twisted together each opening. What warning lights existed were lighted. All of the tires showed cords through the worn tread. My friend called these tires "maypops". Our family joke was that after a school determined a bus was no longer safe, it was purchased by the local Baptist church. When the church found it was beyond hope, it went to Central America.
These buses could also be called goat buses. I came away respecting the culture and history yet saddened by the condition the people lived in. Thanks for continuing your story.
-Curt

[Jan K]

End of a great trip ... In spite of an ongoing civil war in Guatemala ...

[Jan K]

And back to work :

[Jan K]

[Jan K]

Casting off the dock lines again...

[Jan K]

[Jan K]

[Jan K]

[Jan K]

[sitkadiver]

Wow Jan,

You were fortunate enough to dive Kiska Island? It's on my to-dive-list... Did you get to shore to see the sub? A friend of mine has a photo of himself in the mini-Sub.

Also, Tom Madsen ran Aluetian Air and flew out there for a survey in the early 80's. It's hard to beleave how much hardware is still there.

Thank You for sharing this story.

[Jan K]

Yes I feel fortunate to dive Kiska, but I was not equipped properly for the task at hand. My dive gear aboard was southern California style and I failed miserably in the underwater photography department. I would go in a blink of an eye if I could to go diving there now. But it is a far away place ... And yes, I did see the mini subs, that was on the second day of our Kiska stay.