A Guatemalan Pearl

It's the port that's a pearl, not Danny. In the photo above (click for larger view), Danny found a pleasant spot in the shade after caution to avoid falling coconuts.

Puerto Quetzal epitomizes the pride local residents hold for their homeland. The port appears distant from any city, so far as we could determine. This is an active seaport. Interest in putting their best face forward shows up in the area set aside to greet cruise ships.

Yes, we found the expected and numerous vendors immediately on shore, with tour buses awaiting those who had booked trips to other parts of the country. Being rather stilted travelers, we visited only the immediately vicinity, preferring to hear about those distant places second hand as our cruise partners return this evening to brag (or complain) about what they did all day.

The day is hot. We checked and got the specific temperature - it's v-e-r-y hot!

Nonetheless, it was necessary to make two trips off the ship, having remembered something forgotten during the first jaunt. The national language of Guatemala is Spanish, but English, German and French are spoken, along with about 30 Indian dialects. My personal challenge was in convincing one merchant that when I say "diez doláres," I mean "diez doláres."