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The 17th Day of our trip began for most already around 4:30 clock. After a brief stay in the shower we went to our nutritious breakfast in the hotel lobby. A couple of "pancakes" after waiting for the bus to the airport already upon us. The security checks were over pretty quickly and this time it was on the short-haul flights Panama and Mexico. The flight was relaxed for most of the duration of a short nap and ended right at the first airport in the excursion. After a short wait, if it had done all this time through customs, we went on our day trip to the floating gardens of Mexico. The subway trip there proved to be extremely rich in adventure, as our driver was probably a bit behind schedule and about the doors of the subway as quickly opened and closed again, that it was hard to stay together as a group. Especially Professor Holldorb proved extremely adept at opening of closed subway doors ... From the terminus of Line 2 "Tasqueña" it went on the bus to "Xochimilco," said the floating gardens of Mexico, both with locals and tourists a popular tourist destination. The system consists of artificial channels of about 150 km in length with artificial islands on which kinds of plants can be grown all year round. After the usual negotiations over the price of a boat tour that includes provisions for the journey, we were able to inspect the impressive investment in peace. Also on this day Mexico was once again good for a surprise! After a snack of a floating kitchen, including dishes washed in the channels, we were already back on the way back towards the city center. Here, the group split during one half of the rest of the airport, preferring to let it take the others do not, our favorite bar the Mexican "La Pata Negra" in Condesa to pay a last visit. Right on time at 21:00 but then found themselves all one at the airport. The flight turned out for the few of us who had the slight fear of flying, a little nerve-racking because were felt across the Gulf of Mexico slight turbulence. Otherwise, everything went fairly smoothly, a short stopover in Paris, who arrived in Frankfurt and the brief tremor, if the last train to Biberach is to be achieved. To about 00:00 clock we finally arrived with the last train to Biberach. Author: Andrew Hauber The Taboga Island is located on the Pacific side of Panama, 20 km in front of the entrance channel and is considered the favorite beach for the weekend Panameños. During the week, a paradise for those seeking tranquility, a perfect place to enjoy the last day you can. On this island decided Pizarro conquer Peru and stands on it's second oldest church in the southern hemisphere. Father Hernando de Luque, founded on the island of Taboga 1524 the village of San Pedro, which was named after the island. Only later it was renamed after the Indian word "aboga", which means as much as "a lot of fish." Typical of settlements in the New World grew, so did the church of San Pedro in San Pedro. The first inhabitants were enslaved Indians Tabogas from Venezuela and Nicaragua, which had to take care of the needs of the conquistador. The pirate Henry Morgan was, after Panama City was razed to the ground to attack the command and Taboga Iceland. The idea was that Taboga was a haven for pirates and some other reason to get some also had. The myth, however, that when the pirates entered the island, they are suddenly confronted with a huge army faced, led by a beautiful woman. The pirates were immediately on the flight and the residents Tabogas thought it was the holy Carmen (patron saint of fishermen) was to have saved their lives. That is why even today the 16th July on Taboga each year with a festival, the "Festival of Flight of the pirates' celebration. In the 17th Century the island was by the Englishman John Illig Worth taken. The residents all escaped into the mountains. Three people were killed on the flight and in their honor three crosses were erected as a memorial for the dead, who wanted to defend your paradise. These crosses are still to this day, her name "Las tres Cruces". But more on that later. In 1887, visited Paul Gauguin, French post-impressionist, Taboga. Some claimed that he wanted to buy a house and there was none, others claim that he is not with the simplicity Tabogas manage. In any case, after a month he traveled on to Tahiti over French Martinique. Taboga and the channel since 1880 are closely related. Even the French founded at this time a rest home for their sewage workers on the island, which the Americans had taken over after 1905. In the first World War it was a prison for German soldiers. The island of Taboga has its charm of the conquistador time and keep the beginnings of the New World to the present. By geographic location, it was for years a major base for the Americans to channel defense. Both shipping port for the Atlantic Fleet as well as viewing platforms (including bunkers) and artillery sites were part of the defense of the American channel. After an hour's boat ride to split the group. Is part of the group it can not be assumed to take a one-hour climb up the "Las tres Cruces path" to a viewing platform with bunker up. The climb past the church and after that was over an old creek bed strenuous but beautiful, so you could still enjoy even the diversity of the Central American flora and fauna. Part of the story Tabogas been nearby. Bathed in sweat, was then a magnificent view over the Pacific Ocean and Panama City can be enjoyed. The vastness of the Pacific could be admired as well as the oncoming giant (panamax generation) and cruise ships. Strange to us, the casual use of the safety barriers. Without shutting off the bunker could be committed. Such a loose use of historic buildings sometimes wish you well in Europe. The descent proved to be a half hour but much shorter but no less strenuous. On the beach we met the rest of the group, to enjoy the last rays of the sun and crystal clear water together. After arriving on the mainland are separated on the group to go to different activities after. While one part is preferred to the hotel to go, the rest preferred, check first the last chance a bargain (Panama, a VAT of 5%) to go shopping. The old town with its narrow streets and squares as well attended as was the huge shopping mall. So still the last souvenirs and gifts were purchased and absorbed the last impressions of the flair of Panama. The gift is designed as varied as our stay in Panama. From the original Panama hat, jewelery and leather shoes everything was brought. In the evening went all excursion participants eat together in an Argentinian restaurant. In very good wine and plenty of meat could all enjoy the benefits of Latin America again. All in all, a fitting conclusion to an absolutely quiet but successful trip. Author: Philip roll The days in Central America tended to a close. After two exciting and eventful weeks in which we had seen and experienced, the efforts of our trip were getting noticed. 14 days in air, bus and train were behind us, and also getting the early morning after a long night has left its mark. All the better that we wanted the last day of our trip a bit easier. Therefore, standing on the 15th Day visit to the Isla Grande in Colon district in the program. It is located near the town of Portobelo, a small but no less historic town on the Atlantic coast of Panama, 180 kilometers northeast of Panama City. The bay, located in Portobelo was discovered in 1502 by Christopher Columbus and then evolved into one of the most important port cities of the Spaniards in Central America. The famous privateer Francis Drake died here of fever, while he besieged the city in 1596. We left at 6 clock in the morning in Panama City. Thanks to the energetic support of the firm LIEBHERR, which had organized the day trip for us, we could look forward to a day in Bananas Resort. After some exciting two and a half hours by bus and by a no less exciting boat ride in heavy seas, we arrived at 9 clock that Bananas Resort. What awaited us was a reflection of, among which most people imagine the Caribbean. Palm trees, sea and sand beach. The weather that day, it seemed, unfortunately, less well with my us. Despite gray skies, it was still warm, which is why some immediately threw into the water. It turned out to be the perfect sandy beach ended with the water and was replaced by a sharp reef. This led to unintentionally comical scenes, just as the fallen in the water that left with pained faces again. They wore them, but no serious injuries. Then we spent the day swimming, snorkeling, and volleyball. Others simply used the time to regenerate, and made themselves comfortable in the hammock. One or the other cocktail paired with two talking parrots provided a brilliant atmosphere. But must also be the best day to go to an end. So we left at 16:30 clock, after seven hours of intense relaxation, back to Isla Grande. The crossing by boat was similar how rough the morning, but the atmosphere seemed more relaxed than a total of a few hours earlier. The face tan tended to concern in some redness, but we were all the same relaxed, as we again boarded the bus. This took us back to Panama City, which we reached at 19:30 clock. The end of the day we all celebrated together with a nice dinner. After the group split up and while some were looking a little rest in the hotel, others made the night life of Panama uncertain. Overall it was a great day, who gave us all the beauty of the country Panama still brought a little closer. Author: David Sauerborn This tag should be used as future engineers very interesting for us because we had planned for today, two site visits. After a hearty breakfast in our hotel, we were picked up at 9:30 by the clock BAUER by bus from our hotel. The Germany-based civil engineering company Bauer maintains a branch in Panama. From there it went straight to our first site of the day. The enlargement of the locks at Miraflores Cocoli. For the expansion of the Panama Canal and the locks, the Panamanian canal company ACP (Panama Canal Autority) responsible. After we had reached a hill overlooking the gigantic construction site, a competent public relations staff for the ACP held on a viewing platform a 45-minute lecture on the construction of new locks and the reasons for the extension of the channel. On 3 September 2007, decided to expand two existing locks at Miraflores around a further third lock. The new Panama Canal locks (on both the Pacific and on the Atlantic side) is 427 meters long and about 55 meters wide - which is about the size of four football fields! The reasons for this are the introduction of the new Panamax cargo vessels. These ships are different in the previous cargo ships, especially on one point: loading volume! Instead of the maximum 4400 containers can be transported by ships Panamamax now 3 times as many containers (approximately 12,000). Addition is achieved through the new lock system, a water saving of 60%. By expanding the ACP hopes to double the capacity up to 2014. After lots of information about the expansion, we have completed our first day's station by the obligatory group photo with the channel in the background. We then drove through a toll road to our next site. In the northern port city of Colon is currently expanding the company BAUER free trade zone in the port of Cristobal. As a foundation for the expansion of the port serves a combined pile-raft foundation with in-situ concrete piles. These are produced in rotary drilling. A total of 105 planned for the expansion of piles with a diameter of 1.37 meters and a length between 25 and 42 meters. It was a beautiful site, because we were the employees of BAUER during our entire visit to answer questions. On the way back to the capital, we made a stop at the nearby Gatun locks. This should be extended the same as the Miraflores locks a lock. Provided to us by a guide, we received additional information about the expansion of the channel. Having achieved this but after exhausting, but very informative day our hotel, decided the majority of our group, deserving the evening with a beer in a pub can be. Author: Matthias Kummer Comparatively late in our present day started at 8.45 clock, when we took the bus to the locks at Miraflores. Also present was our tour guide German Klaus. When we arrived we were first observed on a viewing platform, like a big cruise ship was raised in the second lock. This ship was one of the larger, which may pass through the Panama Canal, so it had to pay an approximate transit fee of $ 300,000. Overall, it creates the managing Maritime Authority of the Panama Canal, the Panama Canal del Autoridades per day to about 40 ships to pass through the canal, with a drive-through fee is charged depending on the size of the ship 100000-300000 $. Klaus could tell us a lot about the Panama Canal and relatively quickly, we realized that the expression 8th Wonders of the World is not exaggeration. Then we saw in a movie theater two short information films to the Panama Canal. Afterwards we went to a museum in which we learn about the history of the Panama Canal, in the jungle fauna and learned the art of the interlock system. The beginning of construction of the Panama Canal in 1881 made the French under the leadership of Count Ferdinand de Lesseps, builder of the Suez Canal. The plan was a normal channel that would connect the two sea of the Pacific and the Atlantic Caribbean. This would have had extreme consequences. Since there by the tide an overall drop of 6 m, the water would shoot out of the channel and the channel would be complete with its associated lakes filled up with salt water. This would have massive negative consequences for the tropical moist forest. The underestimation of Erdvolumens and the diseases malaria and yellow fever forced the French to abandon the building. A total of 22,000 people died at that time, accounting for a rate of about 7.5 lives per day. In 1902 sold the holding company for the channel $ 40 million to the U.S. that could use about 40% of the previous work. In April 1905, the canal engineer John Frank Stevens was entrusted. He realized that the biggest difficulty representing the disease and that he first had to improve the living conditions of workers. With his dedication, he earned their respect, so that he could face the real challenge: the logistics of planning and building the organization. When he was finished, he announced a surprise and displeasure Theodore Roosevelt by declaring that he had fulfilled his contract to the letter. This was it, as long as he should work on it until he could even say with certainty that it will succeed or fail. In April 1907 Stevens left the channel and the work was continued by Major General George Washington Goethals, who was supported especially by U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt. Roosevelt had chosen him among other things, because he could not resign as military personnel as its predecessor. The cost of the locks and dams now built Panama Canal amounted to 386 million U.S. dollars, and during construction 1906-1914 5609 workers died in accidents and diseases (still about 1.9 deaths per day). Overall, demanded the construction of the Panama Canal, thus about 28,000 lives. On 15 August 1914 was the first passage through the Panama Canal today. Because of the outbreak of World War II, the opening ceremony canceled and rescheduled until 1920. After the U.S. after completion of the canal, the sovereignty over the canal, this resulted in repeated uprisings of the people of Panama. Even the attempt to hoist the flag of Panama, in addition to the United States, failed, allowing the United States were forced to hand over the canal to Panama, which at 31 December 1999 was done by 12 clock. After seeing the gates, we drove back into town, where everyone could round off their day independently. Part of our group use this to go shopping in the city, while others visited the fish market, and some used the rest of the day to just relax once again. Author: Philip Waldraff The days in Panama, no one will soon forget, because they were the hardest climates in our journey. So, probably everyone had to catch up on the first night at the Hotel Bella Vista's troubles, the lack of sleep. There were two reasons: from the one off the noisy air conditioning and instead slept in a hot room. The others preferred a cool room, but were brought because of the rattling air conditioner for her bedroom. And so it was understandable that the faces had overslept that morning something. Nevertheless, we were surprised by the hotel staff with an unexpectedly good breakfast. Cafe con laitje (coffee with milk), scrambled eggs, toast, orange juice and fruit brought us back up to speed. For on time at 7.30 clock was our tour guide "John" with the bus outside the hotel. Why so early, some thought. However, the early start should protect us from the extreme heat of the day at our planned boat ride, but now, step by step. Against 7.50 clock it was clear that some had to unfortunately leave the hotel because they were not far removed from the fine-china toilets. What was the exact, we have not figured out, but had to fight some of us with similar phenomena. And so it went off to our first station, the Independence Square. The "Parque Nacional Soberanía" is the ideal destination for those who want a get to know the diverse nature of a tropical moist forest, but shrink from the physical demands of a real tropical expedition. The site of the National Park begins just a few miles from Panama City and covers 22 100 hectares on the east bank of the canal. A "forest trail" led us here through the undergrowth. And everyone could experience the diversity of wetland forest itself. The features of the park, in addition to 525 species of birds and 105 species of mammals, 79 reptiles, 55 amphibians and 36 species of freshwater fish. Unfortunately, we were able to observe from this only a few birds, giant ants, beetles and other insects. But with the special sounds of the giant grasshopper and the roar of howler monkeys, one felt quickly in a film set of "Tarzan and Jane" was added. The Soberanía National Park is a so-called "secondary forest". This means that the stock is not due to the natural state back. For the construction of the Panama Canal, the forests have been exploited to obtain building materials. We quickly realized that the forest is very important for the protection of the Rio Chagres and to feed the canal with fresh water. This is the main water supplier of the Panama Canal and ensures that the locks and thus function of the channel. The water of the Rio Chagres is in Gatun Lake, which was created during the construction of the channel jammed, and includes the longest part of the waterway for the ships. On its shores you meet in exotic animals and plants, but it later. Once at the bank of the river, divided we meet on three boats. If hot, the smallest boat in our heavyweights, another boat for those who complained of seasickness, and the rest landed on the boat with the most powerful engine. Well, it went out over the river to the canal and towards the Atlantic Ocean. Here we were able to learn the dimensions of ships in the canal locks and devices work very closely. Especially in 1941, built in Germany, floating crane "Titan" read the engineer's heart beat faster. With its 350 ton capacity and a height of max. 114 m, the crane is an imposing structure. The tour passed by dredging and drilling into a tributary of the channel. We eagerly scanned the water surface and the shore after the promised animals. And actually, our watchful captains discovered ape, exes, crocodiles and a variety of bird species. The real highlight came down the river a couple of river islands. Our melons, intended as a quick snack, attracted some hungry monkey on our boats. Although these monkeys spend about 60% of their lives sleeping, they were wide awake at this moment and the pieces snapped out of our hands. On the way back to our dock, we were able to dock a boat towing a freighter live witness. Hardly imagine that such a small tugboat, a Panamax - can slow down cargo in an emergency before it goes into the lock gates and causes more damage. However, Klaus assured us that this was never happened before. Plagued by the sun and the unusual movements of the boats we took the trip to Panama. Spontaneously offered us the bus driver, on the 14 August 2004 completed by the firm Bilfinger Berger to drive new Panama canal bridge. Not that a bridge is very exciting for us, but the Centenario Bridge, spans 420 meters at an altitude of 80 m above the channel water level. Using the 178-meter-high pylons and cables are arranged at an angle of the then outgoing president wanted to build a monument which he has succeeded impressively with this structure. Back in Panama City, we sat at the foot of Ancun Klaus Hill from a restaurant. We wanted to strengthen before we wanted to make the climb to the Ancun Hill. This fact should take about 1 hour, but in the tropical heat of a strenuous walk. Invigorated, we went through the administrative district of the channel on the mountain, blowing on the summit of the national flag of Panama. From up here we had a fantastic view over the city, the canal and the islands in the Pacific. Around 17:30 clock then put the sunset and it was a beautiful evening mood. Author: Ferdinand Marker Early Monday morning we had to say goodbye to the great family-run hostel in Guatemala City. Once again we had not much sleep, because we already had us arrive at 5:15 clock with bag and baggage in front of the hostel. The bus took us directly supplied to the nearby airport. There we expected a quirky Eincheckverfahren. First of all bags were weighed and loaded sequentially. Only after we got the tickets and passed through the security gates. The last Quezales were issued in the duty free shops. At 8.05 clock our plane lifted off on schedule to Costa Rica. Climbed after a very turbulent landing, we immediately catch our plane, which left at 10:23 clock the airport to Panama City. Once again, time shift, we reached our destination at 12.50 clock. This airport is located at 41 meters high and has two concrete launch and landing strips. The Tocumen Airport has over 4.5 million takeoff and landing operations year. Our tour guide Klaus waiting for us and took us by bus to the Hotel Bella Vista (which translates as "beautiful view") in the central Via Espana. During the trip, we were impressed by the imposing skyline of Panama City. Klaus provided us during this trip, even with some information about the city, which has about one million inhabitants. After spacious check-in hotel, we met after a short break at about 15.30 clock on a city tour and then visit Old Town. In this district of San Felipe we expected a high contrast image. With five different styles of architecture in San Felipe is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The mostly dilapidated buildings should be restored by and by. Particularly fascinating was a 16-meter brick arches, influenced the entire history of Panama. When it came to the question of location of the canal between the Pacific and Atlantic, were the countries of Nicaragua and Panama sent a postcard asked the Committee channel. Impressed with Nicaragua and Panama, a volcanic landscape with the aforementioned circular arc. Because of these two postcards for the Committee was quite clear that Nicaragua because of its earthquake-rich country is not for the building came into question. Thus the construction of today's economically vital Panama Canal was nothing in the way. The canal was in American hands until 1999. The entire administration was in the district of Balboa, but the American influence throughout the city are still found. For example, the roads are constructed according to the American model in blocks. The old American school buses used for public transport. These colorfully painted buses you can ride for just a Quarter-dollar by the city. Only the coinage has some of its own coinage. The coupons are the U.S. dollar and thus the official currency. Economically, the country lives mainly by the export of bananas, coffee and fish. It should be noted that Germany is the main buyer of Chiquita bananas. It takes very little industry in Panama. The country thrives on value-added service. Furthermore, our guide told that 20-25% of the population consists of Indians. Diese sind gut integriert und haben ein Mitspracherecht in der Regierung. Die Farbe Rot der Nationalflagge steht für die Liberalen, Blau für die Konservativen und Weiß steht für den Frieden. Die zwei Sterne stehen für die beiden politischen Parteien. Bei der viel diskutierten Frage, wie sich die Bevölkerung von Panama nennt, kamen witzige Kreationen heraus. Von Panamanesen, Panamalteken, Panananos und Panamanier stellte Klaus klar, dass es sich um Panamenós handelt. Nach den ersten Eindrücken und Fakten über die Stadt neigte sich ein langer Tag dem Ende zu. Wir trennten uns von unserem Tour-Guide Klaus, der uns noch einige kulinarische Empfehlungen gab. Getrennt in Gruppen nahmen wir diese wahr und gingen zum Abendessen in die zahlreichen Restaurants der Stadt. Autoren: Regina Kiekopf und Melina Uhlig
Unsere Reise nach Tikal starteten wir am Sonntag, den 14. March 2010. Bereits um 5.30 Uhr morgens machten wir uns mit dem Bus auf zum Flughafen von Guatemala City. Am Flughafen empfing uns unser Reiseführer. Abflug nach Flores war bereits um 6.30 Uhr. Nach einem kurzen, zirka einstündigen Flug mit einer kleinen Propellermaschine wollten wir uns gleich mit dem Bus auf die Weiterfahrt nach Tikal machen, allerdings trafen wir dort auf einen zweiten Reiseführer, der durch ein Missverständnis ebenfalls gebucht wurde. Nach kurzer Diskussion behielten wir jedoch unseren bisherigen Reiseführer und die Gruppe bestieg den bereitstehenden Bus. Schon zu Beginn der Fahrt bemerkten wir, dass der Bus Probleme beim Anfahren hatte. Gegen 9.00 Uhr hatten wir schließlich eine Panne. Tief im Dschungel mussten wir ungefähr 45 Minuten warten, ehe uns ein Reservebus zu den Mayaruinen brachte. Besonderes Zitat unseres Reiseführers: „So was muss man erlebt haben, sonst hat man nichts zu erzählen. Guatemala ist ein Abenteuer!“ Endlich in Tikal angekommen, startete unsere Führung schließlich um 10.00 Uhr. Kreuz und quer führte uns unser Tourguide auf kleinen, teils sehr engen Pfaden durch den dichten Dschungel mit unzähligen Tieren und einer großen Pflanzenvielfalt. Immer wieder lichtete sich die Vegetation und atemberaubende Tempel und Pyramiden ragten in die Höhe, wodurch wir die 2. Hochkultur Mittelamerikas kennen lernten. Die Maya – Stätte im Norden Guatemalas in Tikal (250 m ü. NN) ist ein absolutes „Muss“ für alle Guatemala-Besucher. Tikal liegt im Regenwald des Petén auf der Halbinsel Yucatan und erstreckt sich über ein Gebiet von etwa 65 Quadratkilometern, wovon der zentrale Bereich rund 16 Quadratkilometer einnimmt, welcher über dreitausend Bauten aufweist. Die Bauwerke erstrecken sich von kleinen Steinhäuschen bis zu riesigen Pyramiden. Die ersten Bauern ließen sich ca. 600 v. Chr. nieder. Erste Gebäude wurden um 200 v. Chr. errichtet. Paläste und weiträumige Anlagen sollen zur Hochzeit der Mayas hier in Tikal zwischen 55.ooo und 8o.ooo Menschen beherbergt haben. Zentrum der weitläufigen Anlage ist der Große Platz, auf dem sich die beeindruckenden Tempel I und II in Ost-West-Richtung gegenüber stehen. Das höchste Bauwerk ist der Tempel IV mit einer Höhe von 64 Metern. Einige der hohen Tempel konnten wir besteigen. Oben angekommen, konnten wir einen gigantischen Ausblick über die scheinbar unendliche Dschungelumgebung genießen. Der Urwald rund um Tikal ist bekannt für seine zahlreichen Vogelarten, die Brüllaffen, Nasenbären und Jaguars. Das gesamte Gebiet rund um Tikal wurde 1955 zum Nationalpark erklärt und gehört heute zum UNESCO Weltkulturerbe. Der kleine Flugplatz inmitten der Anlage wurde stillgelegt, eine asphaltierte Zufahrtsstraße von Flores gebaut und an der Straße in Tikal eine touristische Infrastruktur errichtet. Nach unserer Maya-Dschungel-Safari wurde gemeinsam gegen 15 Uhr zu Mittag gegessen. Zum Essen bekamen wir alle Hähnchen mit Reis und Gemüse. Unter dem Palmenblätterdach spielten dazu zwei Musiker alte Mayamelodien und der Reiseleiter löste sein Versprechen ein: Für die uns aufgrund der Buspanne entstandenen Unannehmlichkeiten hat er sich bei allen Teilnehmern mit einer Flasche kühlem Bier entschuldigt. Um 16.15 Uhr traten wir unsere Heimreise mit dem Bus an. Auf der kleinen Insel „Isla Flores“ legten wir noch einen Zwischenstopp ein, um uns die Wartezeit bis zum Rückflug nach Guatemala City zu verkürzen. Diesen Aufenthalt hat sich jeder durch einkaufen und Kaffee trinken selbst frei gestaltet. Die Stadt Flores in Guatemala ist die Hauptstadt des nördlichsten Departmento El Petén. Neben der Bedeutung als Umschlagplatz für die Produkte aus dem guatemaltekischen Hinterland ist Flores besonders von touristischem Interesse. Der Flugplatz außerhalb der Stadt macht Flores zu einem guten Ausgangsplatz für Ausflüge zu den umliegenden Maya-Ruinen wie Tikal. Nach einem sehr langen, informativen und wunderschönen Sonntag flog unsere kleine Propellermaschine um 19.10 Uhr ab. Sehr geschafft verabschiedeten wir uns von unserem sensationellen Reiseleiter mit einer kleinen Prämie und beendeten unseren Tag mit einem kleinen Abendessen in der Stadt. Autor: Tim Eisele Der neunte Tag unserer Exkursion startete morgens um 7:30 Uhr. Ausgeschlafen und mit einem herzhaften Frühstück machten wir uns fertig für einen langen Reisetag. Frisch gestärkt empfing uns unser österreichischer Tourguide “Robert” am Reisebus, der planmäßig vor unserem Hotel wartete. Dann machten wir uns auf dem Weg nach Panajachel – der wohl bedeutendsten Stadt am Atitlansee. Auf der etwa 3 stündigen Anfahrt dorthin erzählte uns Robert, der seit einigen Jahren in Guatemala lebt und arbeitet, viel über die politische und kulturelle Geschichte des Landes. Die Reise führte uns durch das vielseitige, guatemaltekische Hochland, wo wir einen neuen Einblick in die verschiedenen Vegetationszonen der Region bekamen. Vorbei an vielen kleinen Ortschaften und Feldern wurde uns bewusst, dass Guatemala im Landesinnern noch eher einem Entwicklungsland ähnelt als einem Industriestaat. Nach einer 20 – minütigen Pause an einem Rasthof in 2300 m Höhe fuhren wir immer weiter in den Westen des Landes. Am Rande des großen Kraters hatten wir auf einer Aussichtsplattform zum ersten Mal einen Blick auf den Atitlansee. Anschließend fuhren wir hinab und erreichten schließlich um ca. 11:00 Uhr Panajachel am Ufer des Sees. Die Stadt selber liegt auf 1500 m über dem Meeresspiegel und gilt neben Antigua als eine der Tourismuszentren von Guatemala. Nach der Fahrt durch den Stadtkern, vorbei an unzähligen Souvenirständen, machten wir einen kleinen Spaziergang am Ufer des Sees und hörten weitere Informationen über die geschichtlichen Hintergründe und die Einwohner der Stadt. Anschließend nutzten wir eine kurze Freizeit, um durch die Calle Santander, die Haupteinkaufsstraße von Panajachel, zu schlendern und einen Snack zu uns zu nehmen. Einige verbrachten die Auszeit auch mit dem Kauf von Souvenirs und gingen von einem Verkaufsstand zum anderen. An einer örtlichen Tankstelle trafen wir uns gegen 14 Uhr wieder und brachen dann nach Antigua auf. Beim Aufstieg über die Hochstraße hatten wir noch einen letzten Blick über den malerisch gelegenen See. Der Lago de Atitlan ist der drittgrößte See in Guatemala und bekannt für seine reichhaltige Flora und Fauna. Er misst eine Fläche von 126 km². Entstanden ist er durch die Explosion eines riesigen Vulkans, dessen Krater sich danach mit Wasser füllte. Der See ist von den drei kleineren Vulkanen Tolimán, Atitlán und San Pedro umgeben. Weiter ging es nun nach Antigua – die alte Hauptstadt Guatemalas während der spanischen Kolonialzeit war unser nächstes Ziel. Seit 1979 gehört die Stadt mit ca. 35.000 Einwohnern zum Weltkulturerbe der UNESCO. Antigua ist auf Grund seiner geografischen Lage oft von Naturkatastrophen wie Erdrutschen oder Vulkanausbrüchen heimgesucht worden. Auch die Erde hat dort schon oft gebebt. Deshalb gibt es in Antigua kein einziges Hochhaus – was sofort auffällt, wenn man in die Stadt hineinfährt. Es sind auch kaum Neubauten zu finden. Die gesamte Stadt scheint mit der Zeit bautechnisch stehengeblieben zu sein. Wir fuhren über die alten Pflasterstraßen bis in die Stadtmitte und machten an der „Iglesia de la Merced“, der Kirche der Gnade, zum ersten Mal halt. Das Gebäude mit seinen beeindruckenden weißen Stuck-Verzierungen am Eingangsportal zog unsere Blicke auf sich. Im Inneren der Kirche waren viele biblische Figuren auf Tragepodesten aufgestellt, die bei den Prozessionstagen von den Einwohnern durch die Straßen getragen werden. Ein Sandgemälde, wie es in der Heiligen Woche aufgeschüttet wird, war auch zu bestaunen. Im Anschluss besuchten wir das gleichnamige, alte Kloster direkt nebenan. Den Innenhof schmückte ein großer, aufwendig gestalteter Brunnen. Dort hatten wir die Möglichkeit ein weiteres Bild mit unserem Banner für unsere Sponsoren zu schießen. Auf dem Dach des Gebäudes genossen wir den Rundblick über Antigua. Nach einem kleinen Fußmarsch durch die Fußgängerzone und der Durchquerung des berühmten „Arco de Catarina“ erreichten wir den „Plaza Central.“ Der Platz liegt zentral in der Innenstadt und war gefüllt mit Mensch und Leben. Eine Liveband spielte traditionelle guatemaltekische Volkslieder und sorgte für eine entspannte Wohlfühl – Atmosphäre. Hier teilte sich dann die Gruppe auf, um die restliche Freizeit beliebig zu nutzen. Einige von uns gingen weiter durch die alten Einkaufs- und Handelsstraßen der Altstadt, um einzukehren oder Souvenirs zu kaufen. Andere besuchten den alten Bischofssitz, die Ruinen der alten Metropolitana Kathedrale. Dieses Bauwerk beeindruckte durch die gewaltigen Säulenkonstruktionen und ließ erahnen, wie groß die Macht der Kirche zur damaligen Zeit gewesen sein muss. Gegen Nachmittag trafen wir uns dann wieder mit unserem Tourguide am Plaza Central, um danach geschlossen zum Bus, der etwas außerhalb der Stadt geparkt hatte, zu laufen. Noch einmal genossen wir den Blick auf die Stadt ehe wir in den Bus einstiegen, um dann zurück Richtung Guatemala City aufzubrechen. Am Hotel angekommen entschloss sich ein Teil der Gruppe den Abend im Hostel zu verbringen und für das Abendessen zu Grillen. Der Rest zog weiter in die Zone 10 der Stadt. Dort trafen sie einige Studenten der Universität von Guatemala, um mit ihnen noch etwas trinken zu gehen und über die Erlebnisse zu berichten. Schließlich ließen wir den Abend in unserem Hostel gemeinsam ausklingen. Autor: Steffen Schäfer |
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