Day 25: Don't Eat the Vegetables (San Pedro to San Marcos)

This morning started out with a combination of hang over and what everyone dreads traveling, a stomach bug. I don't think I've ever felt so sick all at once. I slowly got ready and packed my things to head to San Marcos. I wanted to arrive around 11am at Hostal Del Lago. They do not take reservations, and fill up fast on a first come first served basis. Several people had recommended this hostel to me, and to arrive early. However, with not feeling well, it was a slow process getting out of Mr. Mullets and over to San Marcos. Finally I caught a boat over and arrived in San Marcos. It's known as being the hippy town on the lake. The first sign I see as the boat pulls up? "Swimming naked and walking naked are illegal in San Marcos." It seemed to sum the place up in one welcoming sign. From there, I tried to clamor out of the boat, pack on and all. After I got out of the boat, this little boy started talking to me. Asking where I am from, my name, where I am going etc. It's been a common theme along my trip that children will often direct and guide you... for money. I could barley keep up with the kid the way I was walking. Once we arrived at Hostal Del Lago, he promptly asked for 10Q for his unrequested service. I am all about helping locals, but am not a fan of someone voluntarily walking with you, then asking for money when I already knew where I was going. But anyways.

I had been planning to meet two of my travel friends Emma and Bryony at the hostal. Thankfully, they had arrived earlier than me and saved me a spot! I put my bags in storage as it was still too early to check in. Then we sat on the dock and caught up on our travels since we had parted ways. It was great to see some familiar faces again and know people at my hostal. Sometimes it gets a little tiring always being alone and having to make an effort to meet people.

For lunch we went into town. Surprisingly, there was very little street food in San Marcos. It was mostly expensive restaurants. (And when I say expensive, I mean a cheese pizza is 50Q which is like $7, but it's expensive for our budget when we can find meals for 20Q to 30Q easy or $3-4.) We found a small little shack place that a women was cooking. Emma and Bryony got the meal of the day, and I just ate a tostada with avocado on it. My stomach wasn't feeling up to much. The town isn't much in San Marcos. There is one road that runs through, and off of that is "the main path." Which is pretty much exactly what it sounds like.

Back at the hostel we continued to read on the dock in the sun for the rest of the afternoon. Once we were able to check into our room, we hung out there for a bit too, sorting our things and reading more. Then for dinner, we ate at the hostal which has a restaurant. I got chicken and rice to keep it bland for my stomach. Bryony got a delicious smelling pesto pasta and Emma got fried rice with veggies.

That night was spent playing cards (rummy I think?) While listening to a dj that the hostal had come in. Lots of people were dancing and drinking and having a great time. If I had been feeling better, I probably would have been right there with them. After a bit though, I wasn't feeling the energy myself, and with the floor shaking, my stomach was saying it was time for bed.