Tuesday: A bit about our hotel

Posada Belen is a nice small hotel in Zone 1 of Guatemala City . . . We are working in zone 6, but we only travel in zones 1, 2, and 6 to reach our work site. The hotel is an old home that was built in the late 1800's and converted to a small hotel. A skeleton key is used to access each room . . . and no two rooms are alike other than each has a private bathroom.
There are 2 courtyards within the hotel to allow light inside and since there is no yard per se; the front courtyard has a hammock on which many have found a few minutes rest as well as at least 3 resident turtles.

On the roof, there is a small laundry area which contains a typical concrete sink as well as a washing machine and some clothes lines to hang items for drying.

There is a small kitchen from which comes some very good food -- we enjoy breakfast and supper here daily. Breakfast is a choice of Guatemalan breakfast (eggs, refried beans, plantains, and cheese), pancake with fresh fruit, or cereal. One supper, we had a tamale like item (with chicken inside what seemed to be masa), small piece of corn on the cob, and dessert which was plantains wrapped around beans (and then fried and had some sugar and cinnamon on top). Last night, we had a chicken rice meal which was also good. We don't yet know what is on tonight's venue, but no doubt it will be tasty.
finishing breakfast
Francesa speaks English, and all of the staff are very friendly and helpful. It's much nicer than where Patty and I stayed last year in many ways. There is access to a wireless internet system in each room and dining room which works much better than where we were on the beach and could never make a connection. We have met several Americans who have found themselves staying here; and they are all complementary as well. It's a good place with lots of charm and warm Guatemalan hospitality.