Guatemala City, GUATEMALA

Similar to Nicaragua and El Salvador, Guatemala has a horrible recent past. In 1996 a peace accord was signed which ended the 36-year civil war which killed an estimated 200,000 Guatemalans (and thousands "disappeared") and left millions homeless, many who seeked refuge in nearby Mexico.

Guatemala City is the largest metro area in all of Central America and suffer from the same illnesses of most Central American cities. Big time poverty, small elite and middle class, buses which blow thick clouds of black smoke into your face, and a bee nest of activity around the local traditional markets. Even so, Guat City has some pleasant areas with classy shopping malls, and quaint streets with romantic restaurants and bars. The Parque Central (Central Park) has the flamboyant Palacio Nacional to the north and an impressive Cathedral on the east side.

I had a good time in the city over the weekend as its nightlife and restaurants are only second best to Costa Rica's capital, San Jose. In line with the rest of Central America, the people are truly friendly and helpful. On Sunday morning up to the old colonial town of Antigua.