January 24, 2013

I have acquired a “bug” that is keeping me running (unfortunately not on the beach kind of running!) … there are a multitude of instances that come to mind where, at the time, I thought, “Is this going to be a problem?”  Hmm…. I guess I should have been a little more careful!  No more limonade for me… Not so much fun.  Scott visited the local pharmacy for me this morning for some pills that should help.  I hope that our ride to Antigua is uneventful!!! (afternote – yes – I made it!  Thank you little pills).

As we flew along the main highway, we came around a corner to this “parade” for one of the Guatemalan’s festivals.  They were marching in one lane, with a police escort in front. Now we know why everyone is dressed up today!  Keep in mind, this road is essentially the freeway of Guatemala….

After several wrong turns, one resulting in the very nice road suddenly turning to a dirt path, and another requiring us to ask a local for directions…. we made it to Antigua!  It is  charming!   The people are very friendly – we stopped two times to get our bearings, and each time a different person approached us, asking if we needed help.  Antigua, Guatemala

Part of the charm of Antigua is the narrow cobblestone streets and colonial architecture.   Streetside, entire blocks appear to be just a plain wall with nondescript gates and barred windows, but inside are beautiful shops and courtyards.

This hotel is only 4 years old, but is constructed to appear hundreds of years old.  It is so beautiful!

Antigua was originally the capital city of Guatemala, but after several devastating earthquakes, it was moved to Guatemala City.  Most of the ruins were left as they were after the earthquakes that destroyed them.

We spent the morning wandering around the Parque Central – a beautiful area in the center of town.  We sat for awhile on a bench and listened to a man playing music…

Shoe shine boys kept asking to clean my shoes and Mayan women would approach us to sell their jewelry and weavings.  We decided to walk through the Cathedral and ruins….built in 1538, it was destroyed in 1668 by an earthquake. Another cathedral was built next to it, and it was destroyed in 1773 – and then another was built next to it.  Surreal….

No modern signage in Antigua….

Poor Scott succumbed to the travel bug…. the rest of his afternoon is spent in our room.  I ventured out on my own and had a great time exploring the little shops behind the walls!

January 26, 2013

Got up this morning to a beautiful clear sky and view of the Agua Volcano from the rooftop terrace of the hotel.