ANTIGUA, GUATEMALA
JUNE 2012
FOR YOU HISTORY BUFFS.................................in 1543 the Spanish conquistadors found the third Guatemalan capital, La Antigua, after several rebellions and mudslides from volcano Agua. For more than 200 years it served as the capital city and seat of the Spanish colonial government in Guatemala. It eventually grew to be the most important and booming city in Central America. In 1717 a devastating earthquake hit the area and more than 3,000 buildings were destroyed. In 1773, after another large earthquake, the capital was moved to Guatemala City. Slowly restoration works began. In 1944, the government declared Antigua a National Monument. In 1979 it was designated an UNESCO World Heritage site. Now Antigua has a poplulation of @ 34,000, plus wonderful restaurants, historical buildings, coble stone streets and museums . Additional interesting factors are that there are 3 volcanos that surround the city and it is famous for the numerous Spanish language schools.
Above is ancient church used only for special events.
We stayed in a charming bed and breakfast called Hotel Casa Antigua. The courtyard was full of blooming flowers and lush vegetation. AND the temperature was @ 75 during the day and in the evenings it was 50-60's. Needless to say, this ole gal was enjoying the cool air. (vs. @ 95 plus heavy humidity in the Rio.)
The Corpus Christi Celebration took place while we were there. It is the celebration of the blood and body of Christ. The mothers had dressed their daughters as angels with their wings.
The priest and his entourage walk the streets as below with anyone that wants to join the procession. The smoke is from all the firecrackers that were set off to scare away the evil spirits. I thought I was in a war-zone!
Prior to the procession, the locals decorate the coble stone streets with pine needles and flowers. The men below used boards to make sure the borders were straight and the correct dimensions.
El perfecto.
After the procession, here come the sweepers and a front loader to clean up the beautifully decorated streets that people spent hours to prepare. Obviously, you had to be there to see it! - literally!
The indigenous people are Mayan and speak Spanish. But don't be fooled......................they all have cell phones! The currency is the quatzale which is 7.80 per $1 USD. I finally bought a calculator to carry with me for conversion purposes. The women are master weavers. Textiles in every color and design are sold by them as they wander through the town and parks wearing their traditional clothing with the design in the weave representing their village. This mother and daughter offered to pose for me.
An important fact I want to pass along is their medical services. Very good quality and amazing costs. We had our teeth cleaned (by the DENTIST!) and I had a filling for less than $135 USD for the two of us. Then I went to the dermatologist - full body scan, 2 mystery growths removed (they are fine), and lab = $97, yes, I said $97. If you want to visit, www.guatemalamedicaltravel.com. The owner Lori will schedule your appointments and help in getting you room and board.
Paddy and I are back in the states. Le Chat Beaute' is docked in Rio Dulce, Guatemala, a famous hurrican hole. The Captain flew out yesterday to the Northwest to visit with family and friends, then I'll fly out in August for a Red Hottie (the Harley) ride up to and through the Vanouver Islands -CAN'T WAIT!!! Returning to the boat in October. I'm looking forward to seeing my friends and have already been busy visiting Mom in the assisted living facility. See ya soon!
