The Doors of Antigua

Today was a "walkin around" day. We didn't have any plans except to get some cash, eat some street food and to take pictures of doors! Some of my friends and blog readers might remember that I also took many pictures of doors in Oaxaca city. I wonder what that says about me?

This lady was a bit huffy when she realized I took her picture, my bad!

This is my favourite, I didn't plan on getting these people in traditional dress, but it worked out well when they passed by :)

These guys were hand sanding this door

These purple banners are for Lent, they are everywhere until Santa Semana (Easter). Antigua has one of the largest Easter celebration in the world.

I also wanted to have a Guatemala Tostado, they are different from Mexican ones, not as good in my humble opinion...

Eating like a real lady :)

Volcano Pacaya; hiking in Guatemala

The day started with a long and winding van trip around mountains to get to the Volcano Pacaya. This volcano is an active volcano, erupting only 2 weeks ago, but not severely :) in 2010 the volcano erupted and overflowed into the town below, killing every tree and plant on it's way, it is amazing that in only 4 short years the place is re-forested!

Our guide, Carlo, was amazing, only 28 years old. Very knowledgeable, and his english was really good.

When you start out, there are 3 or 4 kids trying to rent you a walking stick, they swarm you and offer exactly the same product for the same price. It is basically a popularity contest. THEN, the people with horses try to sell you a ride. "Horses are so much easier lady!" I'm getting a little peeved at everyone thinking I can't manage on the bikes or on the trail, do I look super unfit to you? I work out :)

The horses then follow you for the first km or so, hoping you will change your mind!

South of Pacaya are 3 other volcanos, Volcano Agua, which is very close to Antigua. Volcano Fuego, which is the most active volcano in Central America, and Volcano Acatenango. You can see all 3 in the photo above, Volcano Agua, is the largest in the middle, the clouds/steam somewhat obscure Fuego and Acatenango.

First photo op Volcan Agua in the distance

People everywhere do this to park signs <<sigh>>

After a lengthy uphill, we reach the closest spot we can get to Pacaya. This volcano steams/smokes constantly so that stuff up top is not clouds! The place where I am taking the pictures, was once the crater, however it moved several hundred years ago. Even 2 weeks ago we could have reached a higher spot, but due to the eruption, we couldn't go much farther.

Hot couple, no?

I believe this guy has the most unusual gift shop in the known world, atop the volcano! He is selling Volcano jewellery! I bought earrings, who wouldn't, he has to walk over an hour to work everyday and he sells the jewellery for a Guatemala childrens cause as a Volunteer! He gets all my respect.

Roasting Marshmallows over lava.

Walking over the hot and sulphur lava fields, our guide melted his shoes last week!

4 Hour Tour! Bicycling in Guatemala

Today we wanted to get some exercise and see some country so yesterday we booked a bicycle tour at Old Town Outfitters. When we booked it was only the 2 of us, however by the morning there were 4 cyclists. Brian, a firefighter/Paramedic from Seattle volunteering in Guat. City teaching Bombero's (firefighters), Bojan, a German roofer, and Adrian and I. We were oldest. And slowest. But the wisest :)

This is a public laundry called a "Pila"

Macadamia Nut

Macadamia Flower

Most photographed Bano in Guatemala

We cycled approximately 23km through several small villages and lots of countryside. We saw chicken buses being modified to the Guatemala Standards (colourful). Many fried chicken stands, an organic Macadamia Nut Finca (farm) & several street markets.

We left Antigua at around 9:15 and we were back around 1:00, exhausted and ready for beers! After rehashing the trip with our new friends, we headed for lunch and a quick siesta!

Siesta over, we headed to Hectors restaurant, (very well rated on tripadvisor) for supper. It was rated high for a reason, it was delicious!

The three Amigos

Portobello Mushrooms

Tenderloin medallions with potatos and cream

Beef Bourguignon

Then we sat on a terrace and had sangria and waved at the people going by!

Cultural Walking tour

DAY 2

We started day 2 with a cultural walking tour of Antigua. We booked this tour online. At 9:30 we met our tour guide Elizabeth Bell, who has lived in Antigua for 45 years, she came to Antigua as a 14 year old girl and has not left. She had so much information, it was hard to absorb! Antigua and all of Guatemala has evolved so much in the 18 years since their civil war ended with a peace treaty. I won't get into it as you should visit yourself :)

overlooking Parque Centro

Central Park Cathedral, some of it has been brought back to it's original"ish" state, however there is much work to be done.

Earth Quakes destroyed the Cathedral.

Chicken Buses at the Mercado

For supper we went to the famous (recommended by Bryce and Kelly!) Rainbow Cafe.
Supper was really good, I had chicken Fajitas and Adrian had a pretty good lasagne.

We have arrived!

After way too much travel, and some really terrible turbulence on the flight into Guatemala city, we made it!

I can't believe how nice our hotel is?! The review on Travel Advisor were good, but not "wonderful". I think it is adorable!

Found Kim at the Hotel!!

Court Yard

We ventured out for a walk and then out to supper. We tried a traditional Guatemala restaurant: Fonda de la Calle Real. The three of us chose appetizers to share and of course some "refrescos", to accompany that. It was pretty good.

"La Comida Guatemala" means Guatemala food.

Our small walk through a few streets of Antigua were interesting. Many old buildings and architecture to see. Looking forward to seeing more.

The famous Antigua Arch

Central park to the right

Dessert was done twice! first one was at the restaurant and involved fried plantains with 2 kinds of sauces, the second was Street Food, Dumplings! I couldn't eat them due to my gluten intolerance, but Kim and Adrian seemed to enjoy them :)

Tuesday we plan to take a walking tour of the city! Will take some pictures of the sights.