Villa De Antano Antigua Guatemala

... was dusk and difficult to see the path. I felt like I wouldn’t be able to make it, and had to pause every five minutes. I couldn’t help but think that my butt had better look fabulous as a result of this extreme workout. I trudged on.



Suddenly I felt it. As the path turned to all volcanic rock, the wind swept the heat down from the volcano. It reminded me of that particular ...

... kite would come crashing to the ground, normally into a group of on-lookers ... it was very entertaining.

After a few minutes of ridiculing their attempts we decided to show them up, buy our own kites and send them flying. It ended in pretty much the same fashion. I really have no better way of explaining it than just showing you the video we took. Its attached to this blog entry, ha, enjoy.
hasta luego,
Andy

... if you have the money.

Generally, with the exception of my weekend getaways and the school excursions, my time here in Antigua has been characterised my daily routines of attending school, visiting different cafés in the afternoon, making homework, and tucking in early. Most nights, Eliane and I have just spent in our respective rooms with the family, perhaps going out once of twice every week to Reilly's for a beer or two. Staying here ...

... getting warmer and warmer. And soon we could feel the heat burning through the soles of our shoes. At one point of time, when we were at the top, we were 4 people standing in line one this very narrow and extremely hot path behind this guy taking a picture. And none of us liked the situation at all and just screamed at the guy to keep going! Then I saw it. The lava floating just 20-30 m from me! It was an amazing sight. But I just could not enjoy it very much ...

I tend to like Antigua more and more. Although - despite my origin - I never seem to remember always to bring my umbrella. It is after all the rainy season, which means that the weather can change from soaring heat to thunder and crazy downpours in just minutes. I have tried getting soaked a couple of time.

Luckily there is not much traffic here in Antigua. Although there are cars, they are forced to drive very slowly, and I think the permitted speed is 40 km ...

... Big fat rain and huge rumble of thunder. It was touch and go as to whether or not the tour would go ahead but in the end they decided to risk it. The volcano was an hour away and we were met off the bus by ten or so children screaming at us ´stick, stick, hey friend you want stick?´ They were selling walking sticks for five quetzals and were obviously in competition with one another as to who could make the most money from the stupid gringos. They ...

... and eating some marshmallows. We took some pictures of the stupidity of mankind... well we were part of it for a moment!

On the way down, we could see the lava up the mountain, as it was almost night.

I had no flashlight, so had to climb down in the dark, using the force.

The city is so nice we will stay here a few days, just to relax.

More news later!!

... the once enormous Convent of St. Catherine. Further up the Avenida is the fully intact Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de la Merced (Church of Our Lady of Mercy). In my opinion this church is the most beautiful structure in the city and probably the country. Again, there was a steady procession of wedding ceremonies. During the walk to La Merced, I was able to enjoy the various street performers taking advantage of the traffic restriction and ...

... went out to explore the water ways. It was so beautiful and unspoilt. Just lots of indigenous people fishing from their home-made dug out canoes. However, a double kayak is like having someone tell you how to drive. It was awful. We argued the whole way as I thought Paul couldn´t steer , and then I didn´t actually have enough muscle power to steer. The dutch bloke stayed mysteriously 100´s ...

... and went out to find some dinner. The city is absolutely charming and I found it very appealing. Colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, Mayans in indigenous clothing, excellent restaurants...what's not to love? Unfortunately, the hostel turned out to be incredibly noisy. The usual concrete echo that people seem to be unaware of - you can hear every squeak and whisper - and ...