Antigua, Guatemala
Trip Start
Apr 07, 2006
1
15
31
Trip End
Aug 18, 2006
Antigua,
Guatemala
Friday, June 16, 2006
The first thing that struck me about Antigua was HOT WATER. Its the first hot shower I've had in a month and it was pretty memorable. Not that the hot weather and humidity demands it, but nothing gets rid of a months worth of travel dirt like hot water.
I think in my travel blog about Granada I compared it to Cuzco in Peru. I take that back. Antigua IS the Cuzco of Central America. Anyone who has been to both would be forgiven for mistaking the 2. Antigua and the highlands of Guatemala are the traditional lands of the indigenous Mayan people and they are very prevalent here
01_Ruined cathedral in Antigua
. Basically Antigua is the first place in CA that is truly geared towards tourists. What this means is every 3 shops consist of an internet cafe, restaurant and a travel agent. It also means that there are tons of Americans either on package tours, here for a weeks holiday, learning Spanish or volunteering. There's always lots going on here, which is something quite different and refreshing. There are loads of tours from Antigua to just about everywhere in Guate, as well as Honduras or Mexico, but give me the chicken busses any day.
For a couple days I just walked around, taking in the sights. There are beautiful cathedrals, buildings or markets at every turn so lots to keep me occupied. I also had the best coffee since leaving Spain, and have visited the same coffee shop every day since, mainly watching the soccer (Aussie were unlucky not to get the draw in my opinion). I also found a gym here. Boy am I unfit!
On my return to Antigua from Panajachel and Chichicastenango I climbed my first volcano!
I woke up at 6 this morning for the 2 1/2 hour drive and hike up Volcan Pacaya. I didn't expect much, but when we got to the top, it was one of the most awesome sights I've ever seen. Molten hot lava flowing out of the earth!! New earth being born!! It was truly incredible, standing only 2 meters away from 1000 degree lava! Standing on earth and rock that existed deep down in the earth only weeks before!! And seeing lava flowing up from holes in the earth! (Can anyone tell I'm excited?!
Tomorrow or the next day I finally leave the Pacific coast and start making my was over to the beautiful Caribbean via central Guatemala and Honduras......Pura Vida......
