Jan 31, 2013 - Antigua Redux

Decided to spend our last few days in Guatemala revisiting the Rip Van Winkle city of Antigua. When the Spanish gave up rebuilding Antigua in 1773, after yet another devastating earthquake (three in 65 years). The devastated town was abandoned and left to the locals for close to 200 years. Ruined buildings and those not so ruined were left as they were. All the streets remain cobblestoned. There is a relaxed atmosphere that pervades the way of life. Your voice bears the brunt of being in this place as EVERYONE you pass on the streets says...

Jan 20, 2013 - Acatenango Volcano

Up at 04:30 for coffee and then a one hour ride to the start of our hike to the summit of Acatenango Volcano at 13,129 ft. We arrive to a small village before sunup and start the climb. It is in the direction of up from the beginning; not much flat or down for the next five hours. The up is also quite steep. AND the surface of the ground is mostly loose, and usually 6 inches deep, small volcanic gravel. So, what does that mean you ask. Well it means with each small step (not much more than a foot length in front of the previous step)forward...

Jan 18, 2013 - Antigua

Antigua is a throw back city in time. The streets are all cobbled, and the buildings are mostly one story. It also used to be the Spanish capital of their Central American Empire till 1773. Why you might ask ? Well after more than three hundred years of repeated earthquakes that usually levelled the town/city the Spanish created and moved to Guatemala City. Hence Antigua remained in a relative time warp, and what a pleasure to be so `warped´. Maybe the cobbled streets impede your attempts at moving fast that time slows ? To be in a hurry...

Nov 26, 2012 - Attitlan, San Pedro, Antigua

Theresa and I enjoyed yesterday's breakfast so much we decided to go back. We weren't disappointed. Quick service at 7:30 am left us time to do a little exploring in Panajachel and I found Devin a funky hat. It's really big on me so hopefully it fits his massive head. After meeting the others we headed to the dock to board our boat for the day. While waiting we were accosted by the usual ladies selling things. One with scarves targeted me. Her please lady, I need money for lunch finally got to me so I bought two. Yes, I'm a sucker. Oh...

Nov 6, 2012 - Antigua

Antigua Antigua. Was described to us as the nicest town in central America. It's true. It really is. Everyone is so friendly. everywhere we go there is a smile and a wave. Literally everyone. So either andy is walking round with his flies undone or it's a by law.  Mind you if I had an armed policeman at the end of every street too I'd crack a grin. The streets are cobbled and getting around in anything with less suspension than an off road quad bike is likely to render you infertile. We've both got bruised fods from bouncing off mini bus...

Jul 19, 2012 - Antigua...

So nice to have had some time to myself. Forced myself to stay in bed at my hotel, Mason Del Valle, until around 9am before heading out for breakfast and a look around the town. Checked out a couple of churches and saw a pretty wedding in one of the big ones. Next door was the ruins of the church annex with a huge pond - no water and a couple of large rooms which were being prepared for the wedding party - a really great setting and I could imagine the kids playing in the old fountain. The next morning after breakfast at my hotel...large...

Jul 18, 2012 - Home again

Well Monday found me back in Antigua--home once again! After two whole weeks of studying Spanish, I feel that Antigua is now my second home and I hate to leave to go back to Toronto. I am not the only one that feels this way, as most of the students that I saw Monday for the last time, feel the exact same way. They are the lucky ones however, they are staying longer. If I known it would be so much fun, that I would meet so many wonderful people, and have an amazing time I would have chosen to study for an entire month!!!! My trip home...

Jul 14, 2012 - la última clase

So yesterday was my last class! A bittersweet day, saying good bye to classmates, my wonderful teacher, but celebrating an accomplishment that I actually did it! I studied, and feel more confident in speaking spanish(okay Spanglish)! Some of "Los niños cool"went for lunch to celebrate! Delicious crepes at la Luna de Miel( honeymoon)....I had to have a Parisian crepe to celebrate the new arrival( she's part français)!! After our lunch we went to Pastores to get my new shoes and boots. A bunch of different people went along for "the ride" and...

Jul 12, 2012 - El Mercado y la ciudad vieja

Yesterday was another beautiful day here in Antigua! I must say I can't complain about the weather---even though it is rainy season, it usually rains later in the day when we are at Janet's for la cena (dinner). Yesterday's activities included a visit to a project school for disadvantaged children( I mentioned it in an earlier post), needless to say my tough skin lasted the duration of our visit, however, to see such poverty and such desperation to win any game for "a prize" was disheartening. I wonder what we as tourists are doing by...

Jul 10, 2012 - Antigua, Guatemala

Well Janet's house is full again!(Janet is our home stay host) We have a family from Taiwan...papa Jim(not Goldsmith)is American from Texas, but mama(WeinJin) is Taiwanese the 2 chicos(son Casey-16 and daughter Jackie 10)and they all live in Taipei! We have Vicky from Montreal and Anna from Fresno, California. An amicable group as we all sat around the dining table working on homework together! A little about Janet...our host! She is a single, divorced mother of 2--Martin and Daniela(university age and high school). Her parents live close...

Jul 6, 2012 - San Antonio, Guatamala

Antiguamente*** Sorry I did not write yesterday! As I said previously, we did crack open the chocolate and we all ate chocolate with cinnamon, choc with macadamia and chocolate with chilies! MMMMmmmm-just so you know it was delicious! I went to school yesterday and did well for the first 30 minutes, then it was all downhill from there, needless to say my mind left me and I felt totally,utterly confused! It was not my best day to study! I must say my teacher Bittia is very patient and is willing to work at my pace which makes me feel like...

Jul 4, 2012 - Happy Independence Day!!

En l'escuela today was conversation day. I'm surprised by the number of little kids at our school--Ranging in age from 5 to 16!! They are with their parents who are also studying. What a great family vacation! My homework last night was to write about a tradition from Nova Scotia. I chose to talk about the Apple Blossom Festival en primavera. I did well conversing in Spanish about apples(manzanas)-at least in my mind anyway. After our break---which is a treat-fresh coffee and a little old abuela comes with homemade tostadas, tamales and...