Antigua - Blogabond

Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala

I arrived at night by myself as Dave, Dave and Jan had gotten stuck in Dallas after being delayed in Denver by the snowstorm. I was picked up by Jose, who didn't speak a word of English. I spoke enough to let him know that he could smoke in the car. He pointed out every Pollo Campero on the main drag. Pollo Campero is like a chicken fast food place with a really cute chicken for a logo. We did not stop to eat at one.
So when we finally arrived in Antigua, I was famished. I hiked out back into town after finally finding the hotel we were booked at... it was pitch black but luckily I had my headlamp. I had no idea where to go and kept walking past bars instead of places that served food. Finally I saw some white people crossing the street and ran over and said, "Hey do you guys know where I can get some food?" It turned out they were fellow Canadians and they kindly directly me to a little hole in the wall, I made it just before the kitchen closed. I had some chow mein that tasted like it had cheese in it (would have been disgusting in any other circumstance, but boy did it taste good that night), and a Gallo (with many more to come).

Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala

The Postcard shot

I slept in and woke up to roosters crowing and other calls of birds I did not recognize. After a little breakfast at a cafe near the plaza, I spent the rest of morning wandering around the city. The sun was hot and it was clear so good views of the volcanoes to the south and west: Agua, Fuego and Pacaya. The market was going full force when I arrived. I was a little disappointed not to see a lot of food action like the way Asian markets seemed to be focused on, but nonetheless there was a lot to see.

Mad little Hula hooper

Misty Volcano

After lunch, I decided to sit in the shade at the plaza, close to the waterfountain, just to take a breather from the hot sun. I was kind of accosted but a drunk man with a lazy eye. He made me sit and talk to him. I believe very little of what he said because of his whiskey breath and dubious comments on women, but he told me that he could speak English because he has lived in the States and fought in Iraq. He also went on to tell me how much he liked Asian women etc. and all the girlfriends he has had from Japan and Taiwan. We were in a very public place so I didn't feel threatened but he was pretty weird. So I said goodbye to buddy. Nothing like that ever happened again while I was with everyone else so I guess it's what happens to lone female travellers...

Lining up for the Bank

Everyone arrived late that night.

written by

Joyee on October 27, 2006 from Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala

from the travel blog: Guatemala with the Joneses

tagged Antigua and Guatemala

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Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala

Colourful streets of Antigua

The last two days were spent in Antigua. We were waiting for Carrie Ann to arrive so we could do some other exploring. I got a few good pics of volcanoes in the area at dusk. Agua was smoking as the sun was setting here.

Smoking Agua

Sunset Sky

Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala

So, week one is almost over and i have had an absolutely fabulous time. I have been speaking in Spanish and interacting with locals and living the Antigua life!

Our days, this past week consist of...

8:00 - 12:00 - Spanish lessons at The Sevilla School. So wonderful to wok on my Spanish that diligently but so difficult!

12:00 - 1:00 - Lunch at the Hostal El Montanes. We picked up some food at the super mercado.

1:00 - 5:00 - Walkin around the city Enjoying all of the beautiful sites!

The best part of all is that I am speaking in Spanish, and people understand what I'm saying! How crazy is that? I was walking Down the street and I was able to here two girls call me a gringo! Putting my skills to use!

Tomorrow we leave for Santa Cruz and then the real work begins. Stay tuned, I'll update more throughout the week!

Hasta Luego!

written by

gracegoestosantacruz on July 23, 2012 from Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala

from the travel blog: Waves of Friendship helps Guatemala

tagged Antigua, School, Spanish and Gringo

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On my own

Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala

Exploring the City

Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala

Volcanoes

Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala

Did she just call me a Gringo?

Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala

Heading South?