Antigua, Guatemala

(see map) (wikipedia info) mike: Antigua is known as one of the best preserved Spanish colonial towns in Central America and is also the former capitol of Guatemala (until 1776). It was moved due to Guatemala City due to the constant threat of earthquakes here. The Volcan de Agua towers above the skyline which you can see below. There is also the Pacaya Volcano nearby where you can take tour to and roast marsh mellows on hot lava though we didn´t have time for this one. In addition, it is the number one destination for Spanish schools in Guatemala followed by Xela. We spent our one day here soaking up the colonial sites on foot.

Our hotel room had white stucco walls with high cellings of unfinished wood and a great little courtyard shown above.

Trin under the columns of City Hall at Parque Central.

Parque Central with the Cathedral of San Jose in the background which at one time was the most grand in Central America.

I was impressed with the intricate stonework.
Trin washing my dirty laundry.

Trin trying to buy up all of the illegal Shrek and Madagasgar DVDs at the local outdoor market.

Volcan Agua in the background. There is a rule here, to preserve the colonial feel, that you can´t have any signs hanging from outside your building, they can only be flush against the front of your storefront. The streets are all cobblestone and lined with alternating color homes and business.

The following day, we booked the one hour shuttle from Antigua to Guatemala City to catch 3pm flight to BA. To our dismay no bus arrived. The hotel owner called to find out we weren´t even on the list (though they had our money) and this company didn´t have any more shuttles until 4pm, uh oh. After running all over town, we luckily found another shuttle for 1pm and made it to Guatemala City with one hour to spare to find our flight was delayed anyway!

The delayed flight meant we would miss our connection in Miami to BA. After arriving in Miami, Trin sweet talked American Airlines into a free hotel, transportation, and meal vouchers, nicely done I must say, she wouldn´t take no for answer! We were back on American soil for the night well ahead of when we expected to be and craving some sushi and a nice hot, long, shower. The following day we headed to the local mall to stock up on some missing necessities before catching our flight to Buenos Aires.