after a short 4 hour and 17 minute flight, a red-eye leaving LAX at 1 am, i arrived here in the land of volcanoes. the u.s. state department has a guatemalan travel advisory that is v.v. long, but equally long are the lists of many people who have traveled here safely. i chose to think about that list. so far so good. no armed robbers on the way from the airport, i still have my cell phone, passport, and other impt. items, i haven’t been kidnapped, and the ride up to antigua from guatemala city was lovely.
the most dangerous thing seems to me to be the cobblestones that are positively treacherous. chunky uneven cubes with big gaps in between. they’re ancient and probably haven’t been updated in a few hundred years. i cling to the narrow sidewalks and when i cross the street i choose each footstep with care.
i’ve seen a zillion things to sketch here at the house and out in the streets, but i haven’t done a single thing yet. too bleary-eyed from my overnight flight. also i found an ancient (late 19th century) book in one of the rooms about guatemala and my nose has been buried in it.
the house is 400 years old and smells and looks like a museum. in a lovely state of faded glory. it’s a rambling old place. i’m a time traveler here.
i’ll have more impressions of antigua in a couple of days. for now just getting settled, sitting in all the chairs, picking my way over the cobblestones, admiring the volcanoes, hoping for another eruption (the pilot of the plane said there were signs of volcanic activity and my driver confirmed that early this morning one of them put on a show)
girl reporter at her station. getting situated. see you soon. xo
Ok, I am crazy for the bus. I love colors. the home you are renting is perfect. Have you been able to converse with many locals? I am happy to be traveling with you through your blog posts. Be safe my friend.
Mary Ann – When you go to the local market in Antigua and look at toy animals ask if they have any Agouti’s not tapirs…although they would probably laugh about tapirs as well. Hope you are settling in happily and have already
tipped back a hot chocolate or two or three 🙂 What’s the weather like at this time of year? I was there in July and it
was VERY HOT.
Volcanos and cobblestones. I suspect the latter are more dangerous so tread carefully my friend. They are also hard on the joints I say from experience. Can’t wait to see your first food & drink. Caffe con leche I suspect.
The red chair
Oh boy Oh boy Oh boy!! This is gonna be a good one!
So I had to smile, your photos always intrigue me so I let my eyes wander around each one, taking in all the details. The flight photo is gorgeous, and so much grand architectural elements to feast upon and indeed those streets. I noticed them right away. And people here complain about the occasional pot hole. Boulders indeed. They are a treat for the eyes though and have so much more personality than poured concrete or asphalt. Gotta hand it to you, it ‘s pretty cool when walking across a road becomes an off-road adventure. Do you have your trusty, sure-footed ‘keens’ strapped on to your feet? Or have you found a better wandering shoe these days? Your home away from home is a delight and I can’t wait to see more.
And we are off again on another adventure with MAM girl reporter. I am loving it all. The wonderful white on the buildings, fantasic windows, tropical plants of vivid colors, etc. I bet those cobblestones make for a bumpy ride let alone navigating on foot. Take care and have a blast. Will anxiously await next missile .
I look things up. It’s what I do. Here is some info on the volcanos in Guatemala. I bet Mary Ann already has this, but this is for the general edification of those who are curious. http://guatemalanguide.com/about-guatemala/guatemalas-volcanos/
WOW! What an amazing feast for the eyes! Okay I know you said the cobblestones are treacherous, but how very quaint and charming they are. Also, I have a thing for beautiful windows, and that place seems to be rich in unique windows. I also adore the bird planter and the red-orange chair and, and….well just pretty much everything. I hope you get a little bit of a temper tantrum from one of the volcanoes but NOT a full throated belching! Yikes! I watched Mt St Helens when she blew….I could see it from south Seattle! It can strike terror in the heart. Currently, I live very close to, and with a full view of Mt Rainier, and hope she slumbers peacefully for a long time. But I digress…I hope you find many good places to eat, and sketch, and your bed is comfy and that you brought good walking shoes! Can’t wait for more from intrepid traveler:) I looked up some pics from where you are and the colors and light are incredible! Carry on, carry on’er.
Looking forward to read abouth your adventures! How beautiful it is to stay in this ancient area!! Be careful and have fun!
Yea! So glad you are there! Love the little pigeon planter!
Jeleeeeeessssss
Oooooo …Dios mío …..pero qué bonito es ese lugar? El nombre: ANTIGUA ya es precioso. Veo las fotos de ese patio con baldosas rojas formando estrellas y las macetas alrededor , y llega aquí un olor a humedad fresca y montaña…..ummmmm !
Me anticipo pensando en qué fotos vas a mandar …vestidos llenos de colores, ummmmm …riquísima comida…flores, frutas……me muero por ver más fotos!
Eagerly monitoring iPad for next report GirlReporter!!!
Missy from the bayou
I love your get up & go!
I love your sit down & draw!
I love your photos … you seem to know what I want to see?
I love that you take me along.
Thank you or gracias Senorita!
Ooooo gorgeous! Be careful.
Ok this sounds like an adventure! I expect you’ll be hoisting a mainsail with a cutlass between your teeth any moment. Or at least a pen. Captain Jack Sparrow can fend for himself. Seriously swooning at the description of your colonial abode.