Antigua (7/28)

Today we took a bus to Antigua, the former capital of Guatemala. I’ve heard many stories about this city and it definitely did not disappoint. It was about a 45 minute bus ride through intense vegetation and climbing and falling altitude with the end result of beautiful historic buildings, cobblestone streets, and incredible people. I think I could totally live in Antigua forever :) (don’t worry, Mom, I’m only half serious)

Elisa, Brandon (a secondary science teacher from Colorado), Aubrey and I rented bikes from a woman who went to CU and was living in Antigua with her Guatemalan boyfriend she met in college. She was incredibly friendly and is completely embracing the Guatemalan culture and lifestyle. The idea of owning a bike shop in a city like that sounded just too good to be true. I don’t know her but I kind of dig her life!

We took the bikes for a two hour ride around the city on the bumpy roads. We passed several old churches with the most beautiful architecture and a bunch of school kids taking a break for lunch. There is also a volcano just south of Antigua called Volcan de Agua that we hope to hike in the near future. The bike I was riding kept losing its chain so Aubrey and I headed back sooner than Elisa and Brandon but it was definitely well worth it. I usually like to spend my money on experiences rather than possessions but hopefully I don’t pass up too many things along the way.



Aubrey and I then went to an authentic Guatemalan restaurant and got the most amazing food. I approve of the Guate cuisine now that I’ve tried the real deal. I got a vegetarian soap with potatoes and green beans that had the most interesting spices and flavors. It was almost like a curry it was so intense. Then of course we hit up the ice cream shop and then went back to catch the bus. It was quite a lovely afternoon but we definitely have a lot more exploring to do in Antigua

Tomorrow is a looooong day of meetings at the school so we will probably be heading to bed early tonight. It is also Laura’s, our principal Colin’s wife and fellow primary teacher, birthday so apparently some plans are in the works for a fun celebration on Friday night. Elisa and I were thinking about doing a bike/kayak tour of Lake Atitlan this weekend but still have a bit of research to do before that can happen.

Hope all is well with you! I will be posting pictures and what not when I have internet in the apartment but we still have no idea when that will happen. Everything is on “Guatemalan time” from now on :)

-Hannah