We left the boat last Sunday and traveled to Antigua which is about 25 miles southwest of Guatemala City. It was the original capital of Guatemala from 1543 until it was partially destroyed by an earthquake in 1773. In 1776 the capital was moved to its present site in Guatemala City. Antigua is a beautiful colonial city situated amongst 3 volcanoes; Agua which is visible in this photo and Fuego and Acatenango. Fuego is still active as evidenced by frequent puffs of steam from its crater throughout the day.
Although the city was abandoned as the capital, many peopled stayed and today it is a tourist center with many fine hotels, museums and some of the best restaurants in the country.
We stayed at La Escuela del San Jose El Viejo which offers instruction in spanish and which is located next to an old convent. We took classes in 
the mornings and had the afternoons free. Instruction is one on one and the classrooms are in a beautiful garden setting.
the mornings and had the afternoons free. Instruction is one on one and the classrooms are in a beautiful garden setting.We had a field trip to a village nearby with a large Mayan population and while there we learned about the Mayan culture including traditionnal weddings. Mary 
and I served as models for some traditional Mayan wedding attire.
and I served as models for some traditional Mayan wedding attire.
Throughout Antigua are many examples of colonial architecture, some of whi
ch are in ruins but many others are in varyin
g states of restoration. 
One of the highlights of our visit was the walking tour of the city conducted by Elizabeth Bell who has lived in Antigua for 35 years and who has been intimately involved in the preservation of some of the city's most important architectural sites.
ch are in ruins but many others are in varyin
g states of restoration. 
One of the highlights of our visit was the walking tour of the city conducted by Elizabeth Bell who has lived in Antigua for 35 years and who has been intimately involved in the preservation of some of the city's most important architectural sites.The climate here is ideal mainly due to the town's elevation with nightime temps dipping into the low 50's and daytime temperatures in the mid-70's.
There are many fine restaurants and we sampled several of them. Our favorite was Meson Panza Verde. It is situated in the hotel of the same name and was quite close to the school. The food was wonderful and there was live entertainment by a Cuban jazz band.
We will definitely come back here, perhaps not to study, but to hang out and enjoy the great sights, culture and atmosphere.
Tomorrow we leave here to travel to Lake Atitlan.....more to come.
1 comment:
You two nuts!! When I first saw those pictures I thought Oh, Goodness they have renewed their vows "Guatemalan" style. I love the blog. Thanks for reminding me about it. Love you both and miss you both..Robin and Pat
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