Guatemala / Belize Part #5 Updated 7/25/2006

One of the many 'Chicken Buses'.  These are converted US Blue Bird School buses used for public transportation throughout Central America. After a thoroughly enjoyable experience in Lanquin it was time to head on to Antigua, Guatemala.  We spent 2 weeks taking Spanish lessons, climbed an active volcano, toured a coffee plantation and took in the sights around the city.  Once again, we met many very interesting travelers along the way. Background Photo:  Lava formation from active volcano Pacaya near Antigua, Guatemala.

Antigua, Guatemala

We arrived in Antigua on a chicken bus after a long day of travel from Lanquin, through Coban to Guatemala City and then finally, Antigua.   Antigua is an old colonial style city.  The streets are lined with multi-colored walls on both sides and nondescript doors that lead to the secret insides of the buildings.  Almost all of the buildings have courtyards inside and although the exterior may be unimpressive, the interiors are often very nice. Three volcanoes ring the city and almost anywhere you look, you will see one.

Below Left:  The fountain at La Merced is 27m in diameter and is said to be the largest in Central America.  Sounded like a worthwhile stop considering the investment for admission was only $0.40.  Guess it would have been more impressive if there was more than a trickle of water coming out of the top! Below Right:  Now there is a fountain!  Lots of water squirting from everywhere.  This was photographed frequently by the male tourists....

Below Left:  The church in Central Park during Corpus Christi.  An important part of this celebration was to shoot off very loud fireworks.  We assume this was to scare the living evil out of everyone within a 5 block radius! Below Right:  There are many churches in Antigua that were damaged so severely by earthquakes that they have not been completely restored.  This is a photo of Iglesia de San Francisco.

Below:  It wasn't all fun and sightseeing while we were in Antigua.  We spent 2 weeks in the Tecun Uman Spanish School.  We had very good teachers and improved noticeably over the 2 weeks.

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