My Pictures from Guatemala

I'm home in Rochester, where winter is winding down. If you're tired of winter, or just need a look at some exotic color, take a look at my photos from Antigua, Chichicatenango, Panajachel and Tikal!

Tuctuc Ride in Antigua

Tuctucs, the motorcycle powered rickshaws, arevery common in Guatemala. In Antigua and other colonial cities with old cobblestone streets, the tuctuc ride can be very much like a full body dry heave. Check it out:

It gets you where you need to be!

Sunday in Antigua

Today in Antigua, Lenten observances continued with a procession through the streets, during which men and boys dressed in purple robes carry the cross. Figurines of the processors, called cucarachas, are sold in the markets and stores to mark the season, much like the figurines of the holy family, shepherds and wise men that are sold at Christmas. The procession entered Antigua about 11:00 a.m. and spent the entire day walking the streets, arriving in the Parque Central about 7:30 p.m.

While waiting for the procession, we watched a Mayan Celebration of the Four Points in the Parque Central with a marimba band, ribbons, flowers and dancing. Four points celebrates the Mayan union of the cross of Jesus Christ with the four points of Mayan life - sun, moon, earth and people.

The procession arrived in a cloud if incense, with hundreds of people following the Andaria with Christ carrying the cross. The processions will continue every Sunday though Lent, and then daily during Semana Santa or Holy Week. It’s a privilege to witness this beautiful tradition.

¡Hola de Guatemala!

After digging my way out of the northeast snowstorm, and wrangling with the airlines over cancelled flights, I’m finally in Guatemala. Susan Leffler and I are sitting on our balcony of the Hotel Casa de las Fuentes, enjoying tragos of Flor de Cañ a rum and watching the sun set over Antigua Guatemala.

The hotel is beautiful, just a few blocks from the main square of downtown Antigua, owned by a lovely woman named Estella, who has been hosting us in Antigua since I first visited here in the early 90s. The rooms have gorgeous tile floors, large windows and - just recently - television sets! Hotel Casa de las Fuentes (House of the Fountains) is built around several gardens full of tropical plants and birds. Unfortunately the fountain is not running.

After getting settled, we spent a little time in the Parque Central (main square) shopping and people-watching. It’s very interesting to see the local observations of the season of Lent, which began on Ash Wednesday, February 17th. Balconies of public buildings are draped with purple cloth, and many establishment display a Lenten Cuarisma, similar to the way that American establishments display manger scenes at Christmas.

We hope to meet up with an American friend who lives here in Antigua for dinner a bit later this evening, and tomorrow will be a quiet day in town shopping, eating and people watching. Hasta mañana!