noticias

no work, more play

Following the work at the hospital, a few of us decided to stay a bit longer in Antigua and also travel to Monterico Beach.




La Antigua is a colonial city with an interesting history. It was the colonial capital of Central America, beginnng in 1543, one of the first planned cities of the New World. At that time Guatemala encompassed what is now El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica & was part of the Viceroyalty of Mexico. Antigua was the hub of the region, and remained the Capital until earthquakes repeatedly damaged much of the city. In 1779, the Capital was moved to Guatemala City. Guatemala gained independence in 1821.

Due to its preservation by UNESCO as "Heritage of Humanity", Antigua stands still in time. Many cathedrals, convents, monestaries and colonial homes appear as they did. Well-known Mayan ruins are located thru out the country, but Antigua has ruins of a different sort. Catholic structures remain today in the damaged and abandoned state from the earthquake of 1773.


The preservation by UNESCO has kept Antigua what is it... literally "old". You will find a McDonalds, internet cafes, and modern day convienences, but they are well-hidden behind the Spanish colonial architecture. The cobblestone streets, Central Park and 3 surrounding volcanos add to the beauty of this antique city. The long flower and plant-covered walls lining the streets only allow a small peek of what is inside, and the deep windows along the street jut out at about head level (keep alert when walking!), but have many practical purposes.


The door to the inside of the homes are typcially a double wide door for allowing a small car or previously, a horse carriage, but within the large door is a smaller door to allow those to pass thru on foot.


Thru the door, there is typically a central garden, complete with fountain and foilage, the rooms of the home perimeter the garden. The housing is pleasantly open and airy, thanks to the climate of Antigua, a constant mid-70 degrees.


Antigua has become a great place to visit with many nice hotels and restuarants which are safe for the gringo stomach. Also surrounded by coffee plantations and many interesting day trips to markets, beaches and volcano hikes.

posted by carla @ 1:46 PM