Notes of a traveller

Alan Dodds – photographer (among other things)

Notes of a traveller


Antigua, The Colonial City in Guatemala

Posted on Saturday, October 14th, 2017 at 1:48 am

We really have no idea what to expect in Puerto Quetzal in Guatemala. We only know that there is not much happening where we dock and so have arranged to take the tour “Do it yourself Antigua”. To this end we ignore the tourist shops in the arrival area and are soon driving along a well paved dual carriageway through fields of sugar cane and soy beans.

Puerto Quetzal for Antigua, Guatemala

The harbour at Puerto Quetzal and the huge piles of coal delivered from the USA.

As we turn off the highway onto a smaller road, we begin to climb into the hills and the coffee plantations. The coffee trees are planted amid tall grevillia trees which give them shade. Coffee is one of the major exports from Guatemala. It is easy to see how they manage two coffee crops a year here … on either side of the road rise the cones of volcanoes. These volcanoes have already wiped out towns in the area and in the 1700’s caused the earthquake which caused such damage to Antigua, the town we are approaching.

Volcano above the city of Antigua, Guatemala.

The cloud capped volcano looms above the cobbled streets of Antigua

The powers that be in Antigua have decided in their wisdom, that large coaches are banned fron the old city, and so we transfer to small buses for the ride into city.

Cobbled roads in the city of Antigua, Guatemala.

The whole city of Antigua is paved with cobbles
Street in the city of Antigua, Guatemala.

These buildings show some grandure but also signs of wear.
A window in the city of Antigua, Guatemala.

Everywhere there are beautiful windows, many with plants and surrounded by brightly coloured walls

Antigua is a UNESO world heritage listed city and it has a number of surprises. We set off to walk the four blocks to the central square, and at first glance the houses seem small and many are still in some state of disrepair. However, glancing into doorways as we pass presents a completely different idea. Through archways we see courtyards filled with plants.

Entrance to a courtyard in the city of Antigua, Guatemala.

Peeking into courtyards reveals a different story.
A hotel courtyeard in the city of Antigua, Guatemala.

This Casa in Antigua is a hotel, so we take a peek into it’s courtyard to find manicured grass and magnificent tree ferns.
Hotel dining room in the city of Antigua, Guatemala.

And as for the dining room, it’s not at all what we had expected … high class and luxuriously furnished
Hotel dining table in the city of Antigua, Guatemala.

How about this for a dining table next to the greenery!
Colonnade on the side of the main square in the city of Antigua, Guatemala.

Arched colonnades and large flagstones along the sides of the main square in Antigua
Notice in the city of Antigua, Guatemala.

Couldn’t resist this one 🙂

It feels like time for a coffee so we go into a cafe. Inside there is as good a coffee shop as you can find anywhere. The cafe fills up, as a rain shower passes through, but not with tourists. Most are young, extremely well dressed locals. Why am I surprised, I ask myself? This idea that a town in the highlands of Guatemala in central america should have third world conditions – where did I get that from? Antigua is, it seems, a vibrant and successful city.

A coofee shop in the city of Antigua, Guatemala.

Coffee, cakes and excellent WiFi … what more could we ask?
Colonnade in the city of Antigua, Guatemala.

Not a tourist in sight!
Fruit vendor in the city of Antigua, Guatemala.

This fruit vendor stall has a tiled roof
Textile vendor in the city of Antigua, Guatemala.

Interesting how they only offer their wares to Jacqui.
House in the city of Antigua, Guatemala.

Many parts of this city are still in need of repair.
Furniture shop in the city of Antigua, Guatemala.

This is a furniture shop … love the door!
Hotel entrance in the city of Antigua, Guatemala.

Ornate columns frame the studded door of this hotel.
Arch in the city of Antigua, Guatemala

This Arch across the road is one of the best known features in Antigua
Entrance to the Contvento St Catalina Martir in the city of Antigua, Guatemala

Under the arch is this entrance with fountains playing in the courtyard beyond
Doorway in the city of Antigua, Guatemala

Every now and then, you can spot suspicious people lurking in doorways
Jewelry shop in the city of Antigua, Guatemala

Well ordered shops hide behind the preserved outer walls
Religious floats in the city of Antigua, Guatemala

Dozens of floats depicting religious scenes are locked behind bars until the next festival. The bundle of clothes on the step has a women hiding underneath.
Street scene in the city of Antigua, Guatemala

“I’ll swear she was only this tall”, said the street sweeper to the artist.
Door in the city of Antigua, Guatemala

These doorways were definitely meant to keep people out!
Shop sign in the city of Antigua, Guatemala

Lovely bit of artwork!
Shop in the city of Antigua, Guatemala

Inside a furniture shop.
Flower shop in the city of Antigua, Guatemala

Fresh flowers brighten the cloudy day.
Iglesia de la Merced in the city of Antigua, Guatemala

The Iglesia de la Merced is extensively decorated.
Iglesia de la Merced in the city of Antigua, Guatemala

The main alter in the Iglesia de la Merced in the city of Antigua, Guatemala
Iglesia de la Merced in the city of Antigua, Guatemala

In a side alcove of the Iglesia de la Merced, this beautiful shrine.
Street scenen in the city of Antigua, Guatemala

Alas, even here there are those that need to check the contents on rubbish bins.
Shop in the city of Antigua, Guatemala

The three wise owls look out from their cage.
Courtyard in the city of Antigua, Guatemala

Yet another glimpse of a lush courtyard
Orchids in the city of Antigua, Guatemala

Here, a couple of hobbits are spotted lurking behind the orchids.
Volcano eruption near the city of Antigua, Guatemala

As we leave Antigua, we get a reminder that this is a very active volcanic zone as the Fire Volcano shoots a plume of ash into the clouds.

I hope you have enjoyed these http://notesofatraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10 from our stroll around the streets of “The Colonial City” of Antigua, a city largely destroyed by an earthquake in the 1700’s which is now slowly being rebuilt thanks its UNESCO World Heritage Status.

Next time, we cross the equator and arrive in Equador.

Enjoy
Alan


10 responses to “Antigua, The Colonial City in Guatemala”

  1. Lynn Ayiotis says:

    Thank you for sharing, wonderful insight as always!

  2. Scott says:

    Makes my feet itchy, love the adventures !

  3. regina synnot says:

    How colorful,would love some of those gorgeous pieces of furniture.Looks like an amazing adventure.So far at least300ml of rain here, so don’t worry about your garden! Much love from Pomona

  4. Heather Curry says:

    Fab photos Alan, really enjoyed them You have not lost your flare! Sounds like you’re having a brilliant time – enjoy the rest. Love to Jacqui too. Lots of love Heather and Kelvyn xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

  5. Tony / Beryl D says:

    Hobbits from the outback! enjoying themselves,wonder what do the the natives think about them? Very glad that your travels are going well.Enjoy.

    Love,

    Tony & Beryl xxx

  6. Michael Bobrowicz says:

    Buenos Dias, You lucky people! Enjoyed the coffee shot!

  7. Domi Cohen says:

    Oh! I would go there!

  8. Heather says:

    Fabulous thank you for sharing ⭐️

  9. Jac-Aileen says:

    Oh gosh! They r simply fabulous ‘Suspicious Person’ of Hobbit connections! 👏😘 I see Notes from a Traveller and can’t wait to relax and read the latest blog of adventure and interest! Tks Alan, such a treat!! But Wow how colourful and appealing! The art place was that called Djinn?? Interesting – wonder if that is a term for something mystical? Love the cobbled streets and luscious furniture and artistic ambience aplomb! Looks like a travellers’ discovery delight this jaunt ❤️🐇

  10. Olly says:

    Wow the colours! Love Olly and Corrinne

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