Guatemala - Day 9

   I'm already home, but I want to post a few pictures I took of volcanoes and mountains from the airplane on the way from Guatemala City to Mexico City.

These two volcanoes are in a string of volcanoes in Guatemala.

Almost all of the country looks like this from the air - mountainous and beautiful.

This volcano is just outside Mexico City.  Notice the steam.  This is the third volcano I saw on this trip that was steaming.

So glad to be home, but still can't wait until next year!

Guatemala - Day 8

Dear Evan and Nathan,
     We spent all day exploring Antigua.  I started with a run to Cerro de la Cruz then up the hill behind the cross until I got tired of running straight uphill and finished with a lap around the perimeter of the city.  Then we all met for breakfast and a walk up to Cerro de la Cruz to take in the beautiful view of the city and volcano.  The rest of the day was spent wandering.  We happened upon some lovely spots.  My favorite pictures are below. 
     Dad told me you both won your soccer games and that you both had good games.  I'm glad I won't miss any more games this season.  I love you above you!  I will see you Monday when you wake up!
Love, Mom

The view from Cerro de la Cruz

 Central Park - This fountain is not as innocent as it looks.

This is my favorite spot in Antigua.  These are the ruins of the cathedral.  It was completed in 1680, rebuilt after each of the earthquakes in 1717 and 1751, and was not rebuilt after the earthquake of 1773.

A Lenten carpet in the Catedral de Antigua

We happened to be on the steps of the cathedral as this procession came by.

The band behind the float

Taking the processional float into the cathedral

One of the UPS adjunct faculty (and my friend), Meredith, happened to be in Antigua this week with her husband.  We met for lunch at a very authentic restaurant.  This was my favorite meal this week.

After lunch, Acacia and Mercedes and I wandered into this space.  I don't have any idea what it was, though there was a public library in it, but it was incredibly beautiful and peaceful.

This was my favorite Lenten carpet.  We had been on our feet all day so we sat in the front pew of the church and just enjoyed it.  There were birds in cages on each side of the carpet, and the one nearest to us had a beautiful song.

Making a Lenten carpet in the street

I happened to look into an open door from the street and found this lovely garden.  It was someone's house, so I just enjoyed it for a moment and asked the owner if she minded if I took a picture.

Guatemala - Day 7

Dear Evan and Nathan,
     We're in Antigua!  We left our hotel at 5:05 this morning and arrived in Antigua at 10:00.  After the sun came up, we saw some beautiful vistas as we drove through the mountains.  Antigua is as lovely as I remembered.  The town sits at about 5000 feet and is surrounded by volcanoes.  It was the most important Spanish settlement between Mexico City and Lima, and was founded in 1527.  Antigua was the original capitol of Guatemala until an earthquake destroyed much of the city in 1773. 
     Antigua is filled with ruins of churches destroyed by various earthquakes.  Since we are nearing Holy Week, we saw a few processions and the city was decorated for Lent.  We had a wonderful day exploring the city. 
     I miss you tons!  I hope you had fun watching the soccer game tonight.  Good luck in your games tomorrow!  I love you bunches and bunches.
Love, Mom

On our way to lunch.  The Arco de Santa Catalina is in the background.

The view from the restaurant where we ate lunch.

El Convento de la Compania de Jesus was built between 1690 and 1698.  It was destroyed in three earthquakes in 1717, 1751, and 1773.

A Lenten carpet.  These are made in the churches out of a dyed grain, fruit, and vegetables.  Stencils are used to make the beautiful designs out of the grain and the fruits and vegetables are placed around the carpet in intricate patterns.



This is the Antigua Cathedral.  It looks big, but actually, the ruins of a 16th century cathedral sit right behind the cathedral.  In fact, when you walk in the front door, you have to turn right to face the alter rather it being straight in front of you like other cathedrals.

Tanque La Union - In colonial times, this was used as a public laundry.

This is the Iglesia de San Francisco.  It is really lovely.  The next seven pictures are on the grounds of this church.

 

 

 

I was unable to determine what this building was in its previous life, but I liked the way it was lit.  It reminded me a little of some of Guadi's buildings in Barcelona.