Antigua

Our next destination was Antigua, once the capital of Guatemala until is was hit by a large earthquake in 1773. The damage can still be seen today as the government is slowly restoring old Spanish churches and government buildings. Normally, photographers frown on taking photos of old buildings with power lines in front of them. Here however, it seems the best way to display the damage done over 200 years ago and still awaiting repair.
 

In Antigua, just near the Santa Catalina Convent (with its orange archway and clock tower). can be found the best cake shop in the world. With over 20 tempting delicacies, our group of bedraggled tourists all wisely chose something different. Gleefully clutching our cake like little children, we rushed to the town square to sit and share a taste of each others' treasures. I'm something of a sweet toothed connoisseur, and I can honestly say I have never tasted such amazing Carrot Cake, Pecan Pie and numerous varieties of Chocolate Cake and my favourite, Lemon Meringue Pie. There are no prizes for guessing where I stopped for my first of two breakfasts the next day, the second being yet another fabulous array of fresh fruit and home-made yoghurt, this time at Dona Luisa's.

Keen photographers will find that Antigua comes to life quite early in the mornings. By 6am smiling children are on their way to school and many workers are already busy at their tasks. On a clear day, an excellent view sometimes presents itself of a large volcano that dominates the skyline.

Antigua, as with all of Guatemala, offers something for everyone with it's Spanish architecture, art and history museums, street markets and high class but low priced jewellery and art shops, all of which unfortunately will accept Visa, Mastercard, Diners and American Express. It is very easy to get carried away here, but I'm still pleased with my many purchases. A few of us chose to hire mountain bikes one day for a ride to old Antigua. The first part of the journey was a struggle as we tried to remember how to keep our balance, the cobblestoned streets not helping. Once out in the countryside the whoops of delight told us our memories were coming right back. We became "slightly" lost once, stopping to ask a local for directions. The friendliness of the Guatemalans can't be overstated, he quickly got his bike and rode with us for 20 minutes until he we had arrived at old Antigua, steadfastly refusing any reward but leaving us with a great big smile. We stopped in old Antigua to replenish our water supplies for the ride back, observing the peaceful way of life in this town completely rebuilt as a series of villages. A very pleasant ride back, this time along the main road, took us past a mixture of coffee plantations, orchards, a boxing gym and several multinational owned factories. This time, the cobblestone road was no sweat!