Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Antigua Guatemala

La Antigua Guatemala means the "Old Guatemala" and was the third capital of Guatemala. This is my favorite town to visit and it is located about 45 minutes from the city.This place is famous for its well-preserved Spanish influence and Baroque architecture as well as a number of spectacular ruins of colonial churches. We stayed in a hotel called "Las Farolas" for a few days. It has a beautiful garden with spectacular flowers and plants.
The temperature at night was so perfect to sit, relax and read a book.

This place was surrounded by plants and antiques.

I couldn't resist taking pictures of these beautiful exotic plants.

Look at this... it's so pretty!
This flower is called "Yellow Shrimp"

Huge leaves!While taking these pictures, someone was watering the plants by hand, with a hose :o) BTW this garden is pretty big!

This is a really cool vine. Are you able to see the lines coming from the top? Look at the bottom of the window and you will see the flowers at the end. Here is a closer look of the flower. Gorgeous, don't you think?
We took a horse carriage to the Central Park (only 3 blocks from the hotel).
Isy and my sister Vivi, my Mom and I

This is the entrance to one of the Souvenir Markets

While at the market I saw this indigenous hand weaving a textile. She explained to me that they have a story on each of them and it takes her 3 months to make one. They're sold for very little money compare to the amount of time it takes to make it.
This is one of many Catholic Churches in Antigua Guatemala. This one is use now for events. That night they had a wedding celebration and it looked like a night club.
The Central Plaza is surrounded by important buildings dating back from colonial times, this central plaza is the main hangout for locals. It’s always packed on weekends and festivals, when it is the scene for concerts and parades.

Fountain and Cathedral.
Closer look of the fountain. Don't you like it?

Cathedral
A couple of jewelry vendors at the Central Park.Hanging out at the Central Park.I guess she didn't want her picture taken!

This group of indigenous were playing "Marimba" and some other instruments while the little boy was dancing.


Streets of Antigua Guatemala
Isy being attacked by an angel!If you would like to hear how "Marimba" sounds like, click on the video bellow.

1 comment:

{Alynn} said...

Oh Immer! You look so pretty and at home there! Those hanging flowers are just beautiful, it's such a beautiful country -- will you take me with you next time you go?!? Puh-leeeese?