Fri 23 November - Day 28 to 28 - Returning to Antigua, Guatemala

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Fri 23 November - Day 28 to 28 - Antigua



Returning to Antigua bought us hotter weather and familiarity. We had loved Antigua the last time we were here but had noticed it was quieter as the Festival of Flowers was over. Tom & I found the Barrister Café on the edge of the Central Square. They served wonderful cappuccino and a spicy soup with avocado.



We also visited an old church which was devastated by one of the earthquakes has now been converted into small sections for the purpose of learning carpentry, electrical and other trades.



We then visited a travel agent to see if they could take us to a good spot to view the Fuego Volcano which was erupting constantly. He quoted an exorbitant price so went back to the hotel Posada Los Bucaros and met up with Alfredo. He suggested visiting another agent close by to see if an alternate solution could be found. The deal was struck and 5 of us ended up hopping into a minivan to ‘chase some lava at night’ (Jenelle & Jim from Melbourne and Corina from Swaziland).



At 4.30pm we drove to San Juan del Obisto, visiting the local Catholic Church which, of course was on top of a hill. The sun was setting just to the left of the volcano. It was spectacular seeing this active volcano puffing its smoke and lava out at the same time as the sun was setting. The driver and the tourist office man (who ended up coming with us) were so excited for us and tried to find the best viewing spot for us.



After the sun had set and many photos taken, we then drove to Salotenango which was a further 30 minutes. It was dark by then and as soon as we arrived in the town the power went off in the town, a regular occurrence apparently. What also happened was that a cloud came across and completely covered the site of the 3 volcanos!!!!!



The spot where we had stopped was the town centre square. We noticed a church on the edge of the square (of course!) and a covered area where all the ladies were doing their washing – now in the dark. There was a beautiful full moon so at least they could see something. Soon the lights came back on. The driver said we would wait a little while to watch the cloud disappear. It really didn’t and in addition, there was ‘vog’ (volcanic smog) which made it appear a little thicker.



The driver then decided to take us to another viewing spot, but the cloud persisted. After an hour we decided the cloud wasn’t going to move so we drove back to Antigua.



The next morning Jim & Jenelle got fantastic shot of the Fuego Volcano and its lava. I have included one of these photos. I also have Jim’s movie of the explosions which we had seen the previous day. So not all was lost and we saw a beautiful sunset.



We returned to our hotel and had a light dinner in the restaurant next to the hotel. All the Christmas decorations were coming out in every town we were visiting, including this restaurant. I can’t believe it is nearly Christmas.



The next day our journey towards Honduras was on the agenda so after 11 fantastic days in Guatemala, we say goodbye to this Mayan established country which has given us beautiful scenery and many more wonderful experiences.

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