Town of ruins

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We were now officially on the tourist trail. We had the option of a shuttle service to get from Copan to Antigua. For US$10 each we decided to try it out. It was only a minivan (like the public ones we have been taking but everyone had a seat), full of long-legged gringos, and late to leave. At the border we requested stamps again and got unofficial looking stamps for leaving Honduras and for entering Guatemala. Others saw what we were doing and asked for the same but the immigration guys said 'No more!' obvious fed up with frivolous requests. We only stopped once and the trip turned out to be 7 hours instead of the 5 or 6 we were promised. Knees and bums were in great pain but we could still appreciate the beauty of Antigua at night. Our hostel, Ashantis Place, was 5 blocks south but we couldn't find it straight away as they had no sign yet. We asked a guy parking his ute if he knew it and he turned out to be the owner. He had a wife and two lovely children and a Dalmatian puppy who was so cute! Our room was big with a TV. Peter had come with us again and was staying downstairs. He left after 1 day but we stayed for 3 days.

Antigua is a beautiful town and we think it is kept that way by what must be a very strong council or mayor or something. No modern buildings, no modern signs, no blaring music, no horns. There were tons of good restaurants but we visited McDs once when were hankering for a quick snack. We were glad we did, it was the most beautiful McDs we had ever visited. There was a cobbled courtyard out back with a lovely garden and a volcano view.

There was lots to see in Antigua but the entrance fees varied hugely. We refused to visit any sites which asked more than 10 times more for foreigners than for locals. Some wanted Q$30 (US$4) for foreigners when locals would only pay Q$2 (US$0.27).

On the main plaza we visited the small Book Museum and the Museo de Santiago for Q$10 each. We then visited the Cathedral. Expecting a cavernous arched church to open up in front of us we were surprised to fell as though we had entered a side door. It was relatively small and facing the wrong way. The front door was locked behind us so we went out the back. It was then we realised the once enormous cathedral was now mostly in ruins. We paid Q$3 each to visit the ruins which were magnificent. The church of San Francisco was beautiful and you could visit the remains of the convent and a museum for Q$5 each. First we visited the posh loos for Q$2 each. The museum was about Hermano Pedro, a Franciscan monk who founded a hospital in the 17th century and was very generous to the poor. Today people still prayed at the chapel where he was buried. Part of the museum was photos and letters of thanks from people who had been ill and been helped by prey. Many had sent cross stitch thank yous.

Taking the advise of the Lonely Planet we went with the Tourist Police up the Cerro de la Cruz (Hill of the Cross). There had been robberies on the hill before. One in front, one in back, and a gaggle of tourists in the middle. It wasn't a long walk and the hill had a handy path. It was a lovely view and quite fun to be escorted.

Our final night was a Saturday night and the town was packed. We had a lovely surprise as we reached the main plaza. They had put lights up, all white, twisted around tree trunks and draped in the branches. No other lights except from the fountain which had water squirting from some rather large breasts, gave the square a low lit romantic feel. There were some food stalls along one side of the plaza and after a bit of waiting we were served bbq meat with tortilla, avocado, salad and sauce. It was fantastic and a bargain compared to the restaurant prices.

We loved Antigua despite its touristy nature.

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Photos

The ruins of San Francisco
Have a stretch and ignore the silly tourist trying to talk to you

Comments

[karin]

BEUTIFUL PICTURES!!
Wow! I didnt know you guys were such great photographers, your pics are really beautiful. Thanks so much for posting such wonderful things about us everywhere, you guys have been so much help! Take care, and I hope all is well with you!