Guatemala // 3

A N T I G U A 

I saved the best for last! (and late, oops.) This is a small collection of my favorite photos of Antigua, the city that we stayed in during our stay in Guatemala (about 45min away from the clinic where we worked). It is a beautiful old European city with cobble stoned roads and tons of italian food! All I wanted was a burrito or some beans & rice, but it was mysteriously hard to find anything other than fancy french or italian restaurants! haha 

Why is American money so lame compared to every single other currency I've ever seen? Give us some colors! And a lady while you're at it! 

If you're in Antigua visit Nimpot, it's a huge textile store that sells just about everything and actually has better prices than most of the vendors nearby. 

^^ what my dreams are made of! 

We hiked up this hill where there is this giant white cross above the city, we saw the city below us and across from us one of the many volcanoes that surround it. But it was super cool because a storm was brewing and there was lightening flashing across the sky right in the clouds above the volcano! We stood there for 20min trying to get a picture, but of course everytime we put our arms down to rest for a second, it would strike. 

loved all the local textiles 

sistahs

The absolute BEST creme brulee gelato I've EVER had, including Italy. This stuff was amazing! And at $4 a cup, it wasn't cheap either! But oh so good! I don't even usually like the creme brulee flavor but I certainly liked this one.

locals market

Three cheers for Antigua! 

xx

Guatemala // 1

At the beginning of August I spent a week in Guatemala with my sisters and dad on a service trip!

My first foray into Latin America! 

Before I get into all the beautiful charms of Antigua and working at the clinic in Chimaltenango, I have to say that one of my favorite parts of Guatemala was the hospitality I experienced at La Ermita Inn. It was the cutest bed and breakfast place that was a quiet, wonderful oasis! The staff were amazing, they made the most delicious pancakes for breakfast and were always kind and helpful! I've never been so wowed by hospitality.  

The lush courtyard was a perfect place to relax and read a chapter of my book before breakfast.

The rooms were simple, but beautiful!

breakfast nook ^

My only complaint was the crazy parrot that lived in the tree next door and liked to scream loudly every morning at 6am.. 

They put these beautiful fresh flowers in our room!

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Another highlight of the trip was visiting some ancient mayan ruins! It's actually an entire city that they are still working on excavating. We had a great tour guide who told us all about the different temples and "mayan football" and their culture. 

This is a tiny site at one far end of the city where local indigenous people still perform their prayers and rituals. 

And after visiting the ruins we went to this wonderful restaurant on top of a hill. I especially loved the black corn tortillas! 

Two more Guatemala posts coming your way soon! 

xx