Antigua, Guatemala

On Saturday, July 4th, Neil and I went for a drive to see the old city of Antigua. It was the original capital of the Spanish kingdom of Guatemala in the 1600's, but when it was destroyed by earthquakes the present capital of Guatemala City was built in the late 1700's. We found these women selling their beautifully woven crafts in front of one of the old ruins of a church.



Aren't these colors just gorgeous? This gives you an idea of the colors and beautiful work done by the Guatemalan women. Most of the weaving and embroidery is done completely by hand.



We saw piles of handmade dolls, table runners, bags, purses, placemats---you name it!


There were also many varieties of handmade jewelry---bracelets, necklaces, earrings. It was amazing to see so many wonderful colors, and to think of all of the hours of work that went into making these things.


I was impressed with the strength of the Guatemalan women. They carry their babies in a bundle hanging from their shoulder and also carry many things on their heads. (I think that some of these ladies just wanted to get out of the sun.) We hope you take note of the beautiful woven skirts that the women wear and their wonderful embroidered blouses, called "huipiles."


In the center of Antigua there is a beautiful plaza. On one side of the plaza is a large, very white Catholic cathedral. On another side was a large Spanish-style building that was being renovated.


This is Agua Volcano. Anywhere you go in Antigua there is a great view of this volcano.



It was a beautiful day to be wandering the streets of Antigua. We could see other volcanos in the distance and in the plaza were numbers of palm trees and other varieties that provided some wonderful shade on such a hot and sunny day.


This photo has a story. Neil and I were walking the perimeter of the plaza taking pictures and enjoying ourselves when this women walked up to us and began showing us her jewelry. Well, I thought I would buy a couple of necklaces....when all of the sudden she says, "'caminamos, caminamos." We was asking us to walk along with her because the city police were coming over to us. We found out that there is a law in Antigua that states that the venders cannot sell their wares anywhere near the plaza---so as not to bother the tourists. We still followed her and bought some of her necklaces.


These four pretty young ladies were also trying to sell things in the plaza. They worked in pairs and would show things to us, but would quickly hide them whenever they would see the police. When we asked them if we could take their picture, they said, "OK, if you will buy some things from us." They knew what they were doing!


We have found the Guatemalan people to be warm and friendly---and very strong. We often see or meet old men and women who can carry very large loads on their backs or their heads. The lady standing by me was quite the saleswoman.


Neil knelt down to try and take a picture of some kids playing at the edge of the fountain in the plaza. Before he knew it this little girl came up to him and asked if she could take a picture too. So he showed her where to look and how to push the button---TA DA!