Antigua

After Lake Atitlan the usual next stop on the back packer trail is Antigua. Antigua was as beautiful as everyone said it was. It's a nice colonial town that used to be the capital of Guatemala but they moved it to Guatemala City after a few earthquakes flattened the city. It's since been rebuilt (in the colonial era) and it very enjoyable but quite expensive.

We had an enjoyable 2 days here walking around the city. I would have loved to have climbed one of the volcanoes that are near by but you know, my feet.

A fountain in Parque Central

This arch is the subject of A LOT of paintings being sold around the city

It doesn't look like much but we ended up at an after party here on a night out because all bars have to officially close by 1am in Guatemala

We visited probably the most beautiful Maccas in the world. 

Christmas Lighting in Parque Central

A view of the city

While we were up here enjoying the view we felt our first earthquake! (Apparently we'd been in at least 2 already while in Guatemala but we'd slept right through them) and my drawing peaked the interest of some local kids who seemed pretty happy when I let them draw in my sketchbook. Having a 6 year old speak really slow Spanish to you so you understand was an interesting experience. 

One of the buildings around town

Local handy craft markets outside one of the many Church ruins that are dotted around the city

Church goers leave one of the churches that are still intact

We were lucky enough to be in Guatemala for this tradition. Once a year, throughout the country devils and garbage are burned. I think it symbolises burning all the "bad" from the previous year in hopes to start fresh again for the next year. We saw this particular devil being doused in petrol and when we was finally set on first we discovered that the base was filled with fireworks.