Antigua
After a couple months of planning and talking about leaving the country, here I am at the start of my journey in Antigua, Guatemala. I intended to go to Quetzaltenango, or Xela, this morning when I arrived but ran into somebody at the airport who was on their way here and thought I´d check it out before settling into Xela where, where I will be spending the next couple of weeks.
Its an incredible feeling to actually start the trip after so much thinking and preparing and warnings and excitement. Arriving was quite easy, no hitches, no craziness at the airport or anywhere else as I had expected. I´ve been here a few hours, am staying in a quiet hostel called El Hostal and have been wandering the city for a few hours. I had an amazing lunch of Pollo Pipian, which is a mole made from Pumpkin Seeds I believe. Served with Chips and Guac of a great homemade variety in a courtyard. And all for under $5.
Antigua is a beautiful but very touristy city. The pastel colors and colonial architecture sorrounded by jungle covered mountains make for good walking and photography, but I have not felt much warmth from the locals or from travelers. I am waiting to see how it feels here, but will probably not spend more than a day or two.
I look forward to hearing emails or comments from those that read this blog and send all of my love home. I will post pictures and write as I can.
Hana says:
Hi Josh, I love your photographic eye! I miss you and I’m thinking of you.
November 5th, 2007 at 10:53 pm
Irad says:
Joshie!! That ride to the airport and watching you leave was bitter sweet. I’m so sorry to see yopu go and will miss our colorful adventures in l.a. You said to me before you left “take l.a. for all shes got” and i realize hom much of l.a. you and I have been discovering together. I miss you already and woke up this morning knowing that you were probably arriving in Guat as i was waking up. Im glad your eating well and glad to be hearing from you so soon. (THIS POROBABLY SHOULD HAVE BEEN AN E-MAIL) talk soon buddy….have fun and Be safe.
Love,
Irad
November 5th, 2007 at 11:28 pm
Bonnie Primbsch says:
okay. What are the chances you can get the scoop on how to make that pepian?!?
November 5th, 2007 at 11:49 pm
Bob says:
I think antigua will provide a surplus on the kind of urban deterioration that appeals to you. I don’t remember the locals being particularly friendly either (in any part of the country) probably wary due to perpetual war. Luv, Bob
November 6th, 2007 at 1:45 am
lauren says:
am sitting in bed next to emma fending off the cold. (somehow i ended up in the coldest part of the country.) at the risk of sounding patronizing, i’m so proud of you. you’re doing it! can’t wait to be doing it myself in a few months. yogi’s about going crazy waiting to leave. polish food sucks. will send an email soon.
November 6th, 2007 at 8:55 pm
J says:
Yummy. beautiful pictures. Thanks for sharing *hugs*
November 15th, 2007 at 1:09 am