The famous Arch in Antigua (photo by Shaun Veltkamp)
Tourists from all over the world visit Antigua every day. Cruise ships stop for the day and passengers take the bus for an hour plus, to explore this beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site. Students come in flocks to populate the dozens and dozens of Spanish schools scattered throughout the ten square block town. Backpackers often settle in for an extended period to enjoy the night-time party scene.
As appealing and beautiful as Antigua is, for us it is a destination to complete chores every month or so. Yesterday Susan, Greg and I headed there to deal with a variety of these errands. We checked out and booked hostels in preparation of our 2013 volunteer groups, purchased our groceries that are impossible to find locally (brown rice, rice noodles, olive oil, teas, etc.) and of course, as always there are the hardware store visits. We also picked up a huge bag of eco-bricks that our friend and supporter, Deet and her friends have been collecting for us!
Wok restaurant with living wall
Of course, no visit to Antigua goes without a good meal and or a visit to one of the many wonderful coffee shops. Yesterday’s visit was too rushed for both but we did manage a quick lunch in a new “wok” restaurant. The setting was very inspiring for us, as is much of Antigua!
Outside of Antigua picking up more stones for the Gathering Place
A few stops in the uglier town of Chimaltenango and we were back in Tecpán for dinner. It is always so wonderful to return home after a busy day of running around and chaotic highway driving.
Today I look forward to experiencing my first ever “Day of the Dead”. We will take a wander over to the cemetery later to pay our respects and partake in the “celebrations.”
-Heather Alicia
La Bodegona is our go-to shopping spot in Antigua!
