To conclude our trip, we took a
trip to the local waterfall followed by a trip to Antigua, Guatemala for some
cultural experiences. The waterfall reminded me once again of my childhood
summers at the lake. How I miss swimming, skiing, relaxing, and letting go of
life in the middle of the lake.
Another great memory from the
waterfall was a tree on the side of the walk up to the waterfall with an
indentation in its side that one can get inside and be part of the tree. Yes a
strange memory but one that has become a tradition as I travel the world. The
first tree in which I found myself inside was in Australia Summer of 1999 and
then when I was in Ghana in 2008, I found myself inside another tree. From then
on, I decided to be on the lookout for trees in which I can get inside and be
part of. One day, I will put together a collage of me inside trees.
Antigua was an amazing day and half
journey as well. The first half day was spent getting acquainted with the town
and shopping at the market. Not a lot drew me in, but I did find a king to add
to my international nativity scene. (an updated post to come) I purchased some maracas
for the KBs boys and a woven hoodie, along with a few other items. We enjoyed
some delicious ice cream. I had queso fresa (cheese & strawberry) and pina
colada.
On our arrival Friday, July 25th,
we were introduced to a local holiday and weekend of celebrations, as they
celebrated the day of Saint James. The first capital of Guatemala was founded nearby
in now Lximche. It was originally named Ciudad de Santiago de los Caballeros de
Goathemalan (City of St James of the Knights of Guatemala), which became the
patron saint of the city. The capital moved to present-day San Miguel Escobar
after uprisings in Lximche. San Miguel was then devastated on September 11,
1541 by lahar from Volcan de Agua. This destruction moved the capital to
current day Antigua, also naming it Santiago de los Caballeros. After two large
earthquakes in 1717 & 1773, the Spanish Crown in 1776 ordered the capital
to be moved once again to the now Guatemala City (the Valley of the Shrine).
Saturday, we visited several
historical sites beginning with the Convento de Capuchinas or true name Nuestra
Senora del Pilar de Zaragoza (Our Lady of the Pillar of Saragossa) constructed
in 1736. It housed a group of cloistered nuns who ran an orphanage and women’s
hospital. An interior area called the ‘Torre del Retiro’ (Tower of Retreat)
housed 18 nuns around a circular patio. Underneath also was an amazing echo
chamber, which some of our young adults and youth sharing their beautiful
voices for all to hear inside and out.
After a little break, a group then
headed up to Cerro de la Cruz (Hill of the Cross). The hill is located north of
the city with a large cross atop of it providing beautiful views of the city to
the south toward Volcan Agua (Volcano of Water), one of three volcanoes surrounding
the city. To the west of the city are the other two volcanoes, Acatenango (last
erupted in 1972) and Volcan de Fuego (Volcano of Fire). Fuego is constantly
active with the last larger eruption in September 2012. Definitely amazing
views atop the hill with the large cross looking over the city.
Thanks for
journeying along with me and others as we experience the life and culture of
Guatemala.
Fotos
de Nuestras Aventuras en Zacapa, Guatemala (Photos
of Our Adventures in Zacapa, Guatemala)
Fotos de Nuestras Aventuras in Antigua, Guatemala (Photos of Our Adventures in Antigua, Guatemala)
Fotos de Nuestras Aventuras in Antigua, Guatemala (Photos of Our Adventures in Antigua, Guatemala)
