Sometimes we wonder how we can change the world for the better. Often, that’s all we do, well, at least I do, when we realise how big the problems are in the world. Some people, just do it, even with simple things like recycling two bottles to feed the street dogs. “Simple, just do something, … Read more
Here are some bits and pieces I found on Wikipedia: The Kaibiles (singular: Kaibil) are a special operations force of the Military of Guatemala. They specialize in jungle warfare tactics and counter-insurgency operations. Since 1975 there has been more than 1250 graduated kaibiles on the internacional training, with a duration of 8 weeks. There has … Read more
Guatemalans love color, the more the merrier, right? See even in this Santa Clause helper’s costume, the usual red and white, is added the Guatemalan passion for color by having a colourful Maya textiles belt and details. It’s a simple addition to the traditional costume, yet it places as something Guatemalan, don’t you agree?
What a wonderful decoration piece for a bakery, don’t you think? This vintage bicycle with its bread baskets hangs at the entrance of the new Antigua Guatemala branch of the San Martín bakery and restaurant. Boy, this place is packed. If you didn’t know, you would think there were not bakeries/restaurants prior to San Martín … Read more
As I have explained in previous years, during the first two weeks of September, you can find street vendors selling all kinds of Guatemalan flags. Guatemalans have many ways to display their patriotism, flags is one of them. The problem with the Guatemalan flag is that they come in all different shades of blue. There … Read more
Often I have shared in the past how La Antigua Guatemala has its own aesthetic values. I really appreciate the old, worn, aspects of things and buildings. That’s why you can find an antique coffee pulper as decoration on the corridor of a high-end hotel in the southern part of Antigua Guatemala. Other items I … Read more
Worry not about being unplugged while touring the coffee plantations around La Antigua Guatemala. In fact, soon you will have 4G connectivity while learning and collecting your coffee berries in and around the coffee plantations because cellular antennas and towers are popping up everywhere. One more thing to notice in this picture is the fact … Read more
My new favourite Guatemalan food restaurant in La Antigua Guatemala is 7 Caldos, a classic and authentic venue from Guatemala City that just opened doors in town. There goes one less reason to go to Guatemala City as now we can enjoy the same authentic flavour of typical Guatemalan soups, stocks and Maya curries in … Read more
There are so many elements of the iconography found through out La Antigua Guatemala in this picture. The lions, the mermaids, the volcanoes, Fuego volcano, Santiago, and the baroque details. So much in this humble fountain. Who can explain the meanings of each icon shown here. Do you know where can this fountain be found?
Yellow walls, yes I am addicted to yellow walls. So what does timbre means in Spanish, door bell for sure, but that’s not the only meaning. What are other meanings for timbre?
If tortillerías serve freshly made tortillas los tres tiempos, three times a day, panaderías, bakeries, offer freshly made bread twice a day, in the morning and in the afternoon. The typical hours for panaderías are 6am to 9am and 4pm to 8pm. I guess in Guatemala we like our tortillas and bread as freshly made … Read more
Raw milk anyone, anyone? You know in Canada and the United States, raw milk is a political issue. In Guatemala, raw milk is just fresh milk. I am flabbergasted every time I see the new uses people come up for motorcycles in Guatemala such as this case where they are home delivering fresh milk by the … Read more
Here’s your Spanish word of the day: Polilla or moth in English. The polilla was the artist in this apolillada beam of wood found at Sabor del Tiempo in Antigua Guatemala. As I have mentioned before, in La Antigua Guatemala we have a totally different set of aesthetic values.
We continue our focusing on rustic door knobs and knockers with this new version of the typical, simple and functional colonial style exterior door knob. This kind of door knob can be found almost everywhere in La Antigua Guatemala. The elements: metal, wood, rust, peeling paint, can be found in windows, furniture, and doorways around … Read more
As I have mentioned before, there’s a lot of beauty on the doors and windows around Antigua Guatemala. One, must stop often to really take in the details of some of these doors. Of course, one must also have an affinity for antique aesthetics otherwise everything might seemed old, broken and abandoned, don’t you agree?