On July 23rd I mentioned that the people of Antigua are known as Panzas Verdes —green bellies—, so it is no surprise that the flag of La Antigua Guatemala is green, as green is their foot ball —soccer— team uniform as well as many schools’ uniforms.
Can you guess why are Antigüeños known as Panzas Verdes?
One thing is very obvious in the photos of Guatemala: Green is everywhere (Lisi would be happy here since she loves green). On my post of Wood used as fuel in Antigua, I told you the etymology of the word Guatemala; in short it means Land of forest. For the whole story go, click the link above.
Now for the trivia: What other words in any language could be translated to the concept of “land of forests or trees”? I will get you started with three: Quauhtlemallan in Nahualt, Quiche in Maya, Holland in Dutch. Please help with other words in other languages.
As soon as you enter the doorway to Hotel Centro Colonial Antigua you are presented with this winding stairway that takes you to heaven, or at least to second floor 
. Back when I did the doorways series, Marie Mcc asked where do the open doors take you to? Well, the open doors take you to a zaguán, or hallway, which in the old days was used as a waiting area for workers or servants and their animals. Nowdays, they are spaces to have plants and flowers or to park your car, or both since they quite large.
Rudy, just want to say amazing job with this blog, your photographs are artful and your commentary is engaging. After clicking through a few months worth of entries, I think my mind has been made up that I will choose Antigua as my next destination. Thanks for your great work! —Darren
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