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Scattered throughout the terra cotta rooftops of La Antigua, keen observers can spy the signature domed chimneys of the traditional Spanish colonial architecture. For me, the chimneys evoke thoughts of a warm hearth filled with crackling firewood. But during this unseasonal rain, I can’t help but to think of Rudy as he asks “Who stole November?” I should go get some firewood for this crazy weather I’m missing the warm days

text and photo by Arturo Godoy.

You think Antigua Guatemala is just processions for the Semana Santa? Wrong. There is more… there are also plays, like this one. This play was being performed parallel to the procession of La Merced this past Sunday.

Can you tell what’s the play all about?

text and photos by Arturo Godoy. Check out Arturo’s portfolio to purchase photos from his massive photographic bank.

Before you think of the largest pyramid in the world and the Mayan ruins complex known as El Mirador, El Petén, this is El Mirador farm located in San Martín Jilotepeque. We ended up there after a talk I gave on basic photography. The members of the Casa de la Cultura, House of Culture, invited me to give a talk about my passion, how could I resist? So, we covered basic theory and practice came after lunch. Little I knew of where we would go; to take photos however new locations are always welcome.

Lunch had been programed at the Granja El Mirador, it was a delicious Caldo de Gallina Criolla. While we ate, Don Meme talked to us about the farm, which is a very interesting integrated farming system, totally self-sustainable. Although the most important aspect of the farm is its social outreach, which as Don Meme said, “there is no point in the technicalities of conserving anything without a strong social component.” Don’t you agree? Because of this, often they are visited by national and international visitors to learn about the family farm.

If you would like to visit them or to learn more about their social outreach, you can write to them at manuelhuz@hotmail.com and nazariohuz@gmail.com. There are a few more photos below to entice you to pay them a visit. Enjoy!

text and photos by Arturo Godoy. Check out Arturo’s portfolio to purchase photos from his massive photographic bank.

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Aren’t you curious of what else is around Antigua Guatemala besides the famous places? Aren’t you curious of what might you find? Here is a glance of San Martín Jilotepeque, located at some 17 kms north of Chimaltenango. Next time you visit La Antigua Guatemala, venture out and explore the surrounding communities!

text and photos by Arturo Godoy. Check out Arturo’s portfolio to purchase photos from his massive photographic bank.

Women. They are the subject of these pictures. Why? The gruesome brutality hasn’t stopped. In fact, it has barely dipped. The Latin American Herald Tribune reports that 708 women were violently murdered in Guatemala in 2009. That figure is down compared to the 773 reported violent deaths in 2008, but not by much. There is simply no justice:

According to activist Norma Cruz, who heads the Survivors Foundation that provides help for abused women in Guatemala, no plans exist to guarantee women’s safety. In a statement to reporters, Cruz said that more security agents are needed in areas considered extremely dangerous for women. The activist regretted that even though police and prosecutors nab the aggressors, the courts tend to free them with such substitute measures as letting them out on bail. Guatemala is second in the world in murders of women after Russia, which posts more than 10,000 crimes against women, according to the Human Rights Prosecutor’s Office. Source: Latin American Herald Tribune

Second in the world in murders of women. Jarring. Disheartening. I briefly touched upon this issue in an article I wrote for Revue Magazine. Las Gravileas is a school for low-income women that not only teaches women a wealth of technical skills and business skills, but one that also stresses the importance and value a women plays in her family and community. So, unlike traditional media where only the disappointing statistics are reported, I would like to point readers to a positive response. I would like to offer an opportunity for becoming a part of the solution. Read about Las Gravileas, and, if you dare, become a part of the solution by donating or, better yet, getting involved. (Contact me for more information… if you dare.)

The Guardians of Las Gravileas

A project where women serve their sisters…

The center’s name is symbolic. In a country where coffee represents approximately 10 percent of the gross domestic income, the gravilea tree provides a critical, protective canopy for the shade-loving plant. Just as the gravilea tree provides this fundamental necessity for the cultivation of coffee, so, too, is Las Gravileas meant to offer a protective, nurturing environment for women of every background and ethnicity.

“It’s a name that represents receiving, taking care of, and supporting the growth of a woman,” Project Manager Dalila de Montoya says. The keys to achieving this ideal environment, she adds, are education and training.

Las Gravileas is defined as a center for the promotion and technical training of artisan women. The project offers a large assortment of instruction, ranging from textiles, piñata making and ceramic molding and painting to cooking and baking, basic literacy, business studies and more… continue reading the entire article at Revue Magazine.

Also remember to visit the Survivors Foundation“>Survivors Foundation website. Norma Cruz has just been named Person of the Year 2009 by the Guatemalan national newspaper the Prensa Libre. Contacting her or her organization would also be a great start to becoming a part of the solution.

The women in these pictures are from Santa Caterina Polopó and San Antonio Polopó at Lake Atitán – just a few hours drive from La Antigua Guatemala. Instead of thinking of statistics, think of them and the thousands like them. Beautiful Maya women. Maya mothers, sisters, daughters… whose lives are being violently taken at alarming rates. And for what? A lack of education in their communities. A lack of interest by anyone else.

I leave you with a poem attributed to Pastor Martin Niemöller – hoping it will help instill you to go beyond reading the facts and statics, hoping it will urge you to act.

First they came for the communists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a communist;
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a trade unionist;
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew;
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak out for me.

text and photos by Laura McNamara

San Felipe de Jesús is just a small town next to La Antigua Guatemala, which has its own particularities. San Felipe’s church is gothic, its market is cozy, there are many options to have some delicious food… So, why not pay a visit to San Felipe on a Saturday or Sunday? I guess I am becoming a bit obsessed with Sundays, as there is plenty to do Don’t forget to tour around all the villages of La Antigua Guatemala; there’s more to come. Stay tune!

text and photos by Arturo Godoy

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Tuesday the 13th, a day of much superstition, was the day of the a fundraising event at JP’s Rumbar for the non-government organization Niños de Guatemala. Perhaps, many people thought of it as a very unlucky day, yet, no one that attended the activity thought so. It was crowded!

La Raíz played, candles lit the bar, and it was a lovely musical atmosphere. Moments later a dance of fire lit up the bar with an outstanding show. Laura McNamara was asked to be part of it, and little did we know, that even a lap dance of fire was in order. Nothing else, but just a dance of light, flashes popped in an effort to try to capture the dancer and the gorgeous volunteer. Some cameras perhaps worked, some perhaps didn’t. The music kept on playing. The fire left trails of light. Through the light smiles could be seen. I was sensing lots of a joy from all the people present.

It was a good cause, and JP’s Rumbar gave 33% of proceeds to NGO Niños de Guatemala.

Can anyone say that you can’t have a fun and joyful night and the same time help a good cause? ¡Sí se puede!

text and photos by Arturo Godoy

Photographing green is an obsession for me. There is something about the way green looks when it’s captured by camera. I will always invariably shoot all things green. I captured this “palm umbrella” while I was at Panza Verde for Yoga class early Monday morning. I think the blurred white cupola and the rich, blue sky truly help set off the brilliant green hue of the palm.

Speaking of favorites: another “photo-fetish” I seem to have is hands. I love photographing hands. What are some of your favorites?

text and photo by Laura McNamara

Okay, so I’m going to need some help with this one. I know Rudy has an abundant sign collection and I thought that this might make a good addition. I really like the stark contrasts between light and dark, and black and white in the photo. And, it’s tried, tested and proven: red always draws attention.

The only problem is, I have NO CLUE where this Quirox sign is or what it is. I took it while on my “photo-binge” traipsing across La Antigua from one art exposition to another. I can’t remember where I was when my shutter-craze resulted in this image.

Any ideas?

text and photo by Laura McNamara

The whimsical, timeless allure of La Antigua’s colonial architecture, peacefully protected ruins and cobbled streets is a common theme of which I’ll never tire. This door, this “portal to an ancient world” fills my imagination. I envision erect Don’s and Doña’s of years past, prevailing over a newly established colony under the looming shadows of Volcanoes Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango. The question of what life was like when the ruins were not ruins, but grand temples of stature and wealth is a constant pondering that nags at me. But, walking through these infamous streets everyday means that I can do everything but escape such persistent thoughts.

What do you think? What kind of world once lived behind that door?

text and photo by Laura McNamara

From the self-portrait above it’s obvious I was in quite the “alternative art” mood. But, being at my third art exposition for the night, I couldn’t help it. Saturday was a whirlwind of creative stimulation. First, the “Laberinto de Miradas. Colectivos Fotográficos en Iberoamérca” exposition at the Centro Cultural de España. Next, the grand opening of El Carmen Galería de Arte. Finally, Bill Ipsan’s urban art presentation in Hotel Casa Santo Domingo.

As a photographer myself, all this art most absolutely stoked the flames of my own creative fire. Charged with inspiration, I couldn’t take my hand off the shutter all night. Even though most of the time the light was terrible, I still had to try every idea that flashed through my mind. For me, viewing others’ art makes me feel as if my own creativity is free to be well… more free. Witnessing the work of someone who took a risk to express themselves – sometimes in a most vulnerable way, gives me a confidence-boost to do the same.

Thus, this self-portrait of me viewing a series of portraits of autistic children is one of the results of my “shutter-binge” Saturday night.

text and photo by Laura McNamara

The warning came from behind: “Please, we’re really not supposed to be taking photos of the art here.” I had just snapped this picture when I spun around to see who was trying to tell ME not to take photos.

“Hi, I’m Bill Ipsan and I’d prefer if the artwork was not photographed.” Ah, the artist. Little did he know that I was taking photos for my new project ArteAntigua.com – an effort to round up all the fun, crazy things happening with art here in Antigua and post information about it in one central website. But, I just shrugged and said “Okay…“ I had already captured some good shots and I knew that the one I just took was the “it” photo that I would end up taking at the exhibit anyway. It was too spontaneously perfect.

“So what do you do?” Ipsan warmly inquired. He obviously didn’t want to come across as an artist prick because it was obvious that’s not who he was… and I can certainly understand an artist protecting his art.

“I’m a journalist,” I confidently shot back.

“Oh well! If it’s for journalism feel free to take as many photos as you want!” It looks like Billy was a fan of promoting his work. Jejejeje. The spoils of being a journalist! There are times I’ve marched right into backstage declaring: “Journalist!” Works most of the time.

Anyway, Ipsan was an “absolute charmer,” as my painter friend Geovany Flores put it. I’d have to agree. Ipsan is super “amable.” I explained my new project to him and he quickly offered to get together for a proper interview. Ipsan’s work is being displayed in Hotel Casa Santo Domingo and the artist will be here for about another month. You can learn more through my interview with him on ArteAntigua.com.

text and photo by Laura McNamara

Sometimes I forget that I should simply disconnect from the Internet and go outside. This time Rudy Girón took me out, and there was a rainbow posing just for us. This reminded me that, while out, sometimes I should stop, watch and observe. Walking around La Antigua Guatemala is amazing and I’ve heard that some people even call Antigua the Venice of Guatemala. I hope it’s true, and one day I’ll go to Venice to evaluate the comparison.

Yet, why compare? Antigua is very diverse, a lot of life, beautiful volcanoes, lovely people, and just a great overall ambiance.

So, next time you are in La Antigua, just stop, watch and observe

text and photos by Arturo Godoy

There is something about how the sun rises and sets that gets people marveled, or in some kind of magical admiration to what nature shows us. On this past Tuesday I was about to meet some friends, and I began seeing what promised to be a beautiful sunset. Someone on the street said, it is just a sunset. Perhaps the person was depressed, or just angry at something, but it was the first time I’ve ever heard something like this. A few minutes later, I saw people with all sorts of cameras, cell phones, and everyone, me included, just taking photos.

So, the combination of Antigua, good friends, and great colors produced this sunset… In the end, it is just a sunset, Enjoy…

text and photos by Arturo Godoy

After having lived for more than three months now in La Antigua Guatemala, I’ve only been a little around its surroundings. So at some point I was in San Juan del Obispo, San Pedro Las Huertas, and so on, but this past weekend I had the opportunity to go to the Earth Lodge, located in the small village of El Hato, a twenty minute drive into the mountains from La Antigua Guatemala. I had only thought of visiting it once before, but this second time it happened.

So, this past weekend a friend and I went because we also wanted to disconnect a bit from Antigua Guatemala, as there is always plenty of parties. I’m not complaining, but some rest was needed, some other kind of experience. So, having my car down on the day we were to leave was no complication, transportation was arranged for us with ease. No complications, all cool, so then I knew this was going to be amazing.

We left, and the ride was just beautiful. We arrived and we were immediately welcomed. Lunch was delicious, hanging out and relaxing with the stunning landscape was amazing, so time passed and dinner was just as delectable as lunch. The night called in, and everyone went to rest. I was most relaxed and happy and awaiting the sunrise.

First, I opened my eyes and I saw how the golden light of the sunrise was bidding good morning to the volcanoes, there were no clouds. I was already dreaming that I was between volcanoes, so imagine waking up and observing this. Struggling to get out of bed and forcing myself to run out with my camera to take some shots, still, the peace and calm of the place put me back to sleep. The second time I opened my eyes, I forced myself out of the comfortable bed, grabbed the camera and and ran out to take some photographs. Unfortunately, the golden light of the sunrise was gone, but the clouds hadn’t yet come to cover the volcanoes, so here is my shot,

Breakfast was as good as dinner and lunch from the previous day, and of course the coffee was a wonderful. If you ever want to pick an affordable place to disconnect, with absolute beauty and peaceful atmosphere, don’t hesitate, just visit to the Earth Lodge. I am happy we did!

text and photo by Arturo Godoy

About Guest Contributor: Arturo Godoy is kind of a blogger, mainly married to photography after being divorced from biology, and is now living in Antigua for at least six months. He is starting up his photography business after making the transition of amateur photographer to a paid one, hence now a pro. In the few years he’s been in photography he’s had four expositions, and is working on two photographic books, one about expressions of women (a shared book with his dearest friends) and one about conservation of nature. His love to photography rises from expressing something through whatever kind of natural beauty that crosses him and his camera. You can browse his portfolio in Flickr.