Month: October 2009

A dance of fire and joy

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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 … Read more

You like tomato and I like tomahto

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Roasted tomatoes and Grapes

These roasted tomatoes will end up looking like this: Tomatoes, Basil and Cheese.

Today’s entry is a pun for the all the different groups of the Guatemalan blog sphere who don’t seem to get along. I have said it before, you only need to unite two Guatemalans to get three groups. 😉

You like potato and I like potahto
You like tomato and I like tomahto
Potato, potahto,
Tomato, tomahto.
Let’s call the whole thing of
But oh, if we call the whole thing off
Then we must part
and oh, if we ever part, then that might break my heart (continue reading the lyrics…)

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Photographing the Photophographers

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On my way to lunch I caught all the Central Park photographers taking a break from the their photo-taking profession. Tourism has been slow and catching the majority of the photographers from Central Park taking shelter from the mid-day sun under the shadow of a tree is a good indication that things are slow. These … Read more

Guatemalan Fresh Fruit Plastic Bags

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What are the aspects that make up identity and idiosyncrasy? What makes Guatemalans almost anywhere in the planet salivate at the sight of a plastic bag with sliced fresh citric fruits? Really drool if they see the lime juice, ground pepitoria (dried squash seeds) and chile powder? What nostalgic fibers and long-gone forgotten memories are … Read more

The War of the Worlds

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Play this song before continuing: We know now that in the early years of the twentieth century this world was being watched closely by intelligences greater than man’s, and yet as mortal as his own. We know now that as human beings busied themselves about their various concerns they were scrutinized and studied, perhaps almost … Read more

Produce Delivery

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I know that one can go every day to the mercado, market, in La Antigua Guatemala for fresh produce and that if one goes Monday, Thursday or Saturday, one can find the find the largest selection and quality of fruits and vegetables. However, I had never seen the produce delivery trucks; I guess I am … Read more

Green Gleen at Panza Verde

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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 … Read more

Portal to An Ancient World

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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 … Read more

Self-Portrait: An artist viewing art

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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 … Read more

No Photos of the Art Please

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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, … Read more

Stop, watch and observe

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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 … Read more

Día del Niño Activities in La Antigua Guatemala

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Mimes and clowns were the main attraction for the boys and girls alike during the Día del niño, Children’s Day, celebrations. To me, I was delighted to hear and see the little ones sing mishito; all off key. Mishito is the Guatemalan Spanish word for kitten. Often you can hear mishito mishito mishito as children … Read more

Children’s Day Celebrations in La Antigua Guatemala

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Better late than never, the saying goes. In Guatemala, every October 1st, the Día del niño, Children’s Day, is observed. There were some Children activities and celebrations on October 1st, but the main celebrations were held in Parque Central on October 2. The Plaza Mayor was full of parents and children taking advantage of the … Read more

Men at Work

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The vista cotidiana (quotidian vista) of men working throughout La Antigua Guatemala is more and more refreshing and assuring each day. We can see that the funds collected by the Municipalidad de La Antigua Guatemala (Antigua’s City Hall) through taxes and new parking fees are being used to repair the streets, embellish parks and traffic … Read more