Month: August 2010

New Gardens in San Pedro Las Huertas

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In the nine years that I have been living around La Antigua Guatemala I had never seen so much work being done by a municipal administration as with the current City Hall government, especially around the villages which historically are always forgotten in favor of Antigua Guatemala. That’s three different mayors. Although I did voted … Read more

Immigration Inception

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What is the most resilient parasite? Bacteria? A virus? An intestinal worm? An idea. Resilient… highly contagious. Once an idea has taken hold of the brain it’s almost impossible to eradicate. An idea that is fully formed – fully understood – that sticks; right in there somewhere. (source: Inception quotes at IMDb) The scientific study … Read more

Remittances Architecture

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Immigrants remittances are shaping the landscape of Mesoamerica with houses and constructions built upon the dreams and hard work of people in search of a better life for their families. Why are so many people from Central America looking for a better life somewhere else? Is life elsewhere? What are some of the causes for … Read more

Arquitectura de Remesas Exhibit

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Not too long ago I visited the exhibit Arquitectura de Remesas, an anthropological, architectonic and photographic study of how immigrants remittances are shaping the landscape in Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras. Of course, many people think immigrants are criminals and/or illegal aliens without realizing that immigrants are just people with dreams of a better life, … Read more

Corner Búcaro Fountain

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According to Foursquare, I hold more mayorships than anyone in La Antigua Guatemala, including the current elected Mayor, Dr. Vivar. 😉 So, I believe I should be able to change the official slogan of the city from Ciudad de las perpetuas rosas (City of the perpetual roses) to Ciudad de las fuentes (City of fountains); … Read more

Baltika Beer in Antigua Guatemala

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You know La Antigua Guatemala is a cosmopolitan town the moment Baltika beer specials are found in the local supermarket. That’s right Baltika No. 7 beer is on special 2×1 for Q12.95/$1.65 at La Bodegona. It’s time to stock up on Russian beer supplies since with all this rain you’ll never know if it’s the … Read more

Playing With Running Water

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Three simple shots of fountains found inside the patios of Casa Santo Domingo. In the picture above I decided to freeze the water in mid air to show the distinct drops. In the pictures below I went to opposite way and smooth the flow of water to show its movement. I played with running water … Read more

The Redefinition of The Pan-Maya Identity

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In the previous century it was common knowledge that one could identify the provenance of the Maya people in Guatemala, especially women, by their corte and güipil (skirt and blouse). Pan-Mayanism is changing this at such fast rate that in just a few years the Maya will mix and match textiles from all over the … Read more