Jacaranda trees bloom during Cuaresma [Lent] and Semana Santa [Holy Week] and this year is no exception. All activities for Lent and Holy Week were canceled in Guatemala to reduce the spread of the Coronavirus, yet you can see the purple banners, flower decorations above doors and windows and, of course, the jacaranda blooms. Show … Read more
Any other year, this week the streets of Antigua Guatemala would be packed with people, processions and beautiful Semana Santa carpets. Now, the streets are mostly empty while most people stay at home and without people during curfew, which goes from 4pm to 4am everyday. Even Cerro de la Cruz is empty as you can … Read more
Here’s your illustrated Spanish word of the day: Bugambilea for Bougainvillea. Even though La Antigua Guatemala is known as “the city of the perpetual roses”. In my humble opinion, this slogan should be changed to “The City of the Perpetual Bougainvilleas.” Bougainvillea is a genus of thorny ornamental vines, bushes, or trees. The inflorescence consists … Read more
Even though we are under quarantine and lockdown national mandates, we still get a chance to enjoy the sunshine and flowers found in the gardens of Antigua Guatemala. And so do you through the daily multimedia updates I have been sharing with you since May 2006. Now that life has given me a lot of … Read more
The Strongylodon jade vines are commonly known as emerald vine or turquoise jade vine; although in Antigua Guatemala the popular name is Jade tumbergia. The Strongylodon jade vines are not as commonly found as the colorful and odd-looking flowers of the climber plant known as Tumbergias (tunbergia misurense is the scientific name); but once you see them … Read more
As I have shared with you before, these vibrant yellow or maroon spotted with yellow strange-looking flowers are the gift of a climber plant known locally as Tumbergias (tunbergia misurense is the scientific name). Tumbergias are very popular in the gardens of Antigua Guatemala. Tumbergias are also quite popular with bees and hummingbirds because of the amount of nectar … Read more
Things will get better, stay safe, stay strong, stay tele-connected with loved ones and stay actively creative. Take advantage of all the extra time to call family and friends to catch up and to lend an ear or two. Don’t let physical isolation get in your way of connecting with others via telephone calls or … Read more
As I said the other day, for the foreseeable future my new goal is to try to only share beautiful, sunny and colorful images to try to uplift the spirits and bring a little hope in these critical times. Once again, I’m also sending y’all the best vibes from Antigua Guatemala! It is Time for … Read more
Here’s your illustrated Spanish word of the day: Barroco for baroque. The façade of Iglesia de La Merced is one of the best examples of the baroque architecture of the colonial time in Guatemala. La Merced church is definitely one of the most photographed churches in Antigua Guatemala. It is Time for Your Support! This … Read more
Nothing brings you closer to time traveling than a visit to the many convent and monastery ruins of peppered all over Antigua Guatemala. Of course, one of the most popular ruins are Las Capuchinas in the northeast quadrant with magnificent oratorio or its haunting circular ruins or its massive pillars; or all of the above. … Read more
It’s a lovely morning in Antigua Guatemala. I am sending y’all the best vibes from our little town. My new goal is to try to only share beautiful, sunny and colorful images for the foreseeable future to try to uplift the spirits and bring a little hope in these trying times. I’m also sending y’all … Read more
Here are some smiles and colors from Antigua Guatemala to brighten your day where you are in the world during these trying times. Let’s us know where and how you are; we want to know how are you coping. It’s been nearly 14 years of daily photographic updates from Antigua Guatemala. No one pays me … Read more
You know, the best thing about tacos is that you can have them at any time during the day. Or better yet, you can have tacos for breakfast, lunch and dinner. With that in mind, Cactus Antigua recently started serving delicious eggs and chorizo tacos for breakfast topped a rich sauce and a side of … Read more
Doors and windows all over Antigua Guatemala are decorated with purple flowers and banners. The color purple is a sign of penitence.
Here’s your illustrated Spanish word of the day: Orquídea for orchid. Did you know that Guatemala has more than 1,000 species of orchids? 700 of those orchid species are endemic to Guatemala.