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Boots “R” Us

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Boots, boots, boots… I bet you didn’t know that there is town near Antigua Guatemala where one can choose from a large selection of boots, or even have them custom-made for you. The town of Pastores, about 5 kilometers from Antigua Guatemala, is famous for the quality and craftsmanship of their custom-made shoes and boots. … Read more

Spanish Tiles Roofs

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I am sure I am not the only one who enjoys looking at the repetition and texture created by the terra-cotta Spanish tile roofs. Even when the tiles are old and weathered, they still look great. Nowadays, however, most Spanish tiles roof, tejas in Spanish, are ornamental since they are place above modern roofs.

Guatemala Is A Pyromaniac’s Hell

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Guatemalan Fireworks Booth

Guatemala’s a pyromaniac hell or paradise, what is it?

I remember reading earlier this year a tweet from Xeni Jardin, one of BoingBoing’s editors, that she was not impressed with the 4th of July fireworks display in unknown city in the U.S. because after having witnessed the non-stop burning of firecrackers, fireworks and every piece of a pyromaniac’s fetish in Central America she was spoiled.

I say that you have live it to believe Xeni’s declaration. In the meantime, I share with you two video clips of the fireworks burnt in one section of Guatemala. Remember, to get an idea of the magnitude of the burning of the fireworks, you have to multiply by 360° in every street of every colonia, village, town and city in Guatemala. So, if you decide to witness the burning of firecrackers and fireworks in Guatemala, make sure you bring earplugs; these are not included. 😉

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Colorful Guatemalan Balls And Full Lunar Eclipse

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Colorful Guatemalan Balls by Rudy Girón

These plastic balls are the most popular and thus the most often seen balls in Guatemala. They are very inexpensive and very disposable, sometimes only lasting one chamusca game. Chamusca is the Guatemalan-Spanish word for an informal football match. Often, all you need is a few friends, a dirt field and a colorful fútbol ball to build life-long relationships. Of course, these plastic balls are very dear to us since they are part of what defines us; they are part of our treasured memories.

As a photographer I was very excited when I saw these colorful balls hanging from the ceiling a shop recently. You know how much a love color and repetition.

I also love ephemerides and this morning we had the opportunity to witness one ephemerides which only happen every 486 years. That’s is a full Moon eclipse during the Winter solstice, which makes the longest night of the year even darker during the duration of the eclipse. I took some photos of the eclipse, but I did not stay out for the duration of it. However, my dear friend Nelo did and he’s sharing his photos of the full Moon eclipse sequence as seen from La Antigua Guatemala.

So here I am sharing a slide show about another ball, a different kind of round ball, one we can all identify with: The Moon.

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Merry Christmas Decorations

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Even though you may seem Christmas decorations as early as September in Guatemala, the official Christmas season celebrations begins with the Burning of the Devil on December 7. Check out the Burnig of the Devil slide show if you need a photographic overview of this authentic Guatemalan celebration. Once the air is cleansed from evil … Read more

Free Internet 3G Modems in Guatemala

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In February of 2009 I declared that soon enough there was going to Internet Access in Every Corner of Guatemala. Back then I also mentioned that there were closed to 7 million cellular lines, quoting a newspaper article. Also, I said that “Now the race is on to bring 3G Wireless Internet Access to the … Read more

Guatemalan Kites As Decoration

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Through October and November you can find many businesses using Guatemalan kites as decoration. Last year I showed you some colorful giant kites hanging from the ceiling at a local restaurant. This time I took a shot of the kites hanging above the entrance of another popular restaurant in La Antigua Guatemala. Kites are very … Read more

Rustic Door Handle

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Simple and functional works for me. Today’s image you can find almost everywhere in La Antigua Guatemala. The elements: metal, wood, rust, peeling paint, can be found in windows, furniture, and doorways.

Sunday Mornings Begin with Coffee and Online Newspapers

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Oh there’s nothing better than a great cup of Guatemalan coffee and the online newspapers to begin a Sunday Morning. I normally read The New York Times, El País, La Jornada, El Periódico, Prensa Libre, Clarín and Los Angeles Times. What about you, how do begin your Sunday mornings and what newspapers you read?