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
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
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
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
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 … Read more
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
As every first of the month, AntiguaDailyPhoto is joining City Daily Photo community in the orchestrated global effort to show you “contrast” as a theme day. My dear friend Manolo Romero said this recently in his guest post Weekend en (La Antigua) Guatemala, “Guatemala is a land of contrasts, and in that sense, La Antigua … Read more
Here are some random facts, bits and trivia about Guatemalan coffee I have been collecting for a while: The average price for high quality coffee in Guatemala is Q45/$5.50 per pound. The average price of Q45/lb for high quality Guatemalan coffee is about 70% of a day’s minimum wage Guatemala has several high altitude regions … Read more
Here is one more entry for the Only in LAG. Leave it to the creative people of La Antigua Guatemala to produce coffee tables, literally, for a patio dining area. The above dining patio with coffee tables can be found at Fernando’s Kaffee, an authentic Guatemalan coffee shop run by Fernando who roasts his own … Read more