Sights of Our Times — All Clerks Must Wear a Face Mask

PHOTO STOCK: Bakery clerk wears a Guatemalan government provided face mask

Even though the government has been providing freely face coverings ever since it was instituted that face masks were mandatory and those who refused to wear them can be fined, a large fine I may add, Q7000 to Q150,000 [US$925 – $20,000]; Guatemalans didn’t wait to get a free mask, they bought masks according to … Read more

Sights of Our Times — Wheelbarrow Fresh Produce Stand

PHOTO STOCK: Sights of Our Times — Wheelbarrow Fresh Produce Stand

Farmers often turn a wheelbarrow into a fresh produce stand minutes later after harvesting the vegetables and fruits from their plots, as it was the case with these radishes, a common crop around Antigua Guatemala. What makes this sight unique to our times is their face coverings; don’t you agree?

Sights of Our Times — Motorcycles and bicycles are the preferred vehicles during the pandemic.

PHOTO STOCK: Motorcycles and bicycles are the preferred vehicles during the pandemic.

Since mid June automobiles and trucks can only circulate every other day if the license plate number is even or odd and matches whether the date is pair or impair. Motorcycles and bicycles are not affected by this reduced mobility; thus these two and three-wheeled vehicles have become the preferred means of transportation during the … Read more

Sights of Our Times — Compulsory Masks

PHOTO STOCK: Sights of Our Times — Compulsory Masks

Ever since face masks became obligatory in public spaces in Guatemala back in March, people have complied nearly 99.99% of the time. So, it seems odd for people in Guatemala to read or watch news of people fighting its usage in other parts of the world. Honestly, unless a vaccine is developed in the next … Read more

Sights of Our Times — White Flags: Job Wanted

PHOTO STOCK: Sights of Our Times — White Flags — Job Wanted

Not everyone waving a white flag is asking for food or economic assistance to feed their family. Some people waving a white flag are simply asking for the opportunity to work and earn a day’s wage to feed their family. Read yesterday’s post to understand why there are people waving white flags in the streets … Read more

Sights of Our Times — White Flags

PHOTO STOCK: Sights of Our Times — White Flags

Guatemala came to standstill on March 16, 2020 and with a single declaration of state of calamity and lockdown a large number of the population lost their way to earn an income. Only essential jobs were allowed to continue. The government of Guatemala started providing economic assistance at the end of May and first week … Read more

Sights of Our Times — Veggie Home Deliveries

PHOTO STOCK: Sights of Our Times — Veggie Home Deliveries

As I said yesterday, Guatemalans are resilient. Motorcycles and bicycles have turned into the preferred vehicles for all home deliveries. Of course, just about anything can be delivered to your door nowadays, from freshly harvested veggies from the organic farm to medicine from the pharmacy to even craft beers. Whatever you need, there’s a delivery … Read more

Sights of Our Times — Lottery tickets vendors waiting for clients

PHOTO STOCK: Sights of Our Times — Lottery tickets vendors waiting for clients

Honestly, I wonder how many people are still buying lottery tickets. Covid-19 has proven to be a formidable virus, turning the world upside down. Almost no industry has been spared. Just today I was reading an interview with one of the AirBNB executives who said that it took them over 12 years to build a … Read more

Sights of Our Times — Shoe shiners waiting for clients

PHOTO STOCK: Sights of Our Times — Shoe shiners waiting for clients

Just like many ambulant vendors, shoe shiners must find a way to generate some income to put food on the table during this trying times. Since mid March when the central government forbade non-essential activities, leaving a large percentage of the population, including myself, without means to earn an income. That’s over 100 days, many … Read more

Sights of Our Times — Doing Errands

PHOTO STOCK: Sights of Our Times — Doing Errands

Back in May 2006 I set out to share with y’all images of daily life from Antigua Guatemala and its surroundings even though most website focused on the city were touristic sites. Of course, the photographs were much different than what was available online at time or even today. 14 years later, I am still … Read more

Pandemic Sights: Fast Food To Go Only

PHOTO STOCK: Pandemic Sights - Fast Food To Go Only

Welcome to the new normality in Antigua Guatemala. Restaurants can only serve to go or delivery; thus their gorgeous dining areas remained closed. Interesting enough, I made a fisheye view of the dining area on March 16, 2020, the last day restaurants were allowed to serve customers at the tables. Take a look at the … Read more

Pandemic Sights: Farmer’s Market Stand

PHOTO STOCK: Pandemic Sights - Farmer's Market Stand

Not everything is bad about the Cover-19 pandemic. Farmer’s Markets and local fruit and veggie stands are popping up everywhere. For instance, where we live, now we have a community farmer’s market three times a week where the farmers who live in town and grow their crops in and around the community are now able … Read more