Walking is the preferred way to get around Antigua Guatemala as the city still small enough that one can walk from end of town to opposite end within 30 minutes. City planners call that a human size town. Of course, now that there are no public buses, walking is the best way to get around. … Read more
I guess bicycles can be used as another way to ‘walk’ with our dogs and exercise at the same time. Well, I guess it depends on the dogs, right?
As I mentioned last month, bicycles are again quite popular as means of transportation in and around Antigua Guatemala during the pandemic as public buses have not been allowed on the streets since March 16th, 2020. That’s 150 days without public transportation, that’s crazy, don’t you think?
As I have mention before, public transportation was forbidden at the start of the pandemic Covid-19 in March 16 throughout Guatemala. People have to make do with bicycles, motorcycles, private cars and trucks that have become unregulated taxis to accommodate the majority of the population who depend on public transportation to move in between larger … Read more
I wonder who many of us are waiting futilely for the “old normality” to come back. I know one way or another, we’ll pull through this new reality. What about you? I will give a penny for your thoughts.
As part of the gradual aperture phase in Guatemala, coffee shops and restaurants are opening their dining areas making sure they keep healthy physical distance between diners and health protocols in place. As you can see in this dining area, about two thirds of the tables are disabled and the table where diners are allowed … Read more
Everyone is wearing a mask in Antigua Guatemala; municipal employees are no exception. I believe the face mask usage compliance is nearly 100%. Cobblestoned streets trivia: the annual budget for maintenance of the cobbled streets is around +Q7 million or about US$1 million for a town that is merely 0.6 of mile. It’s expensive to … Read more
Here’s your illustrated Guatemalan Spanish word of the day: Garrafón for demijohn. Purified water was deemed to be an essential service and its distribution was never interrupted. Purified water is distributed for homes and business in 5-gallon demijohns as shown here. Each garrafón costs Q15 to Q16, or about US$2 per container. How is purified … Read more
Here’s your illustrated Guatemalan Spanish word of the day: Ayuntamiento for City Hall. Since this year the city of Antigua Guatemala could not celebrate it’s patron saint festivities on July 25th, which is Día de Santiago, or Saint James Day, they hanged these huge Santiago banners from the Palacio del Ayuntamiento [City Hall Palace]. By … Read more
Parque de La Unión is one of the most populars parks in Antigua Guatemala with its gorgeous and eye-catching public washbasins and water tank. This was always a lovers’ magnet and the entire park was always crowded, but not during the lockdowns; as all parks were closed, as I mentioned back in April. Birds and … Read more
Believe it or not, Parque Central formerly the most crowded park of Antigua Guatemala, now stays deserted, except for the pigeons, of course. Still, I truly believe that Parque Central is the heart of the city. What is your favorite spot in Antigua Guatemala?
Bicycles and motorcycles have always been quite popular means of transportation in and around Antigua Guatemala since the distances are short and parking is always a hassle, especially in downtown. Of course, during the lockdowns and quarantines when public transportation was completely stopped and car mobility was restricted, bicycles and motorcycles were not affected; that’s … Read more
Guatemala began a gradual re-opening; reducing the curfew from 6pm-5am to 9pm-4am everyday; no more weekend total lockdowns. Public transportation will start operating at 50% capacity. Churches and temples will begin opening as well with small number of worshipers and reduced hours as well. Are churches open in your corner of the world?
Even though I have focus mostly on the face masks or face coverings, there are other things that we find everywhere, from the sanitizing gel at the entrance of every business, government building and offices to gloves being used in many places from supermarkets to restaurants. Even the shoe shiners are wearing gloves these days. … Read more
July 25th is the Day of Saint James, Día de Santiago, the patron saint of Antigua Guatemala, formerly known as Santiago de los Caballeros de Guatemala. Of course, under “normal” circumstances, there are dozen of events all of the city of Antigua Guatemala from school parades, to procession, from food festivals to musical recitals and … Read more