Antigua Cont.

We visited a textile museum where we learned about the traditional dress of the Guatemalan people. It was interesting to learn that the tops were woven to represent each different village. They would include such images, as corn if the village produced corn, or animals if they were big hunters, etc. The belts on the women’s dress would match the top and if you were single the belt would be thin and if you were married it was wider. The cross shape on the bottom represented the north, south, east, and west. The Mayan’s were amazing people and responsible so many things, including calendars.

Had a lovely 45-minute drive up the mountains to Antigua. It is the former Capital of all Central America but had been destroyed over and over again by volcanoes. We of course, had to start of with breakfast at a local favorite where they made the most wonderful breads. You could smell the shop down the street. After our bellies were full, we were off. The city is full of churches, monasteries, and convents all of which were destroyed (or nearly) by earthquake after earthquake. Several years ago Guatemala, with the help of several other countries, is starting to rebuild its former capital.

Can you see the guard at the door way? They stand everywhere with shotguns. Don't know if I should feel scared or safe... hee hee hee

Took this picture for Bill, my bread lover.

Love this picture of mom.

Notice the volcano in the background? NOT the one that blew its' top!

Day one cont.

Just a few more pictures from day one: We found this BEAUTIFUL hotel with a beautiful restaurant. It was so opulent. We continued to wander the streets of downtown and then of course had to stop for dessert and coffee. Then back early… we were leaving at 5:45 for Antigua.

Day one cont.

After we got the house settled it was off to do a little shopping and lunch.

The mall here is HUGE and very, very nice. Prices are same as US; not much of way of deals. But wonderful clothes, shoes, etc. A little bit more European as far as fashion goes. But there was a Payless Shoe Store, Victoria Secret (although it is called PINK), and several BIG nice department stores.

I had a fun shopping but had to watch my $, so used to getting a good deal but not here.

Mom then took me to an Aquarium restaurant. I was like the ones in the states but the restaurant was smaller and nicer. Lots of fun to see.

Day One

Woke up to a yummy breakfast of coffee, FRESH orange juice, and pancakes. It is so beautiful here. But as I will soon find out the price of all this green lush landscape is an almost constant rain. Now I love it but I am a little worried about mom and all this rain- she HATES it. Whoops.

We were picked up by mom's realtor and taken to see several houses. I enjoyed seeing some of the city and we ended up picking the house that mom had originally wanted. It is beautiful; very big and most important, fully furnished so that will make it a lot easier to get in.

We stopped by the school and I love it! It is just wonderful. HUGE, green, and will just be a great place for mom and dad.

The school has pre-k through high school. A lot bigger than the one in Bolivia.

New Adventure - Guatemala!

Well, we got home from Bolivia ok. It was an amazing trip and one that I will be forever grateful for. BUT now my parents are moving to Guatemala. Dad got a new job and so a new adventure begins. Mom was going to Guatemala first to find a house so I joined her thus beginning my next adventure!

To travel to Guatemala is so surprising easy; it is actually a little bit of a let down as far as "Adventure" goes. I flew to DFW and then straight to Guatemala City. Customs was a breeze. I did not even have to buy a Visa or slip anyone any money to get into the country. Mom was waiting for me right out side airport with the school's driver and my first cup of Guatemalan coffee (which was amazing). We were staying at a small quaint B&B while we looked for a house.

My first impressions of Guate is VERY americanized. From the airport I saw Burger King, McDonalds, Pizza Hut, etc. It is very green and seemed a lot cleaner than Bolivia. The roads are nice. Very well-maintained and 3-4 lanes everywhere. Although the driving is just as crazy. Weaving in and out and going very fast but they are much kinder to pedestrians and seem to actually stop at red lights.

Mom and I ventured out to a Tapas bar for drinks and appetizers. Very good but after the first tastes of their desserts and I am worried. We will see if they get better. You know me... judging a country by their sweets.

Mom and our very sweet waiter at the tapas bar.

End of an amazing journey

It was a long trip home with an eight hour layover in Santa Cruz, which by the way is not a city I care to return too, but we made it. The kids were tired, I was tired, but it was an amazing journey. One I know will stay with me forever and I hope the kids will draw on this experience for the rest of their lives. I can say that I have never been so proud of my kids then on this trip. They welcomed each new exerperience with excitiment, bravery and youthful optistimic. I will forever feel blessed to have had the oportunitity to have watched them grow through this journey.