La Antigua Guatemala

So, Antigua. Often times, I read in a guide book about a charming town or city. And then I go there and I don't really agree with those sentiments. And Antigua is one of those places that the guidebooks call "lovely." and after being here for a few days, I have to say that I see what they mean and why this place appeals to Spanish language students. While it doesnt look like home, it has many of the comforts of home including loads of internet cafes. And white people speaking English. I suppose that you find that in many places that are on the tourist map (ie in the Lonely Planet) so I suppose that it is more remarkable that there are this many English speakers in a town of about 35,000.

I went to a great slide show talk last night about Antigua given by an American woman moved here by her father when she was 14. She said the city is modelled after Sevilla, Spain, which is funny since I was thinking of going there, and the King and Queen of spain are actually coming on Friday! Almost all the buildings are one story - earthquake proof! The streets are all cobblestone. But the nicest parts of Antigua arent readily visible - it is the little courtyards where there are a lot of cafes and bookstores, internet cafes, etc. They are muy tranquil and cute, and I can see why people would be happy studying their Spanish verbs or nursing a drink there.

It took me a day to figure out why it was so hard to tell what the stores were that I was walking by. It is because all the signs are flat against the walls rather than hanging perpendicular like they do everywhere else. So you have to strain your neck to see what you are passing. The upside of this is that it forces you to look into openings you might not otherwise, and therefore see some of the pretty courtyards of hotels and other places. There's a main parque central with a church on one side, banks on another, the government buildings and then some tourist places. All the banks have armed security guards at the entrance, as do some jewelry stores. Even some delivery trucks do (unloading liter after liter of Pepsi or bags of Fritos!) .

I've been strangely fascinated by the grocery store, which is pretty big. I suppose because I was recently in Africa, where the stores in the big cities were just like home, and the stores in the small towns were NOT. They hardly had things. This store has a lot, but its not as clean and shiny as our stores...I can't explain it, and for someone who hates going grocery shopping at home I have an excessive amount of enjoyment walking down the aisles in a foreign grocery store. Maybe it is because I know I won't have to prepare my food.

So Antigua...a tourist-friendly place. There are about 3 travel agencies on every block. But then there are also people going about their business who dont seem to have anything to do with tourists. I guess when I am in a place like NYC, I ignore all the tourist stuff, but it isnt that different.