G.U.A.T.E.M.A.L.A.

When working in Haiti, one needs a break from the sun and heat. We know that we are especially fortunate to have this break from time to time. Antigua, Guatemala. This morning we awoke to an overcast day, with the clouds acting as a foggy lens for the sun to shine through, dispersing a bright, gray light. Breakfast at an old Spanish palace built in the 1500's while chatting, shooing away a very determined black crow that was fixed upon gobbling my whole wheat toast and delving into various articles in the Economist. While Monica has gone to get her feet dolled up, I am happy to find a nice, restful place to sit and drink un Moca Caffe. I find myself sitting underneath a roofed terrace in the courtyard of a coffee shop a few minute's walk from our bed and breakfast, and appreciating the fact that it is still raining. Trickling fountains, large tropical plants and bright textiles adorn most spaces, both indoors and out. The architecture is beautiful here - it is strange to see buildings standing upright and I have to remind myself that there aren't large piles of rubble or rubbish in the streets to dodge. The last major earthquake to occur in Guatemala was in 1976, which killed 23,000 people and injured another 76,000. It is difficult not to think about earthquakes sometimes. However, the destruction of the last major earthquake in Guatemala does not compare to the Civil War here, the longest civil war in Latin American history (1960-1996), which claimed as many lives as did Haiti's January 2010 earthquake - not to mention the 45,000 Desaparecidos. Despite its history of hardship, there is reason for hope in Guatemala. Just look at what we saw...beauty, culture, thriving local agriculture and tourism...we wish this for Haiti.

Lago de Atitlan















Kayaking Lago de Aitilan









Finally, a Cafe!!
















The Ecohouse we stayed in at Lago de Atitlan






View from our Ecobed...



Our Ecobed


Bathroom


Sustainable Fair Trade Coffee Farm Tour










Antigua, Guatemala




View from room...