More on Antigua

After several days here I can provide more specific info. This city is well worth a visit. Sadly Guatemala is the 2nd poorest country in Central America. A haircut for example is $ 1.50.

So that the local economy can exist, there are tourist police on many corners from the morning until about 10 p.m. Like other Latin countries & England, most places are closed by 11 p.m.

98% of the streets are cobble stone. People often use tuc tucs (little 3 wheel motorized vehicles with very small wheels) as taxis. Buses are old school buses from the U.S. brightly painted but too often belching exhaust. Nice of us to recycle!

Antigua has suffered from many volcanoes in the past. Consequently the city has many ruins throughout, possibly like Athens! Walking is very pleasant though it's important to be careful lest one twists an ankle etc. Sidewalks are narrow & each window is protected by iron grating that protrudes about 4 inches. Consequently, when using a large umbrella - recommended as the rain can be heavy - you will encounted a lot of hurdles!

Finding a place is interesting as 90% or more of buildings painted with different but repeating colors all look the same. My homestay is lovely but behind a wall similar to others. There might be a house, a store, and then a bank in a row. So you have to look closely especially when coming back after dark.

As in Mexico, the local people are very nice, easily smiling and helping out when asked.

This is the beginning of the rainy season. It rains each afternoon. Last night it rained hard for hours. To me it's fine. Cloudy mostly but it is so lovely out.