Carta_Pisana

Arrived yesterday around noon. Staying at Casa de los Cantaros. Absolutely wonderful - just right.

The colonial architecture, the volcanos, the church ruins, the hidden lush courtyard gardens, the hip international restaurants and bar scene. Antigua was hopping last night and looks like tonight is going to be a festive evening.

Had dinner at Casa Santa Domingo last night - pretty good. The hotel is beautiful - almost too beautiful in a Disney-esque kinda way.

My tipple of choice - Zacapa rum. Delicious - incredible.

ATMs are dispensing money - one bank I went to wouldn´t cash travelers checks.

Any questions - feel free to ask.

Suzie2

Have a great time. We just got back from there.

Found a great Argentine restaurant on 3a calle oriente #21 about a block or so from Santo Domingo called NiFu NiFa. We actually went back for a second lunch before we left town. Had Puyoza which is a steak cut from the sirloin tri tip roast that you see out west a lot. Finally started seeing it in the stores here in Ohio and I am thrilled. You get two small steaks and the salad bar for Q90. French Fries are another Q16.

Felt the same way about SD as you. Walked in, looked around at the glass display in the back and left. Check out Frida's. Good mexican food. I now have one room that is beginning to look like a Frida Kahlo shrine. My husband even bought me a Frida doll for xmas.

We got lucky as you are because they are having their cultural fiesta. Only happens every two years. We were there for opening night and there were high school bands and fireworks on the green. Lots of fun. This is probably the last weekend for it.

Yes, Zacapa is very good.

Have fun and give us a report when you get home.

Carta_Pisana

Leaving for Lake Atitlan tomorrow. Hiked Pacaya yesterday - did the 2:30 trip which was great. Sunset up near the lava fields was beautiful. Have mets lots of people this trip - a couple from San Antonio, a couple from Vancouver, teachers from San Francisco chaperoning 30 high school students, a couple from the Twin Cities who just finished their adoption, lots of London 20-somethings backpacking around the world - friendly light conversations - just enough connection. Weather has been glorious - a couple nights have been chilly but my bedroom has a fireplace.
There were major weddings going on in a couple of the ruin cloisters this past weekend - easily 300 tables set up per wedding (who has that many friends?)

Will try and check in while at Atitlan...

theresadumais

Sounds like you are having a wonderful time. My husband and I (we're a young couple just married) are planning a trip to Antiqua and the Western Highlands this spring. Would love to continue hearing about your trip, highlights, and any advice/suggestions you may have for itinerary/restaurants/etc. I have studied art history extensively for the past six years and cannot wait to see the ruins.

Suzie2

Safe journey to Atitlan. We went to Solola last year so didn't go this year. If you can get there do. We were the only tourists there at the time. Great deals and so interesting to be able to see so many different village colors in one place. The Huipiles are so beautiful. Santiago is the village to visit. Found it a little touristy but need to do it at least once. Do hire a guide to take you to Maximon. We went back this year to do a little shopping but didn't stay long.

My knee is still hurting from the hike down from Pacaya. Probably a dangerous place to hike because the volcano is so active but soooooo cool. The guide book we had said it was super dangerous because of robberies but we didn't feel at all unsafe.

Theresa, if you get to Atitlan go over to the hotel Casa Palopo. There is a huge original Botero. Not terribly historic but worth a fortune. Great lime drinks if you want something to sip on while looking. Carta Pisana...there is also some Zacapa!

Keep up the trip logs.

Carta_Pisana

Hola from Lake Atitlan. Im staying at Casa Polopo - the views are magnificent and dinner last night was very good. Went to Pana and Santa Catarina today. Its hard to resist buying the various color fabrics. I think there are better fabrics to be found at towns other than Pana. Bought a beautiful table runner in Santa Catarina. Had a couple Zacapas and chips at Sunset Cafe in Pana - the views and laid back feel are great. Going to Santiago and Solola tomorrow and boat tripping across the lake. Not sure when I 'll be able to work on my tan. Any questions feel free to ask.

Carta_Pisana

Just finished a wonderful dinner. Met some wonderful people at sunset on the terrace and had dinner together. Light friendly vivacious conversation - nothing serious but plenty of double-entendre that made us all laugh. It is a beautiful evening.

Tomorrow - Santiago Atitlan, San Pedro and Solola.

Carta_Pisana

Finishing up dinner and winding down my last day at Casa Polopo. Spent the day by the pool - reading, having a couple Zacapas, getting a bit of color. In the afternoon went back to Santa Catarina to bargain for a weaving but she steadfastly refused to come down on her price - however I found something else I liked almost as much and took some portrait shots of her and her mother promising to send prints when I develope and print the negatives. This has been a wonderfully different trip than my previous and I think it has a lot to do with the spirit of the Guatemalan people.

Thanks for to all for your suggestions and tips.