Ahh the cobble stone streets of Antigua. Nothing says ankle sprain like walking your date to dinner six blocks across some of the most torrential cobble stones in Central America. Actually, I felt bad for any luxury automobile that had to make its way through this town. But this posting isn’t about the actual construction of the streets, but more so what you will find on them throughout the course of the day. This photo set is comprised of images I took while exploring and walking throughout the historic and beautiful Antigua.
Any south or west bound road leads you to a picturesque view of the volcanoes. This view is looking south towards Volcano Agua with Capuchinas Convent on the right. Actually, it was right outside of the hotel we were staying at, El Convento.
Same location, but portrait shot looking south towards Volcano Agua, with Capuchinas Convent on the right.
Continuing further south, Santa Clara Convent and Church is on the left and Tanque de la Union on the right. There is also a group of tourist taking photos. Shame on them for getting into my shot. hah, kidding. Also the guards on the left, no idea why they are here.
Volcano Agua! Early mornings are great for clear blue skies and empty roads. However, the building shadows are exposure killers on the streets.
With the morning sun behind me, I headed west. You can see Volcano Acatenango in the distance.
Typical intersection with Volcanos Fugo and Acatenango in the distance.
Same intersection, but now with a motorbike and a tuk-tuk. Never did get to ride in one of those three wheel tuk-tuks. They looked hella fun.
Most of the street walls in Antigua are exposing several layers of paint. This one has eroded all the way down the the brick and stone base. You will also notice Volcano Agua in the background.
Almost every single property in Antigua has a wall along side of the road. Most of them are enclosed, and some of them, like this building on the right, have collapsed roofs with plants growing in them. You will also notice the pink wall from the previous shot is on the left where the two people are walking.
Looking south at the intersection of Capuchinas Convent.
Relics, old cars, spanish tile and Volcano Agua. Oh and some cobble stone.
In the distance, Volcano Fuego gives off a few puffs of smoke.
This is public transportation at its finest. These sweet buses are all customized with their own personal names on the windows. I believe the guy in the door greets riders, confirms their route and then will tie down their luggage to the roof. I watched a few of them do this while in full motion, very Hollywood action scene esque.
Not so sure how their suspension is holding up, but old beat up cars are a common site on the streets.
Volcano Fuego would intermittently puff during the day. But no real eruptions were recorded during my visit.
Guatemala City might be a dangerous place, but with the amount of security, police and military in Antigua, things start to feel real safe. Here, a female street cop walks the streets with Volcano Agua in the distance.
Aleve, extra fuerte.
Looking East, you can see Capuchinas signature golden dome in the distance. I used this to orient myself and find my way home on numerous occasions.
The last day was a bit overcast. This is looking south toward the Church of San Francisco. You can also see the base of Volcano Agua below the clouds.
You know you got something to hide when there are coils of razor wire along the top of your perimeter.
I love how just the entrance to this building has been renovated, in the customary Antigua yellow and white.
This truck has seen better days, but I bet it still runs.
And finally, just on the outskirts of town. Tuk-tuks and motorbikes zoom about, with hillside shanties in the distance. If you look closely, this road is also cobble stone, but has been paved over to make things more accommodating for travel.
