Good Things Come To Those Who Wait
Guatemala Day 2: The Perfect Day (Part 2)
Catedral de Santiago
Another magnificent view of Catedral de Santiago.
One of the most important part's of the processions are the extraordinary "carpets" constructed out of various colored grass that are made by the devotees. As people walk over them they are instantly destroyed and new ones must be created.
How I love parades; the smiling people, the infectious joy in the air, the feeling of connecting with a large group of people. Mel and I could not stop smiling as everyone passed us by.
The following photos are from the last procession we saw of the day:
We got so caught up in the moment that it was not until later in the afternoon when we realized that we had forgotten to eat anything all day. We quickly found a restaurant where we could still hear the sounds of the parades while we replenished ourselves.
Me waiting for our table at the restaurant. My poor feet were so tired!
The view from the restaurant.
Next we visited the markets. I was on search for the perfect bag and Mel for the perfect scarf. The Guatemalan goods are rich in both color and pattern. I wanted to buy everything I saw! No bag was found, but we both discovered scarves that we neither of us could live without.
A pretty fountain in the center of the markets.
The final stop on our sightseeing list was the famed Arco de
An example of a "carpet" being made with a view of the Arco de
Catalina in the distance.
Arco de
Near the
The facade of Iglesia y Convento de Nuestra Senora de la Merced.
We made plans to meet a Couchsurfer at the bar Estudio 35, which luckily happened to be next door to the restaurant after our meal. The guy we met, who also managed the bar, was quite a character and hearing his life story definitely provided Mel and I with an interesting conversation on the walk back to the hotel.
Guatemala Day 2: The Perfect Day (Part 1)
As Mel and I stepped foot outside our hotel’s primacies my breath was completely taken away from me. I had heard how beautiful La Antigua Guatemala or “the Old Guatemala” is, but it is one of those things that you will never truly appreciate until experienced firsthand. La
My 1st view of La Antigua as I stepped out of our hotel.
Here are some more photos from our walk to the main square...
It is simple to comprehend why it has been given the honor of being named an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Me in the midst of a procession.
Before Mel and I followed a procession, we decided to do some more walking around the ancient city and here are some more photos from our walk...
To be continued...
Guatemala Day 1: Traveling Is The Most Rewarding Kind Of Stress
Sometimes
even we seasoned travelers who think we have mastered the art of
traveling make the most novice mistakes. I have always wanted to
experience Semana Santa, or Holy Week, in
2 weeks prior to this trip I met Mel, who is now a dear friend, during my brief trip to
Again, I had an early morning flight. I cannot put into words how much I hate waking up early. I would much rather stay awake until 5AM, than wake up at that time. And no matter how much coffee you give me, I am still not going to be the cheerful person I normally am. I know how fortunate I am to have the opportunity to travel though, so I will work on embracing these early morning flights and hopefully you will not have to read my silly complaints in the future.
I have decided to eliminate the specific details regarding the terrible events that took place at the airport after I checked in, since they do not contribute in a positive way to the remembrance of the trip. All I will say is that they included: a 3 hour delay in NYC leading to a missed connection, irate passengers, screaming children, and a 6 hour layover in
This whole trip was first planned around renting a car and driving around the country. I had previously done this in Costa Rica and on my way
Note: private taxis can be found in abundance and are usually around $30-40. I was lucky enough to catch a bus that was just leaving and only had to wait about 5 minutes. As we approached La Antigua, the traffic began to congest heavily. The driver looked at us passengers like, “C’mon it is Semana Santa, what do you expect?” We idled for a while and then the driver announced that most of the streets were blocked, as the town was getting ready for the processions tomorrow. I would have to walk with all of my luggage and tired body about 5-6 cobblestone blocks. I shook my head in disbelief at how the day had so far turned out, took a couple of deep breaths, and began to search for my hotel. After several wrong turns, I finally found it.
The only place that I was able to find available was El Convento Boutique Hotel, which was across the street from the ruins of the Nunnery called Convento de Las Capuchinas. The hotel was recently built and is still fairly unknown. I truly believe this place rivals for the title of “The Most Beautiful Hotel in the World.” As I was checking in, Mel was informed of my arrival, and she came running to the reception desk to greet me. It was more than wonderful to see her after the very long and frustrating day I had!
Me in the lobby of our hotel.
I was so exhausted in the bus ride to the hotel, but after seeing Mel and walking through the candle-lit streets and breathing in the incensed filled air I was more than ready to start exploring my 26th country. Mel had said that earlier she had mixed up hotels (there is another Hotel Convento, however, it is much larger) and was amazed by the other hotel’s grounds. She wanted to go back and take pictures with me. 
The candlelit entrance into Hotel Convento.
While we were there a mass was being conducted and it only added to the incredible ambiance of the enchanting place.
Me inside Hotel Convento.
Then we found an al fresco restaurant set amongst a garden and this where I first fell in love with Guatemalan cuisine. After our delicious meal, I just could not keep my eyes open any longer and we headed back to our sanctuary for some much needed rest.
Exciting Andi News
Mexcity City Day 4: The Fastest Weekend Of My Life
Because we had stayed out so late the previous night, Mel and I both
needed some extra sleep. I had to be out of my hotel around 1PM, which
is when Mel picked me up. Sadly, I only had 2 hours before I needed to
be at the airport. We quickly drove to Xochimilco, which is an area of the city that is known for its extended series of canals that are the remains of the ancient Lago Xochimilco, which was a lake.
The colorful boats in the canals.
One of the entrances to the canals was closed, causing serious traffic. So, we were unable to take an actual boat ride, however I am happy that I was at least able to get a quick glimpse at the canals and the colorful boats where you can dine while you float along the water. Believe it or not I even saw a boat with my name!
As we headed to the airport I invited Mel to join me on my next trip 2 weeks later to
Ahhh,
the perils of traveling. I do not think I have ever been on a trip
where I have been able to do and see everything that I had wanted to.
This was especially the case in
Mexico City Day 3: Mexcity City Day 3: A Day In The Life Of My Hero Frida Kahlo (Part 2)
The other 2 girls wanted to walk to the
La Zona Rosa
We rode the bus for about an hour and then finally disembarked in San Angel. This is Mel’s favorite area in
We cut across the art market amidst a delightful patch of palms and jacarandas to a Creperie to fill up on crepes and watermelon juice. This being the weekend, the indigenous market down the street was also out in full swing.
While walking through it to get to the Twin Studios I spotted the most divine hand-woven blanket with the magical Oaxacan creatures that I had fallen in love with on my first day in Coyoacan. I inquired how much money it cost and it was definitely out of my budget. I decided to let it go, but I could not get it out of my mind.
Mel and I continued wandering down the cobblestone streets and daydreaming of owning a house together there one day.
Me and Guadelupe in San Angel.
Another Guadelupe!
Eventually we reached the Twin Studios and again my breath was taken away! There in front of me was Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo’s home. After the independent pair got married they commissioned their eccentric San Angel dream house to be constructed of double artist studios with a bridge in between. Guarding the home was a prickly 6-foot-high cactus barrier. Their turbulent marriage fell apart after Diego was caught having an affair with Frida’s younger sister, but the pair remarried and moved back into Casa Azul, after barely a year apart. There is hardly a trace of Frida in the Twin Studios, save a collection of dolls in Diego’s studio; each one given to him after every time he was caught having an affair, which is tradition in Mexican culture.
Another photo of the exterior of the Twin Studios, but with a better view
of the bridge and cactus fence.
women he had an affair with.
Because it was getting late, we decided to take a taxi back to Mel’s car in Coyoacan, rather than take the Turibus.
You will hear it over and over: Never hail a taxi in the street unless you want your 1st stop to be an ATM, where, at knife point, your driver might relieve you of the contents of your checking account. Whereas, hotel and city-regulated taxi's are supposedly safe. Thankfully, Mel drove me around everywhere, so I never had the opportunity to test this rumor out, but I would like to say that I never once felt unsafe in
After we retrieved Mel’s car and were heading in the direction of my hotel, she said that she could tell I was still thinking about that blanket in the market (admittedly I was). Without giving me much choice, she drove all the way back to the San Angel market and went through the great trouble of finding a parking spot. She then proceeded to drag me over to the merchant that was selling the blanket and bargain with him for half of what he originally wanted in price. What a true friend she is! I seriously think this is my favorite item I have ever bought during my travels.
The day ended in La Condesa, the bohemian enclave. By day, stroll
Although I speak fairly good conversational Spanish, I was lost on the “English” tour that I had booked to Iguazu Falls. Polo, who also happened to be on the same tour with me, could tell that I was lost when the guide was rapidly speaking in Spanish and he kindly offered to translate for me. We became instant friends after that. The last time I saw him was over a year ago at his beach house in Cancun and I was excited to make up for lost time.
While we waited for Polo to arrive, Miguel and I discussed over mango margaritas the complexities of
Mexcity City Day 3: A Day In The Life Of My Hero Frida Kahlo (Part 1)
Mel and I decided to dedicate the day to seeing all things Frida. Erika and another Couchsurfer from
Parroquia de San Juan Bautista in Coyoacan revisited.
Me and the coyotes in the zocalo in Coyoacan.
Before they arrived, Mel and I each enjoyed a café con leche and pastry at a quaint café called the Italian Coffee Company. While we were there we entertained each other with exciting traveling stories (I am desperate to go to
The café we had brunch in.
Once the other 2 ladies joined us, we then we walked about 15 minutes to Casa Azul, or the Blue House, where Frida lived and died.
As we approached the historical home/museum my heart began to flutter with such excitement!
Casa Azul is agenuine reflection of Frida’s spirit. One was not permitted to take pictures, however I had Mel keep a lookout for me so Icould snap a couple of her bedroom and kitchen. I know, how terrible ofme, but I have a feeling Frida is somewhere laughing and painting thefunny scene.
Now let me take you on a little stroll through the blue house...
One of my favorite self-portraits she made was of herself wrapped up ina fuchsia scarf and wearing big, fabulous earrings and necklace. Inthe gift shop they had a small replica in a wooden frame that I bought to hang up inmy house, not only as a reminder of her, but also of this special day.
To be continued...
Mexcity City Day 2: Traveling = Life
This was one of those day’s that totally changes your life and only adds more fuel to the fire that ignites your passion for traveling...
I woke up feeling pretty exhausted, so I decided to splurge and order room service. A cheese omelet and some pan dulce later, I was more energized and ready to start my day with Mel. Our 1st stop was in the Zocalo area, where there was a Gregory Colbert exhibition at the
Outside the 'Ashes and Snow' exhibit at the Nomadic Museum in the
center of the Zocalo square.
The
The exhibition contained large-scale photographic artwork and films in sepia tone that were edited by 2-time Oscar winner Pietro Scalia and narrated by Laurence Fishburne (English) and Ken Watanabe (Japanese). Gregory Colbert, the artist behind the masterpiece “Ashes and Snow,” has brilliantly captured intimate interactions between humans and animals from his expeditions around the world.
In Colbert’s own words about his work, “In exploring the shared language and poetic sensibilities of all animals, I am working towards rediscovering the common ground that once existed when people lived in harmony with animals.” The title of “Ashes and Snow” suggests the concepts of rebirth and renewal, while also, according to the brochure handed out at the exhibition, “refers to the literary component of the exhibition--a fictional account of a man who, over the course of a yearlong journey, composes 365 letters to his wife. The source of the title is revealed in the 365th letter.”
One of the picture's from the exhibit that was on the outside of the museum.
Unfortunately, no cameras were allowed in the museum. I suppose it was for the best, as the constant sight of flashes would have greatly disturbed one’s attention from the work. Although, I would have loved to have been able to show others, who will never be able to see the exhibit, just how extraordinary the work was. The inside of the museum was massive and the only light that existed was used to illuminate the pictures that were hanging on both sides of the walkway. Underneath the pictures was a stream of water and if one looked into the water you could see the reflection of the pictures in it. The videos were displayed on gigantic screens at the end of each walkway. I truly believe that if this had been the only thing I was able to see while in
A close up of one of my favorite pictures (of course it has an elephant) in the gift shop.
The 2nd stop of the day was equally spectacular: the ancient city of
The site is impressive for its scale, both in the size of the Pyramid of the Sun (the third largest pyramid in the world at 215 feet) and the majesty of the Calle de los Muertos, or the Street of the Dead, which was originally 4km long and surrounded by temples, palaces, and platforms.
The Pyramid of the Moon inside the ancient city of Teotihuacan.
A view of the mountains in the distance from the top of the Pyramid of the Moon
A view of Calle de los Muertos and the Pyramid of the Sun from the top of the Pyramid of the Moon.
Me on top of the Pyramid of the Moon with the Pyramid of the Sun in the
background.
Mel and I on top of the Pyramid of the Moon.
The Pyramid of the Sun from Calle de los Muertos.
The history of
Our final stop of the day was dinner with another Couchsurfer named Erika. Erika was an interesting woman; she came for a visit to
Mexcity City Day 1: I Finally Made It To Mexico's Capitol
Mel and I instantly felt like we had known each other for years. Since she had the whole weekend free, she decided that she would dedicate it to showing me around her city and taking me wherever my heart desired. This incredible generosity she possessed, especially with a stranger, is so uncommon to find these days that I could not help myself from saying “muchas gracias” every 5 minutes.
From the airport, we went for some food at my request. On the way to the restaurant we picked up Mel’s close friend. After a couple of hours of eating delicious Mexican cuisine and the telling of our life stories, we parted with her friend and went to one of Mel’s favorite area’s called el Centro de Coyoacan. This quaint little part of the city was once believed to have been inhabited by coyotes. Walking through Coyoacan it is easy to imagine how it must have looked in centuries past, since it is still paved with cobblestone streets and lined with colonial homes.
One can also find museums, cafes, boutiques, restaurants, and art studios that all help to create a charming ambiance. In the middle of Coyoacan are Plaza
Our 1st stop was the most prominent feature in Coyoacan: Parroquia de San Juan Bautista, which is a gorgeous, ancient cathedral.
The facade of Parroquia de San Juan Bautista.
The inside.
Our 2nd stop was a small gift shop where I purchased an enchanting Oaxacan animal woodcarving. These stunning carvings are based on real animals (mine was an elephant, of course!), but have parts of various other animals. They are painted with vibrant colors and patterns, with no 2 exactly alike.
It was starting to get late in the day and I still needed to check into my hotel, so we left Coyoacan for Polanco. This was about a 30km drive and should have taken us about 45 minutes, however due to
After the satiating meal, Mel finally dropped me off at my hotel. I chose to stay at Hotel Habita in Polanco, a posh area of the city. From the website I could tell that the hotel was impressive, but as I stood in my room I thought to myself that I have never seen a more glamorous hotel before. I jumped into my luxurious bathtub, used the provided Kiehl’s bath products, and let the stress from the awful traffic melt away.
As I drifted off to sleep a little later, I could not help and reflect on my 1st impression of this grand city. Despite the overpopulation, pollution, and traffic, this part modern metropolis and part monstrosity is not to be missed! This city that is so special it has multiple names (Distrito Federal, D.F.,
So, my words of wisdom are to ignore the foolish and incorrect warnings that it is the #1 most dangerous city in the world and make sure to add it as a dream destination!
