From Puerto Quetzal a bus took us north 1 1/2 hours up 5000 feet to the city of Antigua- a city founded in the 16th century, now designated a World Cultural Heritage site. We passed volcanoes, sugar cane plantations, lush green foliage and very humble (no, poor) dwellings. As we went, our tour guide told us bit about the country.
* Population 15 million
* Three groups: 47% are indigenes, 37% Africain-Caribbean, the balance "mixed". (The country's leaders come from the "mixed"; the indigenes live in rural communities - there are 22 different groups/dialects.)
* Education is not mandatory. 2/3 of those in the villages are illiterate. (Guademala has the lowest literacy in Latin America)
* There are 14 eco-systems in Guademala because this is where two major tetonic plates collide.
* The Mayans ruled Guademala beginning in 1500 B.C.; Spain conquered the Mayan Empire in 1528.
* There was 36 years of internal warring, which ended in 1996.
Once we reached Antiqua we visited the great central plaza (park) where dozens and dozens of colorful indigenes people were selling beautiful handicrafts.
Then we went to Casa Santo Domingo which was built as a convent in 1541 and now is a hotel. Built in the "baroque seismic" style, it now houses museums that preserve art and sculpture from the 16th century. We also had lunch there, which included fried plankton, refried beans and stuffed peppers.
Also in Antiqua is the Jade Factory and Museum. The founder and archeologist, Mary Lou Ridinger, spoke. She and her husband came to Guademala 31 years ago to locate the jade deposits - now only found in Burma and Guademala. We learned a lot about this gemstone.
We also learned - and experienced - that this is the rainy season. Our guide told us that there has been more rain this year than usual, with 57 bridges being washed out. (This is beginning to sound familiar!)
Upon return to the port we visited a large bazaar set up for venders to show their wares. What beautiful things!
We enjoyed dinner with new friends from Sonoma, CA and Scanton, PA. One of the men volunteers for Senior Medicare Patrol, which helps seniors spot and report Medicare fraud. He pointed out that when Obama says he is going to cut $xx from Medicare, it is not from benefits but from fraud. He said that the provision in the "Obamacare" healthcare bill to go after fraud has already resulted in huge savings. That was good to learn.
The evening entertainment was a variety show - including a return of Lelani Marrell. She ended with a great rendition of "All That Jazz" from Chicago.
Photos to follow.
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