Magnificent Antigua

Transportation... You know where this is about to go if you have read any of our precious posts. The shuttle ride from El Cuco, El Salvador to the Guatemalan border took about 4 hours, it was at this point our driver informed us we would be escorted by police the next 3 hours until we reach Antigua. We were confused and shocked, as our understanding until this point was that El Salvador and Honduras were more dangerous. He explained to us all that along the road from the border to Antigua there had been many recent armed robberies, with a somber face as if looking into the past he told us that he has seen people dead on this road. I was sitting right beside him in the front as he talked and Travis on my right in the passenger seat.The whole shuttle, which was previously lively and talkative fell silent for the remainder of the trip. With suspicion my eyes jolted from one vehicle to the next as we drove into the descending darkness. I began to pray as I felt fear rising up within me. It was then I decided to visit more with our driver and get to know him to lessen the tension. We quickly discovered we were both Christians and he immediately switched the music to DC Talk for the remainder of the journey. I smiled and laughed inside to think that the songs I enjoyed in my teens were now lightening my heart along a dangerous road. Thankfully, we safely arrived in Antigua and found the hostel we wanted with ease. All they had left was the dorm but it didn't matter, we were exhausted. Travelling through dangerous and trying conditions always serves to make us more grateful and appreciative. In the morning we enjoyed the most delicious breakfast, visited with some inspiring people and peacefully sat on a very nice rooftop patio reflecting on the journey we had just endured.

Our first order of business in Antigua was to meet up with my parents who had arrived in Guatemala the day before. With eagerness and excitement we made our way across the city over the cobblestone streets and past the many ruins. It was so wonderful to see them after 3 months of being apart and together the four of us spent the next 3 days soaking in the spledor of the old capital city of all Central America. Antigua is a beautiful colonial city and the colourful Mayan people selling gorgeous hand crafted treasures add so much more culture than any city we had visited previously. Not to mention the three volcanos surrounding the city including an active one which hosted belows of smoke from the top. Without a doubt this was our favourite city so far. The ambience of the cobblestone streets, friendly people and delicious food made me wonder how come this place wasn't more expensive to visit. Someday we most definelty want to return.