So being the intrepid travellers we are, we both thought Antigua was in the Caribbean! How sad are we?
Antigua Guatemala (spelt right this time) is a colonial town that used to be the capital until the 1700's, when it was struck by mass earthquakes. Its cobbbled streets are reminisant of St Ives and we are sure hundred of other quaint towns arund the UK. The first thing we noticed was that Daves mum would love this place. Its brightly coloured 1 story buildings, local markets and craft shops make this a travellers paradise.
The location doesn't hurt either, nestled in a Valley in between 3 volcanoes - one still active. The views from the surrounding hills were simply spectacular, including one with a cross overlooking the town and volcano.
Anyhow enough praise for the location, our story here begins as we were about to leave the town to head to the local Markets in Chi Chi. We got stuck in a demonstration of health workers who blocked the road... kindof scary due to the fact the country is not the most stable esp with guys with shotguns and huge automatic rifles roaming the streets! We were stuck here for over 5 hours and never got to the markets. The next 2 days we were supposed to be in a family stay, but due to the rain both routes were blocked with lanslides and it was deemed dangerous to drive there.
So we had a total of 4 days in Antigua... not that we complained much - it was beautiful - you can walk around the town safely for a least a week without getting bored.
We had a big night out where we said goodbye to Lucy (the Aussies couples sister) who we had grown quite close to (she finished the tour here). There was some good shot drinking from the little Tidey and the beers here were in litre bottles.
The hangover wasn't too bad - but did call for a sneaky trip to McDonalds. Yes we know we should've have - but there is only so muc street food and local food one can eat.
Our last night came pretty quickly and we had the best street food for under 30 quitsals for both of us to have 2 meat tortillas, a cheese filled Tortilas and salad BARGAIN!
Megan has also bought a tapastry cat which we have named Guatever... you have to see it to believe it...
Off to Hondurus tomorrow. Pictures of the snorkelling in the Caye are up and came out really well.