We spent our last few Guatemalan days in Antigua, known for having the most gringos of all Guatemalan cities and a horrible history of devastating earthquakes. It used to be the capital, but after a huge quake in the 1700s, everyone had had enough and moved the capital to Guatemala City, leaving Antigua in ruins. However, some people stayed and it has somehow over the years become the gringo capital of Guatemala. Antigua was so different to us than the rest of the country. It was very touristy with fashionable restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and lots of overpriced merchandise for sale. We really had to push people to speak Spanish to us, because everyone saw us and starting speaking English. We did okay most of the time with our Spanish, until some people starting speaking a little slang to us (we like to think our accent was so good, that we seemed like fluent speakers), or using typical phrases from Antigua that we had not heard before. Then we just stood there like deer in headlights, racking our brains through all the verbs and conjugations we had learned. Needless to say, by the time we figured it out, the moment had long gone. Humility is definitely necessary when learning a new language. You make mistakes, but you gotta get over it. For example, Amy said this wonderful phrase three times before she finally stopped herself. If someone asked, “Are you married?” Amy would reply, “Si, estoy cansada.” The correct word is actually “casada” (no ‘n’). So basically Amy was responding to the question saying, “Yes, I am tired.” Instead of “Yes, I am married.” Why is the word for married and tired so close related? Casada/cansada. In any case, it gave the questioner a good laugh, and they all responded with, “Chica, es mismo.” Translated – “Honey, it’s the same thing.” Oh the joys!
We did one major trip in Antigua and that was to hike the closet active volcano, Payaco. Guatemala has over 30 volcanos, only 3 of which are active. We were in luck! Hope for the best, and get trekking. Luckily, that day ended up not being the day of the next huge eruption, so we were safe.
So, all in all, we love Guatemala. It is beautiful, with a rich history, delicious food, and very friendly people. Its reputation of being a very dangerous place, we’re sure is somewhat deserved, but if you exercise caution and common sense, heed the advice from locals (just like in any major city), you will be just fine. We definitely will come back!
We did one major trip in Antigua and that was to hike the closet active volcano, Payaco. Guatemala has over 30 volcanos, only 3 of which are active. We were in luck! Hope for the best, and get trekking. Luckily, that day ended up not being the day of the next huge eruption, so we were safe.
So, all in all, we love Guatemala. It is beautiful, with a rich history, delicious food, and very friendly people. Its reputation of being a very dangerous place, we’re sure is somewhat deserved, but if you exercise caution and common sense, heed the advice from locals (just like in any major city), you will be just fine. We definitely will come back!
