To the Streets

Yesterday was a long day, leaving my house in Concord, NH at 5 a.m. to catch my 8 a.m. flight out of Boston. After catching my connecting flight in Miami, I landed in Guatemala City around 3:30 p.m. and was greeted by Juan, who had a sign with my name on it. We got to talking, his English was very good, and I picked up a little Spanish from him here and there. He told me about being in the states for 8 years working as a boat mechanic in San Diego before being deported. In the 1980s, he was in the army during the civil war and spent a lot of time in the jungle. He said sometimes it is dangerous in Guatemala, that's why he has a gun. He tapped the pack around his waist. We drove...rather, dodged our way through the city to meet up with a few others and headed to Antigua, about 45 minutes to an hour from the city.

Last night I met up with my sister and brother-in-law, and their friend Sarah, and we hit the city for some food and drinks. The cobblestone roads, the old buildings, the colorful walls, the motorcycles. Everything just fits. We ate at a café where there seemed to be a lot of ex-pats. I went with rice and beans, probably the most 'authentic' course on the menu that also included lasagna. But there'll be time to hit up the local places.

This morning I snapped out of bed at 7 a.m., which may be a surprise to those of you who know me, and met up with Jennifer and Pablo, the couple who will be getting married tomorrow, and Jennifer's dad Seamus. Wonderful people with plenty of ideas. We scouted out a few locations for portraits, the spot for the ceremony, and walked the city. I can't wait for tomorrow. There's so many places to photograph for the portraits I wish I had the whole week!

So, here's a few little snaps I took walking too and from various places. Sunday and Monday are 'free days,' so I hope to explore more then.

Also, I may not ever leave this city. Markets are open. Houses have courtyards off the living areas and kitchens. Roof tops with views of 3 volcanos. Relaxing. I know I'm considered a tourist and only here for 5 days I'm not going to pretend I know what the country is all about, but I feel life again. Relaxing. Happy. Something new and fresh.