Laundry day

Today started well with the best cup of coffee both Gemma and I have had in 3 weeks. You'd think that given that they grow it down the road that we wouldn't be hard pressed to find some quality beans but apparently they export all the good stuff. I can get it in Uxbridge Starbucks but not in Guatemala. Ho hum.

After a productive couple of hours... different 'moderately priced' hotel with roof terrace and view booked for Sunday and Monday... bus ticket to Honduras on Tuesday procured... name on list for Pacaya volcano trek on Monday... it was time to start exploring for real.

Once you get used to the street numbering system, Antigua is remarkably easy to navigate. Or, as I chose to do, you can ignore the map and just follow your nose. And it led me to all sorts of interesting places.

Antigua is a beautiful city in its own right but sprawled in the shadow of towering volcanoes makes it even more remarkable. I enjoyed this view from the mirador at Cerro de la Cruz. Gemma had sensibly vetoed yet another hill in the glaring sunshine but I met a really lovely girl called Melissa from Quebec en route and ended up spending a fun afternoon with her. She, incidentally, has got a whole year off work to travel - just a little bit jealous!

My favourite spot was by the ruins of the Santa Clara church where you could watch the local women washing their clothes in a public pool. Lots of laughter and a rainbow full of colour.

The church of San Francisco has a beautiful courtyard too and I loved the wall inside where worshippers had hung hundreds of little plaques to thank Hermano Pedro for answering their prayers.

Tomorrow we should be treated to the spectacle of a Cuaresma (Lent) procession through the streets. They are already hanging purple banners from all the buildings.

Hmm... now back to less spiritual matters. Where's the nearest laundry? Or maybe I should just join the ladies at Santa Clara!

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Location:Antigua, Guatemala