It’s been 17 months since we went to Guatemala, and I only saw the visual evidence for the first time this week. (We have nine computers between the two of us—ridiculous, I know, I know—and the folder was deeply buried on a dormant one.) And, as the whole experience left a bad taste in my mouth for a myriad of reasons, the pictures reminded me that there were quite a few good times to be had, as well.

Because the lake views did not disappoint. People who marvel at Tahoe have yet to see Atitlan. It’s a whole different kind of splendid.

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For New Years Eve we headed two-and-a-half hours back to Antigua to ring in 2010. We checked into the brand new hostel Dionisio, and headed for dinner at Kafka, where I savored the most delicious macaroni and cheese I have ever eaten. Then we joined the festivities taking place in the streets. Families, tourists, and Guatemaltecos from bordering cities descended upon Antigua to enjoy the picturesque colonial city and its agreeable weather. Bands were playing at every corner, flame throwers and circus parades gallivanted through the city entertaining the masses. Small kioskos sold beer and alcohol well into the morning, and everyone celebrated on the cobblestone pathways of the city center to call in the New Year.

As the year came to a close, the old buildings shook from the harmonized countdown, and when the clock hit 12:00am, a master display of fireworks unleashed, music blared, champagne sprayed and everyone rose in a chanting chorus of “Gaute, Gaute, Gaute!” It was invigorating and uplifting, instilling hope for a better year to come than the one just completed, marked by crisis and hardship on so many levels.

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Nora Walsh's Guatemalan travelblog, part 3

Back to Antigua

For New Years Eve we headed two and a half hours back to Antigua to ring in 2010. We checked into the brand new hostel Dionisio, and headed for dinner at Kafka, where I savored the most delicious macaroni and cheese I have ever eaten in my life. Then we joined the festivities taking place in the streets. Families, tourists, and Guatemaltecos from bordering cities descended upon Antigua to enjoy the picturesque colonial city and its agreeable weather. Bands were playing at every corner, flame throwers and circus parades gallivanted through the city entertaining the masses. Small kioskos sold beer and alcohol well into the morning, and everyone celebrated on the cobblestone pathways of the city center to call in the New Year.  

As the year came to an official close, the old buildings shook from the harmonized countdown, and when the clock hit 12:00am, a master display of fireworks unleashed, music blared, champagne sprayed and everyone rose in a chanting chorus of “Gaute, Gaute, Gaute!” It was invigorating and uplifting, instilling hope for a better year to come than the one just completed, marked by crisis and hardship on so many levels.

Read More...