Well it is the final full day of our journey.
It was an excellent day.
Everyone up at 6:30a (well Daddy up at 5:30a) and the day was off.
Feed Baby James, change and dress.
Daddy and Uncle Tim shower and we are off to the breakfast buffet.
Some Papaya juice for James and a full breakfast spread for Uncle Tim and I.
Finish breakfast and it is up to the room for a quick change.
Meet Henry in the lobby at 8:30a for the trip to Antigua. 45 minute ride where James fell asleep halfway in. We had a full day of stops –
- coffee plant – fresh grown and roasted coffee without all of the “filler” we put into coffee in the States. We learned about the whole thing and then taste tested the coffee. It was excellent! Purchased a little and have a card if we like we can order through the website.
- The Big Cross (can not remember Spanish name) – It is on a hill that overlooks all of Antigua. It was an excellent view and a bit of a history lesson from Henry! A few picks and off to the next stop.
- Church (again, can not remember the Spanish name) – Oldest church in Antigua and the only structure that remained in tact during the largest earthquake the country has survived. 1776, and another large one in 1973. Pillar of strength is what this church represents. It was surreal inside and is still used today. There was a large wooden cross that every year at Easter is removed from the church and carried from one end of town to the other. It is large enough that 100 people can carry it. It is passed to another hundred after 50 ft. That continues as it travels through town.
- Jade factory – Jade is a large export for Guatemala and this is the factory where it is turned into jewelry and other items. Many kinds and some real nice pieces. The Jade is harvested easiest after an earthquake as it rises up from underground. Again with the Spanish names – There is a town that experiences earthquakes on a frequent basis where the mine is. Interesting process and excellent people in the factory.
- The public market – not the best scene for Daddy or Uncle Tim. You really have to be a good haggler to make it the best experience, but we managed to do ok and we did get some things for James as he grows. It is like any public market – many vendors and they all want your money. We did not get beat up too bad.
- Central Square – The center of town and a park setting with fountains. It was lunch time and all the kids where out of school for an hour. All dressed in uniform and all ages.
Antigua was a real nice town with many people and many tourists. It has cobblestone streets, shops, places to visit. Excellent views of the two volcanoes and many mountain ranges. Beautiful! Baby James had a big day. Little sleep, little food and a diaper change in a Henry’s car backseat. He was so tired he fell asleep in Uncle Tim’s arms while Daddy was shopping in the market.
Well…it was 2p and we needed to get to the Hotel to freshen up and go pickup the Visa for our return home. Uncle Tim watched James while Daddy went with Brian to the US Embassy. Daddy returned by 4p with Visa in hand – a showing of the passport and it was all over.
Dinner, packing a nice talk with Mommy and it is 12a. I am going to bed as it will be a very long day tomorrow. We can not wait to see Mommy, Aunt Amy and any other crazy folks who come to the airport. We will call when we get to Atlanta around 6:30p tomorrow eve!
Luv and miss everyone.
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