Antigua is described by many as THE place to experience Semana Santa (Holy Week) in Central America.  So we were happy to discover we could make it there in time for the festivities. The history of Semana Santa dates back to 16th century Spain, when the Catholic Church decided to educate the masses about the story of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. In Antigua, things get started on Palm Sunday with &#91read more]

What can I say… we loved Guatemala and had a hard time leaving.  Here’s a summary of our time there and a few random Guatemalan pictures that we haven’t yet had the chance to share. Guatemala Statistics: Length of Stay: 71 days Average Cost per Day for Two People: $43.04 CAD Average Cost per Day for Two People (excluding Spanish lessons & replacing our stolen camera): $24.97 CAD Cities/Towns Visited: &#91read more]

Since were approaching the 90 day limit on our Guatemalan visas, it was time to make a visa run to Belize. Although we were moving on from Guatemala, the 90 day visa is for the entire C-4 countries region (Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua), not the individual countries. Honduras and Nicaragua were our next intended targets, so we needed to move north to reset our visas before heading south. &#91read more]

This trip is truly my first chance to immerse myself in new cultures.  And the more I learn about Guatemalan culture, the harder I find it is to explain how we do things in Canada. In Canada, we often think of countries like Guatemala as “have-not” countries riddled with violence and poverty.  What we don’t bother to consider are all the positive aspects of the culture.  Like: The abundance of &#91read more]

Why is it you never hear Robin saying “Holy Guano Batman!”?  I mean Batman operated out of “the Bat Cave”, and if it’s anything like the bat caves we visited in Lanquin, the stuff is everywhere. Then again, these bats didn’t have Alfred cleaning up after them. You mean I’m walking on bat poop?!? The Grutas de Lanquin are located a reasonable half hour walk from the town of Lanquin.  &#91read more]

While many Guatemalans we have talked to have not had the opportunity (re: money) to travel their own country, those that had all told us that Semuc Champey is the most beautiful spot in the country.  And I think they’re right. Semuc Champey is only eleven kilometres outside of the town of Lanquin, but it takes about 45 minutes in the back of a pick-up to get there.  The ride &#91read more]

San Andrés Xecul is located a short chicken bus ride from Quetzaltenango (Xela).  It’s snuggled up against the mountains, giving the whole town a steep slope.  They have an indoor market, plenty of dyed threads hung out to dry, and two brightly coloured churches. I believe one of the churches is actually a cenotaph commemorating those who died during the civil war. If you’re in Xela and decide to make &#91read more]