A Festive Sunday at Antigua

A Festive Sunday at Antigua Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala

Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala It’s a festive day at Antigua today because I inadvertently stumbled upon the San Bartolomeo fiesta. I am surprised to find that Antigua is actually a veyr touristy place with so many Gringos (Americans) or estrangeros (foreigners). Fiesta de San Bartolomeo I was told that Antigua is busier than usual this weekend because of the feast of San Bartolomeo. Many Guatemalans from the city come here for the event.I was very fascinated with the the ‘alfumbras’ which literally means carpet. The alfumbras in this case are carpets on the calles made of dyed sawdust and arranged in beautiful geometric and floral patterns. Some of them are also decked with fresh flowers.The procession involved both men and women carrying this seemingly very heavy statue of Jesus Christ with angels and the like. The palying of the band is accompanied by the occasional firecrackers.I’m happy to witness this because I thought you only get to see this during the Holy Week. Cafe Condesa Sunday Brunch What a treat! I’m so happy I found this place. The burnch is Q74 and is worth every quetzal. I had a table next to a fountain in the courtyard. The spread wasn’t that much, but the quality is almost 5-star. (Of course, can’t compare it to my favorite, Melba Restaurant buffet at the 5-star Langham Hotel in Melbourne). The salad bar had fresh vegies and a variety of fruits. There was granola filled with macadamias and pepitas and yoghurt. For the savories, aside from the traditional eggs, frijoles and pancakes, there were also quiches and japanese soba noodles with mushrooms, dressed with sesame oil. One can then finish off with a variety of cakes: brownies, melba, fruit tart, cheesecake, etc.Add to that a traditional, full-bodied Guatemalan coffee and fresh orange juice and the foodie in me was more than satisfied.John Perkins (Confessions of an Economic Hitman) was a wonderful (reading) date as well! Black Cat Hostel Checked out at La Sin Ventura as I couldn’t take the noise with a very busy disco bar and pub situated right below it. Checked in at the nearby Black Cat Hostel recommended by another traveler I sat next to on the shuttle to Antigua from Panajachel.Place is ok, but the rooms are a bit dingy. Free fast free wi-fi and huge breakfast are the redeeming features of Black Cat Hostel. Bagel Barn Cafe At 5:30PM, I was lucky to catch a free movie at the Bagel Barn. Couldn’t be more perfect watching “Moneyball” while warming up with a cup of Mayan chocolate caliente! Perfect way to end the day!
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