Is it possible to fall in love with a place?
I think so. We’ve spent, if you count up all of the days, over a week in Antigua, Guatemala, using this city as a base as we explore the rest of Guatemala.
It’s not hard to say why I am in love with the place. Antigua is my kinda town.
Known technically as La Antigua, the city used to be the capital of Guatemala and is a colonial gem located only an hour’s drive from the capital we know today, Guatemala City.
The bright colours of the low buildings, breathtaking volcanos that can be seen in the distance from any point of the city, and the cobblestone streets make me happy.
Some will say that Antigua caters to tourists, and is not “the real” Guatemala. With all its Western conveniences, this may be true, but who is to say what is real and/or authentic?
I love the town square, which converges on a central parkade where tourists and locals alike hang out. This morning there was actually a parade where little preschoolers dressed in their finest and sang and danced in honour of Guatemala’s upcoming Independence Day (on September 15th).
Antigua is becoming my new, if only temporary, home.
I’ve decided to take Spanish classes here- two weeks of intensive Spanish lessons that I’ll describe in a later post. I’ll start next Monday after Liebling leaves me and goes back to work in London.
I’ve found a place to stay for the duration of my Spanish classes (more info in another post) and have my favourite hangouts, which I’ll also detail later.
But for now, I’ll leave you with some more pics of my adopted city.
Isn’t she beautiful?
Are you in love with any cities? Or am I crazy?
{ 21 comments… read them below or add one }
Not crazy at all – I fell in love with both Venice and Melbourne…And I am a country girl at heart.
Can't wait to hear more about your spanish classes and adventures!
You are not crazy–I fell in love with Bogota I was only there for six days and I am going to return–to live (one day
Best wishes in your spanish classes. Looking forward to your next post. Cuidate, chica linda!
Certainly not crazy. I really dug Toronto – it seemed like a cool place to live that was maybe not so obviously touristy (ie. reminded me of Melbourne. It's a city made for living rather than the tourists). I also love Budapest and could spend countless more days there
I'm in love with New Orleans and Imbassai, Bahia, Brazil. I would like to visit Imbassai frequently and to live in New Orleans for a spell.
Latin America is a beautiful region of the world…enjoy your time there!
I fell in love with Kuala Lumpur and Visakhapatnam here in India.
Antigua is really beautiful.
OOhh bellisima! The other Antigua is beautiful! I totally understand about falling in love with cities. That was me and Cape Town.
I love love love La Antigua! Most travelers hate it because they feel it's super touristy, but I don't care. I was there for Semana Santa and I HIGHLY recommend returning during Easter to see the insanely amazing processions.
@Deidre: Never been to either one but must put them on my list!!!
@kvowels: Gosh yall are really making me expand my travel wish-list… Dying to get to Colombia!
@Sue: Yay!!! My hometown! When did you go? What did you see while there? I also loved Budapest but not sure why- just a general vibe thing I guess!
@Mae: Thanks! I will be sure to ask you for advice when I plan my Brazil trip! It seems like such an interesting country and you are lucky that you got to spend an extended period of time there!
@'Lara: You know, I wasn't a big fan of KL but I realize now that 2 days there only allowed me to barely scratch the surface! I've never heard of that city in India, which part is it in?
@Terri: Need need need to get to Antigua- my best friends are from there and looking at your vid the other day the beach looks wicked. Maybe we should meet up there and play mas one year…
@Andi: That's why I tagged you! I remember that you had been and that it was a fave of yours and now I understand completely what you mean! It seems like there's this unspoken rule between "hardcore" travellers that you're not supposed to like touristy places… Whatever! I love La Antigua!
O,
La Antigua is gorgeous!
Well, for me it's New Orleans (specifically the French Quarter)
It's a beautiful, haunted city. And girrrrl don't get me started on the food…
@Tanya: You have me hankering for some jambalaya…
At first I thought you meant Antigua, the Caribbean island, and I was like: Wow, wasn't she just in Guatemala?!!!!. LOL!
I've only "fallen in love" with places I've read about. Mind, I adore where I'm living now, 20mins from ZH, cow manure is our norm, and very quaint. An ocean with that would be ideal. Hence why I think of retiring somewhere in Northern Europe, Coastal England, Washington State or some quaint town on the Northern US coast…..
Looks lovely, Antigua. Where is it situated in Guatemala?…
I was there for Semana Santa like Andi and agree it's beautiful. Glad you're enjoying yourself!
No, but I think it's a fantastic idea and I hope to fall in love with a city at some point, like soulmates, like no other city is as good! Love it!! I love Maui, (a lot), but I'm not in love with it.
Awww, all your posts on Guatemala are making me feel nostalgic! I spent three months in Central America, much of it Antigua or Xela studying Spanish. Cheesy as it is, I am pretty sure Guatemala feels a little like home to me-it's where I came into being who I am today.
Gosh, it looks just wonderful there. Of course it is possible to fall in love with a place! I fell in love with Novi Sad, Serbia last year and cannot wait to return!
these photographs are beautiful!!
@foosrock: Antigua is about 1 hour from Guatemala City and located in the south central part of Guatemala!
@Emily: Gracias nina!
@Gia: Never been to Hawaii but my friend went this summer and raved about it! I think that I am in love in love with Nice, France, though I flirt with Antigua and a few other places…
@Claire: That is so so cool! A friend of mine studied in Xela and I was thinking of doing the same- until I got to Antigua… Now I'll always wonder if I missed out on Xela!
@Emm: My friend was JUST there and had the best time. After reading the "Cellist of Sarajevo" I really want to visit that region!
@caribbelle: Thank you!
I have heard many good things about Antigua and your pictures prove it– what a beauty!!!! good to hear that you had a great time in Central America and I hope you feel better after your bad flu… traveling alone and being sicks sucks big time….
@Kristina: This country is definitely a must-see!! Thanks so much, I'm feeling a lot better.
It is TOTALLY possible. My most recent love affair is with Valencia.
Fantastic….I totally understand, you’re not crazy at all! We are off to Guatemala next week. I’m here reading through all your blogs from your trip. So interesting & gorgeous pics…..thanks so much for sharing!!