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Guatemala
is was another surprisingly wonderful destination in Central America. We were there
for a weekend and really didn't see much of the country, but what we did see we liked.
Places to Visit
Antigua
General: This quaint area about 45 minutes outside of
Guatemala City is a unique little paradise. This small town was years ago filled
with churches and monasteries. An earthquake left many of these ancient buildings in
ruins. A few investors have capitalized on their grandeur and turned them into
beautiful hotels and restaurants. One of my favorites was the hotel Santo
Domingo. This wonderful, mystical place, was an old monastery and they have turned
the original bedrooms into hotel rooms. The old alter is the reception area and the
gardens are a restaurant area, often used for weddings. It's stone walls, make it
unlike any hotel I've ever seen, but yet it has an unexplainable warmth.
At the back of the hotel is more of the monasteries ruins, for a small fee you can have a
peek. They have reconstructed a museum above an area that use to be a children's
cemetary and as well the ruins are often used for religious cereomonies such as
weddings. There is also a candle maker's shop in one of the old buildings. The
candles are beautiful and are an inexpensive buy. This great hotel is not
cheap but they do have meals open to the public, so if you want to look around, their
buffet breakfast is about $10 and well worth it.
The rest of Antigua just as nice as Santo
Domingo. It is filled with little shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. Now make
no mistake this place is touristy, but not cheezy. The tourists seem to be a big mix
of North Americans, Central Americans and Europeans. If in Guatemala, I would say
that Antiqua is the place to go.
Guatemala City
General: Guatemala
City is an interesting place. We were warned about it being dangerous in some areas.
I have no doubt that it is, but surprisingly the downtown area near many of the major
hotels, seems safe. We stayed in a small hotel, near the center and spent some time
in a local mall which has a great and inexpensive spa.
There are many restaurants and at night the area comes to like...many calling it Zona
Viva. One word of warning about this area. Drink early and drink fast....last
call is at 12:30 pm. And I thought Toronto had it bad.
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Click for 
The ruins of an old church in Antiqua
Crusty building in Antigua
Typical street in Antigua
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