Hope Haven Guest House
Once again, I didn't know what to expect when I arrived at Hope Haven's Guest House. From the outside it looks like a military compound--solid cement walls, barbed wiring along the top of the walls, etc. We unloaded the vehicles and were pleasantly surprised when we opened the door. It was a beautiful guest facility with all of the modern conveniences (even wifi!) and comfortable sleeping quarters. We gathered in the kitchen, enjoyed a light meal and listened to Matt speak about Hope Haven. Brad and I introduced ourselves to the University of Missouri students. I was thrilled when Matt introduced us to his two fur baby huskies! Loved them!!
Visiting Antigua
Clean streets are not the first thing that pops into your head when you think of countries in Central America. Historic Antigua was practically spotless; well, not quite, but it was much cleaner that several U.S. towns and cities I've visited. We made our way up the cobbled streets to Central Park in the heart of Antigua and waited for Matt while he was exchanging dollars for the Guatemalan currency (quetzal). There was an incredible fountain in the center of the park which appeared to be a central gathering place for locals and tourists alike.
We were approached by women selling souvenirs while toting their young children along. They were so cute-- colorful traditional dresses, chubby cheeks and big brown eyes. They were hard to resist as they were helping their parents sell their souvenirs.
I remember watching a young boy; probably about 4 years old, shining shoes at the park. I saw no parents or guardians watching over him. He had the appearance of a street kid; wise beyond his years and skilled at polishing shoes...
There are several historic religious ruins in Antigua. The architecture was beautiful. They must've been destroyed by earthquakes at some point. It would've been nice to have taken a guided tour. Perhaps next time!
We walked around Antigua, shopped for souvenirs at the local market and enjoyed a hearty lunch at a local restaurant that Matt recommended. You could get a great chicken dinner and a drink for $7. I was grateful for a diet coke and the occasional breeze. It was hot but not completely miserable.
Yes, that's a photo I took of a volcano. There are three that tower over Antigua!!!
While we were trying to leave Antigua Matt clipped a small car. We had taken an alternate route because of a religious festival. The police came and gave the bottom line--come to an agreement or both of your cars are impounded! The only option was to pay the other driver. It was interesting watching the art of their negotiation.
Okay, so strike one for Matt--he had to pay 50Qs. Poor guy! So remember folks, if you go to Guatemala, and you drive there, then make sure you have some money in your pocket to pay for any vehicle damages!
After our little incident we left Antigua and headed for the Cerro de la Cruz. If you're going to the Cerro de la Cruz then wear comfortable shoes. The pathway leading to the cross is loose dirt and very steep. Tom was already sweaty and dirty from navigating the cobblestone and dirt roads but he took it to a whole new level when he made a control fall from his wheelchair. He was a good sport, dusted himself off and decided that he probably shouldn't go any further down the hill to the Cross. And, he wasn't the only person to fall that day and get dirty (I'm such a clutz!).
The view from Cerro de la Cruz was amazing. I imagine it was placed there to protect the city from the volcano.. What do you think?
We didn't see any children with disabilities in the streets of Antigua. Where are they???
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