By Clay Larroy
Regardless of whether you are
traveling to
a nearby location for the weekend or taking a week-long destination vacation,
you are always going to benefit from some tips and ideas on how to make the
whole process, more fun and less stressful. Take time each day to alleviate
stress while traveling or vacationing and you will thank
yourself for it when you get back home. With all the chaos, jet-lag, partying
and other excitement of travel comes a whole lot of stress on your mind and
body. By the time most vacations are over, another one is needed to recover so
taking a few minutes each day to rejuvenate will make it easier for you to
resume your normal life when it's all over. When you want
to plan a vacation contact me!
Overview of Antigua Guatemala
Antigua is reminiscent of an old colonial city in Latin America, the
Spanish-Baroque buildings set in a valley between three volcanoes. Hazard is
the price of beauty in Antigua, the town having experienced multiple
earthquakes, frequent floods and a number of devastating fires over the
centuries. It was the country's capital until 1776 when, after sustaining
severe damage in a series of earthquakes, the capital moved to the present day Guatemala
City, 25 miles (40km) away. During the height of its popularity as a colonial
outpost, it was the headquarters of Central America's most important
administrators, as well as a religious center in the region, with over 30
resident monastic orders.
Today it is a fascinating journey into the past down the quaint
traffic-free cobbled streets, past multi-colored buildings and mansions,
magnificent churches, monasteries and convents. Plazas, inner courtyards and
fountains are all well-preserved remnants of the Spanish legacy in the
Americas. The town is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a
popular destination for visitors. Buildings of interest include the Iglesia de
San Francisco, La Merced and the Las Capuchinas ruins. Antigua becomes
extremely busy during the Easter celebrations of Semana Santa (Holy Week), when
people from all over the region flock to see the colorful street processions.
The rest of the time, it has a relaxed and convivial atmosphere with a
strong indigenous culture, prevalent in the Sunday market. It is also a popular
place to learn Spanish at one of the many language schools, and most students
are able to stay with a local family as part of the learning experience. For
the more adventurous, the three volcano peaks offer superb hiking opportunities
and views, and many tour operators in town offer trips to the surrounding
countryside, as well as excursions to Volcán Pacaya, one of only two active
volcanoes in the region. Villages nearby, like San Antonio Aguascalientes,
offer visitors a closer look at indigenous life and are centers for beautiful
hand-woven textiles.
Attractions in Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala
Las Capuchinas
The ruins of the biggest and most remarkable of Antigua's convents, Las
Capuchinas, are the best preserved and most beautiful in the city. The convent
was founded in 1736 by Spanish nuns and is now a museum dedicated to religious
life in colonial times. The nuns who lived here followed a strict daily routine
that focused around fasting and praying. Their tiny cells can be found in the
walls of the round tower, which has good views from the top. There are also
fountains, gardens and several lovely courtyards within the compound.
REFERENCE
SITES:
http://www.travelresearchonline.com/
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