La Llegada

Though this was my third time arriving in Guatemala, it was the first time I was able to see Guatemala City sprawling below me as the plane approached La Aurora airport; four years ago I arrived in Antigua by van, and two years ago we had flown in at night. Guatemala City is surprisingly large. Not as overwhelming as flying into Los Angeles or Mexico City, but still impressive. While the latter settlements cover every square inch with buildings, Guatemala City's tropical surroundings frame the numerous buildings (and hide the many shacks crowding the hills around the city).

My plane touched down in Guatemala City at 7:15 a.m. so I arrived in Antigua by 8:00 a.m. and was forcefully reminded how much I love that place. Early on a Sunday morning, the central park was already filled with tourists, Kaqchikel women selling their goods, and families resting on the park benches before church. The town exudes love and peace. I challenge George Bush and Hugo Chavez to walk down Antigua's cobblestone-clad streets, stroll among the brilliant pastel colonial buildings and majestic ruins, and not end up holding hands and reconciling their differences.

I had a productive and relaxing three days in Antigua. During my stay I managed to pass through all my favorite spots and got to say a brief hello to old friends (José at Café Flor, lunch with Manuela, and Alvaro at Café No Sé, Mike, where were you?!).

I was also fortunate to meet Johann and Edvin, a historian and a musician respectively, who guided me through Casa K'ojom, a Museum dedicated to Mayan music.

Johann, art historian (dinner at Café Flor)

Edvin, Kaqchikel musician

The "Chin Chin," a rattle made of dried fruit.

Turtle Shells

I was a little bit nervous for my trip to Guatemala City on Tuesday to meet with Alfonso Arrivillaga Cortés and Matthias Stockli, who work with the Center for Folkloric Studies at the University of San Carlos. At first, my taxi driver couldn't find the address, so I asked him to drop me a the Howard Johnson hotel where I would figure things out from there. Luckily, I was only a few blocks from the office, and I enjoyed a wonderful meeting with them at CEFOL's offices, which are located on the same site as the City's botanical gardens.

After three great days in Antigua, it's on to San Cristóbal Verapaz, where I will be settling for a month to work with the Pokomchí Community Education Center and meeting musicians!