Paraiso de Mochilleros

As with so many "third world" places I've been, there was a rooster to wake me up this morning. No worries though. I definitely could have used the rest but I was so excited to get out and explore in the morning sunlight. What I really wanted was to take some pictures with great light and less cars, people, noise, etc. I certainly got what I asked for. Antigua is even more beautiful before the gringos come out.

The city is truly a backpackers paradise. You can get tacos, curry, or hummus and cheap drinks at hundreds of places. There's internet on every corner and just about anything you could every need can be obtained cheaply. However, all of this is in the context of beautiful Spanish colonial architecture, in the shadows of three enormous volcanoes and among friendly, smiling Guatemalan locals. It's no wonder that people come here and never leave.

I spent the rest of the day exploring Antigua and hiking up el cerro de la cruz (the hill of the cross) for a great view of the city. I also met some more people and made plans to hook up later for a music festival outside of town. Called Jamtigua, it was an all day concert put on by a local radio station and sponsored by Gallo (Guate beer). Elizabeth (the girl from day 1), Pedro (Peter from London that I met at the cross) and a German girl (Catherine?) all hopped in a tuk tuk and headed out of town to experience la musica.

It was quite a production. Just like what you'd see in the states...A big sound and light stage, ticket booths, and beer stands that only take tickets. The crowd was pretty mixed with foreign backpackers and locals (more on the side of the backpackers) but it was really pretty fun. The music ranged from Mayan folk singers to German rock to Salvadorian drummers. This is also where I met Juan Carlos, supposedly a lawyer from Guate but pretty much your typical "Latin lover"....not a bad kisser though!

We didn't stay too late....Elizabeth and I had to get up early the next day to head to Pacaya.