A CAPITOL EXPERIENCE

Guatemala City became the capitol of Guatemala following the disastrous earthquake of 1773 that destroyed much of Antigua.  It is home to nearly three million people, all of whom seem to be in the streets at the same time.

Traffic in the city is horrible regardless of the time of day.  The streets are filled with crowded buses, taxis and private cars, hand carts and the occasional goatherder. 

Traffic is so bad that intercity buses are not allowed in the city center.  Such buses disgorge their passengers several miles from the city center.  There they board minibuses that take them to the main bus terminal. 

 

Everyone seems to be in a hurry. Walking down a sidewalk, I always felt there was someone behind me urging me to move along.

Of course, Guatemala City is a modern city.  Fine high rise buildings share space with older, less lofty buildings. 

The American Empire is very present in the form of fast fooderies, big box stores and upscale shops.  McDonald’s offers the usual Big Mac and such but also offers a Chapin desayuno, a traditional breakfast with tortillas, sausage, egg and black beans.  Can’t get to the restaurant?  No problem, Micky Ds delivers. 

Amid all the hustle bustle of modernity, people still find time to relax and feed the pigeons in the Parque Central. 

A typical Spanish plaza, the park is anchored at one end with a fine cathedral and government buildings on another side. 

In addition, the city is dotted with small parks where the walkways are kept clean, the fountains kept running.  They are filled with a variety of flowers.  I was especially impressed with the Hydrangeas that had blooms nearly a foot in diameter!

Guatemala City is not exactly a tourist mecca.  By and large, it is busy and loud and a bit dirty.  There are jewels in the rough.  Many older buildings in the old part of town are worth a visit.  Then there are several worthwhile museums dedicated to history and one in particular dedicated to the history of Guatemalan textiles.

All in all, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay in Guatemala.  The people are friendly, open and proud of their heritage.  The music is great, the art is beautiful and the food is delicious.