We are Here! (Day 1)

Hola, Everyone!

We made it to Antigua safely and pretty much hit the ground running. The flights were enjoyable and most importantly on time. Our layover in Houston allowed us to relax and help ourselves to Jamba Juice. Coming into Guatemala City we saw a volcano from the plane's window.

We went through customs and got our bags without a hitch. Miladay, the on-site Coordinator of Casa Herrera (where we are staying), met us at the airport and, with some great packing skills by our driver, we were on our way to Antigua. We experienced some light traffic along the way- to our standards it might have been considered real traffic.

There was a joke with our driver that the city knew we were coming because they opened up a new section of highway just that morning. Let's just say it had a great surface but curvy and had a steep incline.

We drove on the cobblestone streets, which are everywhere, to the Casa. Upon approaching the casa, these two big wooden doors open up for us. We were contemplating on if the van would be able to fit. It barely made it through, with the driver paying close attention to the clearance of the van's side mirrors. The van parked in the open courtyard, which was originally a public space for selling goods. Through the courtyard's overhead opening, we could see the surrounding mountains and ruins.

After unloading our bags from the van, we picked our rooms. (5 in one, 4 in another, and Dr. Bolin got the 2 floor with a spiral staircase master suite) Then Milady and Rene, a long-time partner with University of Texas as an archeological draftsman, gave us a tour of the Casa and shared a brief history of the house. It is called Casa Herrera because the Herrera Family used to use it to sell sugar in Anitgua. The Herrera family is connected the one of the main sugar companies here in Guatemala.

                                       

                                                     

We carefully climbed a very small metal spiral staircase to the roof to see an amazing view (some say the best view) of Antigua.

                                                      

Awesomeness doesn't even begin to describe how it is and feels to be here.

After the tour we snacked on some sandwiches and then had a few minutes to get ready before we headed over to Casa Popenoe to hear a lecture given by our own Dr. Bolin with UFM students. After the lecture we were allowed to roam around the house and take pictures. We saw a tree that was built in the center of the fantastically landscaped courtyard in 1850. There were tons of plants and colorful flowers. It felt like paradise. You never would have known from the street that Casa Popenoe had the beautifully lush courtyards until you came inside, much like most of the residences here in Antigua. Martin, one of the gentlemen from UFM and our main point of contact, explained how you never know what is behind the closed doors in Antigua, the outside doesn't reflect the inside.

We were talking to some of the UFM students and an art history professor. They told us about all the different processions and suggested specific areas and churches to attend. (Thankfully, Milady had already included them in our agenda!) The students and professors were very impressed to find out that we will be making an alfombra of our own. They told us about how we will experience Holy Week, describing the multisensory experience including the sounds of fireworks and the people, the smell of incense, etc.

WE. CAN. NOT. WAIT!

We ate dinner at a fantastic restaurant called Frida's Restaurant, with many reproductions of Frida Kahlo's paintings throughout the space. The food was amazing, lush, flavorful. There was energetic dance music playing. All in all, it was a great first night.

We were all exhausted after dinner and upon our return we relaxed and went to bed.

Stay tuned for more!