Arrive: Antigua

Our first stop and primary destination for a week was Antigua. Originally a Spanish colonial settlement, Antigua was once considered the third most important city in Central America after Mexico and Lima. Today it is but a shell of its former significance but still remains an architectural and romantic treasure nestled among the fertile foothills of three volcanos. Cobblestone streets define the city interior and are lined by unbroken walls masking the many hotels, restaurants, shops and homes hidden behind the stone walls. Driving through the city was intriguing yet simple, just an endless series of walls and streets. Fortunately, colorful people and vehicles reminded us that the city was indeed still inhabited. We saw no trees, no grass, no breaks among the continuous rows of walls.
The town life, we soon discovered, was well masked by the walls. The interiors consist of large courtyards full of beautiful landscaping, restaurants, hotels, churches and homes. We even found an entire soccer field safety tucked away from the visitor's eye. It is truly a hidden city within the city walls.

Antigua city streets

Our apartment is a dual level dwelling converted from an old monastery, meticulously decorated to show off the ancient Spanish architecture. Patches of original brickwork peek through numerous walls revealing the intricate workmanship and building curiosities. Two large bedrooms fill the top floor while the main living area is below. There are three bathrooms, a small outside patio, a full kitchen, a sunken living room and a favorite of ours- an indoor grotto.
The front door of the apartment faces a courtyard shared with 7 other apartments, all of which were occupied as far as we knew. The courtyard serves as a meeting area for the residents, where daily adventures are shared and plans are exchanged and recommendations are provided. The camaraderie of the other guests has proven to be a great asset and has helped us quickly learn the secrets of the village.

View of a volcano from our apartment: This one erupted in 2012