Second Bimble

Beez Neez now Chy Whella
Big Bear and Pepe Millard
Sat 30 Jun 2012 22:07
Our Second Bimble
 
 
 
 
 
 
BB Cross and Bimble 041  BB Cross and Bimble 042
 
BB Cross and Bimble 044  BB Cross and Bimble 045
 
We breakfasted in McD’s – for the view and stepped out to a parade of young recruits. The band apparently made up of the tutors
 
 
BB Cross and Bimble 047  BB Cross and Bimble 050  BB Cross and Bimble 049
 
We walked through the central plaza and had a quick look in the cathedral
 
 
The Cathedral de Santiago is on the east side of the park. Building began in 1542, it was destroyed by the earthquake of 1773 and was only partly rebuilt over the following century. Now the parish of San Jose, occupies only the entrance hall of the 17th century edifice and contains only a fraction of the original baroque art collection. Most of the treasures ended up on display in many churches in Guatemala City.
 
 

BB Cross and Bimble 051  BB Cross and Bimble 057  BB Cross and Bimble 059

BB Cross and Bimble 055  BB Cross and Bimble 054  BB Cross and Bimble 056

As we came out of the cathedral, debating whether to bimble round the market opposite, we saw a bridal car pull up. No Bear, they are not getting a parking ticket, probably just a permit. Then five of the Senile Seven went by taxi up to the Cross on the Hill (own blog).

 

BB Cross and Bimble 100

We went seeking our language school, so far the area is quite nice

 

BB Cross and Bimble 101  BB Cross and Bimble 102

A quick check of the map. Just then a scooter stopped to ask if he could help us with directions. Having to ‘pay’ for such service in Morocco and Havana we are getting used to the shock of the people here being genuinely warm and friendly. Help comes free. Directions given our scooter chap bade us “have a good day” and off he carefully zoomed over the cobbles. They also giggle here when we say “Bless You” after they sneeze.

 

BB Cross and Bimble 105

Perhaps the most photographed by tourists is the Arco de Santa Catalina. A remnant of the 17th century convent that stood here, now a luxury hotel. The arch allowed the cloistered nuns to cross the road unseen. The clock was added much later.

 

BB Cross and Bimble 103  BB Cross and Bimble 104  BB Cross and Bimble 108  BB Cross and Bimble 109

BB Cross and Bimble 112  BB Cross and Bimble 119  BB Cross and Bimble 115

Passing La Merced we even saw a policeman being persuaded to buy a necklace

 

BB Cross and Bimble 123 

BB Cross and Bimble 124

We found our school just around the corner from the church, conveniently – no tittering – next door to a massage parlour. Gulp. Well I just hope the head mistress has a very large cane for Big Bear. We knocked but sadly no one in, so off we bimbled.

 

BB Cross and Bimble 125  BB Cross and Bimble 126

We passed many pretty little eateries so close to school. And one offering Sunday Roast Beef, yes dear.
 

BB Cross and Bimble 128

This little girl is call ‘Tasha’, short for Natasha, visiting from El Salavador and fully grown sitting in her carrying bag.

 

BB Cross and Bimble 132  BB Cross and Bimble 133  BB Last meal in Antigua 001

Just as we got to our hotel the heavens opened, sneaky window shopping to shelter

 

BB Last meal in Antigua 004  BB Last meal in Antigua 006  BB Last meal in Antigua 005

Clouds still looked ominous so we ate just across the road in a very nice bar, pasta all round washed down with a very large bottle of beer. I had a strawberry daiquiri which was strong enough for me to check for hairs on my chest. Early to bed as we are being picked up by minibus at seven on the morrow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

ALL IN ALL SETTLING IN TO THE TOWN VERY NICELY

                     GULP

.