The general consensus for Antigua is that you love it or you hate it.
Let’s just say that after roaming the city for a while eyeballing the insanely high prices and signs in English, we were happy to have spent our Spanish school experience in Xela.
And while there were more cons than pros (hey, I’m being honest here – for us, at least), the city was alive and vibrant. Even without golden hour the light seemed to be so perfect everywhere we roamed. The market was full of life and colors and I couldn’t help myself but get lost in pictures.
And now on to the colors!
I’d like to go back – I was there when I was 13, and by the end of our trip I was a little bored. I think I’d have a different opinion now, especially since I now speak Spanish. Even at that age though I could recognize how beautiful it was, and I still love the watercolor of the church I have framed in my bedroom in the US.
@Emily: I’m sure you would love it now. Speaking Spanish is definitely a plus – I know I’m much more interested when I have someone to talk to who lives there. I just couldn’t believe the colors!
I wasn’t a fan of Antigua either, I just climbed Pacaya and got the hell out of there.
I usually do not like touristy cities, but I found a wonderful hostel as my home base and just enjoyed walking around taking photos… for 10 days!
I went to the market every day for fresh fruits and veggies and avoided the expensive restaurants by cooking my own meals which I enjoyed on the rooftop terrace of my hostel.
I thought I wouldn’t like it, but I definitely learned to give a place a chance before writing it off.
Great photos!
@Ayngelina: At least we’re one of many who were not a fan.
I was also NOT a fan of Antigua, but you can’t deny it is a pretty city. I just thought it was way too Americanized for trying to go to Central America for an “immersion” experience.
@Stephanie: I really did like the market. It would have taken several days just to see everything! Were you in The Yellow House?
@C&C: I was so turned off by the lack of immersion, which is why I’m so incredibly happy we chose Xela. Beautiful but totally not my place.
Cool buses!! 🙂
I did like Antigua, just not all the backpackers… 🙂
@D: I never tire of how awesome chicken buses are.
@Raymond: I didn’t mind the backpackers – it was all the retired expats!
humm.. finally a place I can skip! But I do like the pics of those buses 😉
Ah yeah pretty good you spent your time in a cheaper city while learning Spanish. Did you know it was gonna be cheaper?
Still so jealous of you guys.
@Lindsay: We did know it was going to be cheaper which is one of the big reasons we chose to live there. We had talked to several people prior about what cities they had suggested for schools/living/nightlife/etc.