I felt a bit queasy this morning, but not enough to get in my way. I hung out at home, still trying to catch up on my blog, and planned my next (and final) side trip. I want to go to Chichicastengo. Maria was helpful, reserving a hotel and shuttle for me. I’d hoped to leave tomorrow but the shuttles are full, so I’ll leave at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday. Twice a week there’s a huge market for locals, which tourists love to see, so I’ll be there for part of that. Then, when most of the tourists leave, I’ll stay the night to explore some other things there. There’s no transportation back on Monday, so I have yet to figure that out.
Maria said something that delighted me: They’re shooting their nose to spite their face.
Today when I ventured forth into Antigua, I didn’t get lost, even though I was going to some out-of-the-way places. I walked to one of my favorite sites, the ruins of Iglesia y Convento Recolección. I just adore it there. The massive buildings got destroyed by an earthquake in the 1700s, and no one has done a thing since to restore it. It’s just a raw jumble of giant chunks within some still-standing (for now) walls, testament to the gruesome power of nature, and also haunting in the way it hints at the life it once held.
From there I walked through the chicken-bus area and into the artisans’ market. I politely dismissed a hundred requests from vendors to view their goods. I bought nothing until I got to the locals’ market.
These brisk walks I’ve been taking are good exercise, but they would serve me better if I didn’t bring home fresh-baked chocolate-orange bread and cookies and potato chips and chocolate. Just a thought.
I ate my dinner of baked potato with Guatemalan cheese and smashed avocado. Then I started to feel Not Good. Blog entries had to wait. I retired at about 7:00 but didn’t sleep much, not for the reasons you might expect but because the gut pain was so bad. Maybe I won’t get to go to Chichicastengo after all. We’ll see.
Here are a few photos:
I’m sorry to hear it! What the heck is going on with you, do you think? Are you feeling any better?
I dunno what’s going on. No biggie. It’s what happens sometimes when you travel. It only hurts when I walk. That is, the cobblestones make for hard landings, which jostle my stomach, which then protests. I had a slow day today but late in the afternoon took a walk into town and bought some chicken soup. Wheee.
You felt queasy this morning? ARE YOU PREGNANT?
In honesty, I hope you feel better soon, poor gal.
That Iglesia is incredible. I can see why you like it so. It looks post-apocalyptic, in a beautiful — and as you say, haunting — way.