I had arrived to Antigua, Guatemala not knowing I needed to unwind. I’d spent a month in yoga teacher training, including a 4-day silent retreat of intense introspection. Yoga is stereotypically relaxing, but sometimes also serves as a vehicle of energizing self-realization. In my case, not all of the self realization was of the overwhelmingly positive variety.
The slow pace and beautiful scenery of Antigua provided the ultimate backdrop to my outer aimless wandering and inner reflection on strengths and demons as I prepared to head back to my “real life”.
Deeper than the obvious bright colors, Antigua was unexpectedly beautiful in that gritty yet charismatic way I am so drawn to. Every little nook and cranny seemed to be packed with character, if you had the time (and patience) to look.
If there was a place that epitomized my favorite quote, it might be Antigua, whose happy colors and colonial style might overshadow the smaller details.
“Blessed are they who see beautiful things in humble places where other people see nothing.” (Camille Pissarro)
It wouldn’t be an overstatement to suggest I was in an extremely contemplative state of mind. I walked slowly and drank in every little detail, providing the opportunity to notice things I otherwise might not: a window box of bright pink flowers above my head, old fashioned lamp posts, a smoking volcano, a caged door surviving through countless iterations of peeling color. How many times have I hurried past worthwhile details? How many times have I been too glued to text messages to notice ANYTHING in the real world?
As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words, and this goes doubly true for the beauty of Antigua, which my awkward writing can’t even come close to explaining!
So, I’ll let my photos do the talking (while I kick back and relax with a glass of much-needed, post-training-approved vino).
Antigua Through My Eyes
Pin it for Later!
Check out the best activities (at the best price!) in Antigua with Viator
Do you see beauty where others might not?
A short vacation in Thailand turned into a life abroad with a canceled ticket home. Nearly a decade later and after living in Bangkok, Rio de Janeiro, Puebla, and Puerto Vallarta, Steph is on to her next adventure and living back in beautiful, cosmopolitan Mexico City. She is living, traveling, and working (both as an expat therapist and an international health insurance representative) around the world to find the beautiful, inspirational, and interesting while sharing it with you!
