Children Of Guatemala

Two postcards showing indigenous children of Guatemala which were written by Ale's students - as it happens today is Ale's birthday so I will say - gracias e feliz cumpleaños!

 

The stamps cause some questionmarks popping above my head, the traditional Guatemalan dishes of Kaq'ik and Plátanos En Mole are described as Intangible Cultural Heritage but I cannot find them on the official list...not that it matters, they are great stamps, as is El Sombrerón - a fictional character and one of the most famous legends of Guatemala told in books and film. His main characteristics: a short man with black dress a thick and brilliant belt; he wears a black, large hat and boots that make a lot of noise when he walks.

He likes to mount horses and braid their tails and manes. When he cannot find horses, he braids dogs. He also likes to court young ladies who have long hair and big eyes. When he likes one in particular, he follows her, braids her hair, serenades to her with his silver guitar; but he also puts soil in her plate and she is not able to eat or sleep. Quite a character he is, El Sombrerón!

 

UNESCO - Tikal National Park, Guatemala

 

Tikal is one of the largest archaeological sites of the pre-Colombian Maya civilization, situated in the heart of the jungle in northern Guatemala. It was inhabited from the 6th cent. BC to the 10th cent. AD, 2nd to 9th cent. being the peak, the so-called Classic Period. The ceremonial centre, featured on this photo, contains superb temples and palaces, the central temple/funerary pyramid being 47 metres high.

What a fantastic setting! I dream of visiting one day, hopefully with not many people around xD

I have Ale to thank for this great card, and stamps one of which shows a detail of another Guatemalan Unesco site Quirigua. Muchas gracias!!

Lago De Atitlan, Guatemala

This beautiful view is of Guatemala's Lake Atitlan and the San Pedro Volcano which rises to a hight of 3020 meters. Not sure about the little town/village but according to the map this must have been taken from Panajachel, a tourist hub situated on the northeast shore of the lake.

A lovely surprise last winter from Pat, thanks a million xD

UNESCO - Antigua, Guatemala

Antigua is a colonial town situated in the central highlands of Guatemala, famous for its well-preserved baroque architecture and (ruins of) colonial churches. It was the third capital of Guatemala in the 16th century, when it prospered until a devastating earthquake of 1717 when much of its magnificent architecture was destroyed. This beautiful postcard shows Calle de Los Pasos :)

Nowdays the city is renowned for its many language schools, a perfect spot to start or brush up on your Spanish :)

The long-standing gap in my collection called 'central america' was nicely filled in the last year or so - I only still miss Honduras. Thanks goes to Florencia and her trip this winter :) The Guatemalan Post cancellations are among the coolest I've ever seen!