Mrs. Ranney-Poole

I had a great time in Guatemala!  This country is beautiful and the people are kind, friendly, and very helpful. 

We were are very sad to leave the Academia de Espanol, but we were very excited to receive our Spanish school diplomas!

For more information about Academia de Español Guatemala visit:  

http://acad.conexion.com/

http://www.aroundantigua.com/

We spent the day exploring the Chichicastenango market.  This is a traditional market place only held once per week on Sundays.

We visited this art school in Chichicastenango.  These four brothers volunteer their time to teach isolated, Mayan decendent children that live in nearby villages.  The children are being taught to express traditional Mayan beliefs through artistic expression.

Click to watch video describing the school:

http://mrsranneypoole.com/guatemala135.mpg

http://mrsranneypoole.com/guatemala136.mpg

http://mrsranneypoole.com/guatemala137.mpg

This was a convent but now is a hotel and restaurant.  The grounds were spectacular and the food was outstanding.

We visited this active volcano nearby the city of Antigua.  You can actually hear the lava flowing down the mountainside.

Watch video of the volcano:

http://mrsranneypoole.com/guatemala138.mpg

 http://mrsranneypoole.com/guatemala139.mpg

Antigua is one of the oldest cities in Guatemala.  It was the former capital and is one of the only cities that holds elaborate processions in honor of Semana Santa, or Holy Week. 

The dad of my new Guatemala family is a carpenter.  His workshop is located inside the house.  Houses in Guatemala are very interesting in their construction. 

Click on my Mayan Civilization link to see pictures and video of Tikal!

http://www.mrsranneypoole.com/mayan_civilization_tikal_guatemala

Mrs. Goodman had arranged for this typical, colorful bus to pick us up from the airport.  It was definately a welcome sight!

Antigua is about a one hour drive from Guatemala City.  It is a beautiful city with a view of life in the past. 

This is Ludwin, my Spanish teacher.  He was a fantastic "maestro" and I definately learned a lot

This courtyard was a great place to relax after walking around the beautiful city.

My Guatemala "mom" was so welcoming and very over protective of me and my safety. 

This arc was my saving grace when attempting to find my way around Antigua.  Finding this feature on the map made the confusing streets a little more manageable.

During "Semana Santa," or Holy Week, people work painstakingly on making these alofombras, or carpets.

Antigua is surrounded by three active volcanos.

Eating at the Sky Bar offered a gorgeous view of Antigua.

People spend hours upon hours making rugs out of saw dust, flowers, fruits, and vegetables.  Soon after processions walk over the rugs.

During Holy Week, processions are held every day.

Watch  video of a procession:

http://mrsranneypoole.com/guatemala151.mpg

http://mrsranneypoole.com/guatemala152.mpg

http://mrsranneypoole.com/guatemala153.mpg

http://mrsranneypoole.com/guatemala140.mpg

http://mrsranneypoole.com/guatemala154.mpg

We visited the coffee, music, and clothing museum.  Coffee is one of the primary exports of Guatemala.  Did you know that one coffee tree provides enough coffee for 40 cups?

The ruins in Antigua are a living testiment to the construction of buildings after the Conquest.

Watch video inside of the church:

http://mrsranneypoole.com/guatemala143.mpg

Watch video of the ruins:

http://mrsranneypoole.com/guatemala146.mpg