What a Time to be in Guatemala

In the Sun and on Top of the Mountain

Frederic traveled to Guatemala where he hiked his way around the central highlands, traversing the hills from the sensational Lake Atitlan to the living and breathing Pacaya Volcano. He didn’t stop there, going from the old Spanish city Antigua Guatemala to Lanquin, nestled in between the vibrant hills of Alta Verapaz. Frederic even managed to witness the dramatic Easter procession displayed by the Antigua Guatemalan locals.

His journey started on Easter in Antigua Guatemala, flanked by residents dressed head-to-toe in purple gowns. In the middle of the stone-built street lay an elaborately designed blanket with thousands of flowers and seeds resting upon its magenta, orange, teal, and blue fabric. This was only the beginning, however, as villagers dressed in ancient Roman garments took to the streets to reenact the stations of the cross. If it weren’t for the occasional car in view, one would think a long-lost Roman army had descended upon the town. In the background is the imposing Pacaya Volcano, the next stop in Frederic’s adventure.

Make it to the top of the Pacaya Volcano and there won’t be much between yourself and the stars. What about the clouds? They’re beneath Frederic; he is truly on top of the sky. Not only was he higher than the clouds, but he had his own little fluffy sugar clouds with him. That’s right, marshmallows, which he was able to roast simply by sticking them between a few of the lava heated rocks. Being on the top of Pacaya Volcano is truly a warming sensation, with the sun hitting you from above and the lava running beneath your feet. After a day in the sky, Frederic returned to earth and presented us with the gift of water.

Enter Lake Atitlan. Surrounded by tiny villages and sky-scraping mountains, Lake Atitlan is the apex of peaceful and simple living in southwestern Guatemala. The women of the village dress themselves in intricate gowns and headpieces that rival the beauty of the lush green surroundings. Again, the Pacaya Volcano watches over all activity, enshrouded in the clouds Frederic once stood above. With the sun falling behind the mountains, there is precious little time to end the day with a match of soccer by the edge of the lake.