Wednesday/Thursday in Guatemala

We had a "normal" day on Wednesday except for the metal detectors that were installed in the the entrance to the hotel.  Thursday was the inauguration of the new Guatemalan president and many dignataries were staying in the Weston (adjoins our hotel) and the Intercontinental Hotel (just down the street.)  Vice-President Biden was in town to attend the ceremony (we don't know where he stayed,) but security was tight.  We saw lots of black suburbans with dark windows and there were even two German Shepherds and their handlers staying on our floor.  Even with everything that was going on, we had no problems going out in the morning or in the evening.  

Wednesday evening several of the streets around the hotel were closed off and would remain closed until after the inauguration on Thursday.  We were programmed to go to the gringo market on Thursday, but with everything going on downtown, we felt like it would be best to "get out of town," so a trip to Antigua was in order.  Antigua was a new experience for almost everyone.  The bus dropped us off at the entrance to the town and we walked to the central park.  On the way, we saw one of the volcanos spewing ash--it was a beautiful picture.

After having about an hour to shop, everyone met at Pollo Campero where the gringos treated everyone to lunch.

We left Antigua about 3:00 p.m. and drove directly to Santa Katarina de Pinulta to set up the family festival.  

It was a great, but chilly evening.  The festival was well attended, the people were very receptive and there were many professions of faith.  Praise the Lord.