Semana Santa in Antigua

Those of you who have been following along for the last year remember that "Semana Santa" means "Holy Week". Here in Guatemala, we have the second largest Semana Santa celebration in the world.

Last year we went and were glad that we did but didn't feel particularly called to go again. But we have Charlie here with us and it's only fair that we try to go. So we called our travel agent and, miracle of miracles, she found us two rooms. (Rooms usually book up a year in advance.) Unfortunately, they were only available on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. So we went down Tuesday and stayed through early afternoon today. Charlie got to see some of the famous alfombras (carpets) being made. Reference our post from last April to see some pics. They're pretty impressive.

But last year we were pregnant and taking lots of pictures of carpets and floats. This year, we took lots of pictures of Isaac. Go figure.

We were lucky enough to be able to hang out with our friends Toby and Britney from here in Quiche. They came down, too. So we went out to dinner with them last night and met up for breakfast this morning. Actually, we had had dinner here at our house in Quiche a few nights ago and played cards with them until midnight, which is a REALLY late night for us. (Sad, isn't it?)

Anyway, we're happily back here in Quiche where it's much more tranquilo (Antigua is quickly becoming a madhouse) and we'll get to go to church in Chichi on Easter (clinics are cancelled this weekend - partygoers tend not to get sick for some reason).

The first pic is of us, Charlie, and Toby and Britney. The next is of Heidi and Isaac, Isaac destroying... er... holding a map of Antigua. Next is Isaac's St. Patty's Day pic we forgot to post. Thanks to Aunt Catherine for the cute jacket. Then just a few more Isaac pics.... surprise, surprise...