It is fitting to end my journey here in Antigua, Guatemala. My journey across America and Canada was one which had “beautiful people” as the center-piece. And here, in Antigua, walking down the street, I find so many smiling, happy, friendly, content people.
“Chapin”, what Guatemalans are referred to, are undoubtably in my book, among the world’s happiest people. My soul is filled to the brim with positive energy here. People greet each other, look each other in the eye, laugh sincerely and take the time to be outside, meet, talk and be one with the world.
The 2025 World Happiness Index was released last week. Guatemala was ranked nowhere high on it. That is just a reflection of what a sham it is. How wrong the yardstick by which they measure happiness (income, eating alone, suicides, daycare acess etc …). It’s typical 1st world fare but in my travels - all the happy people I know in general, are close to the earth, not rich and filled with extended family support and endowed with a natural connection to the air, sky, water of which we arise. So World Happiness Index - stuff it! Guatemaltecos win the day, in my book.
I lived many years here and though the city is more expensive and much busier - it still has its rustic, small charm. I walk down the streets and meet many friends, I’m a lucky man!
Antigua is in the Panchoy Valley, nestled at 1,600m between volcanoes. One, Fuego, very active. Antigua was once, in the 1500s, the capital of all Spanish America but earthquakes, volcanic eruptions decimated it. The ruins are what give it, its unique charm today.
This morning I climbed up Cerro de Cruz, recently remodeled. A big outlook with a cross overlooking the city (with a network of straight streets, layed out by an Italian surveyor). I’ve been running the steep mountains around the city, since arriving. My quads aching from the downhill banging. So today, just a short climb to revisit, view the city.
I love the “mercado”, the market here. It is immense, huge. But I walked through it as if blind, having explored every knook and cranny of it at one time or another. The fruit and vegetables are abundant, cheap. But you can find everything at the Mercado!
I visited dear Marta at Comedor San Jose for my pepian - a traditional stew or “caldo”. $2.50 - 20 quetzales for a huge amount of homecooked food.
It’s almost impossible not to take a stunning picture here. So many churches, ruins, mind-blowing views.
There is of course, like almost all cities and towns in Latin America - a “Parque Central” or square where everyone meets. Other squares dot many neighborhoods.
The central street in Antigua has the iconic “Arc” - an old convent.
It ends at the beautiful church La Merced where my hotel is located.
Each morning, I wander down the street to get the best coffee in town at La Posada. Then return to my hotel to read, relax and breathe the fresh spring air.
Lots of street dogs in Antigua! We’ve rescued many and Viernes / Friday awaits me in Korea. She’s a well traveled dog and when I see the dogs here, I’m constantly thinking of her.
So much more to see and do in Antigua, if you ever get the chance, come visit the land of eternal spring. It’s truly a beautiful, diverse and HAPPY country - no matter what the Conde Nasties of the world say.
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