The temp was mild. but my fever definitely wasnt. I was burning up in fact. My pulse was racing. And my eyes were stinging in the sweat. which also heavily salted my mouth. Nonetheless. the sour taste lingering on my buds was much better than last nights dinner. Whoever had prepared my meal hadnt sanitarily. My insides had been turning within out because the wee hrs.
Be that because it might. I was determinedno way I was gonna rest. My camera was in hand. and I had discovered from previous travels that 2nd appears werent guaranteed. There had been too numerous things that could occur from that stage forward. Ideas could change. I could get distracted. forget my Canon. or the weather could be inclement. Right then was an opportune moment to get my pictures. So I forewent a much-needed nap in my hotel room to capture the beauty of Antigua. Guatemala.
La Antigua. Guatemala.It had been the middle from the afternoon. and I was in the middle from the city. The majestic Volcn de Agua towered from the south. It seemed such as the colossal volcano was viewing me as I circled the square. I slowly walked the tree-lined paths of Central Park. taking within the sounds of a five-piece band. giggling children. and water peacefully flowing from the reconstructed fountain at the plazas bulls-eye. Weak from meals poisoning. I meandered till my legs became also wobbly. I had to rest. I sat around the founts edge to get a while and observed my surroundings.
To the north sat El Palacio del Noble Ayuntamiento. The departmental (Sacatepquez) and nationwide flags proudly stood atop city hall; both stories fronted by numerous stout arches. I glanced correct. La Catedral de Santiago gleamed on Parque Centrals eastern edge. It was immaculate. I was captivated by the way the ivory church brilliantly shined within the afternoon sun. I looked behind me. El Palacio de los Capitanes Generales presided more than Plaza Mayors southern border. Getting study it was once the center of the Spanish colonial government in Central America. I wasnt shocked by its almighty presence. The double-arcaded. two-story workplace building powerfully loomed over the cobblestones beneath. Then. I faced west. I studied the colorful. antiquated structures lining Fifth Avenue. Intrigued. I took a deep breath. rose to my feet. and decided to see exactly where the road would consider me.
It didnt consider me lengthy to understand something was incorrect. I became light-headed as I headed north. my actions grew heavier as I crossed Fourth. and I was beat from the time I passed Third Street. I was in poor form. My joints were beginning to ache. Beads of perspiration gradually trickled down my face. About to drop. I stumbled on a essential. however entertaining stopping point.
La Antigua. Guatemala.Halfway down the block dozens of individuals circled a street performer. The crowd loudly cheered like a mime juggled atop his unicycle. The Guatemalan place on fairly the display. He jumped. spun. and quickly zigzagged whilst somehow maintaining his balance. Impressed with his act. I ignored my signs and symptoms for a moment. I stepped in front of my fellow onlookers to consider his picture. He saw me instantly. But rather of searching another way. the young man posed as he pedaled towards me. placing his right hand on his hip and his left behind his head. Fighting off laughter. I steadied my camera. and snapped the mimes photograph just prior to he turned about.
The show was great. but I needed to go on. I was instead queasy now. Staggering across 2nd Street. I lurched ahead. snaking via blurry pedestrians till I couldnt anymore. I halted. I was huffing and puffing. Nonetheless. my body wasnt the only thing that stopped me close to the avenues northern finish. I had much more sightseeing to complete. Gasping to catch my breath. I checked out the Santa Catalina arch. which spanned the width of Fifth. My hotel bed was calling me while I examined the colonial curve. I was run-down. but too drained to run. So I sluggishly ambled on.
Reaching a T. I turned left. In spite of my ever-worsening illness. I continued to delay my return towards the inn. I really just tottered a block prior to pausing however once more. On the corner of First Street West and Sixth Avenue North boomed the magnificent Iglesia La Merced. I was in awe. Ogling the ornate yellow faade of this stupendous church for a number of minutes. I finally took a image. It might be my final from the day.
Iglesia La Merced. La Antigua. Guatemala.Shortly thereafter. I was furiously pushing open the door to my space at Hotel Posada Los Bucaros. I frantically removed the camera case strapped more than my shoulder. kicked off my footwear. and dived underneath my bedding. Even though it was summerlike outside. I was freezing. I threw on another shirt. I shivered till I passed out.
Within a couple of days. I was back within the States. fully recovered and happily reliving my trip to Guatemala as I eagerly perused my pictures. When I came across the pictures from Antigua. nevertheless. I was immediately reminded of my ailing afternoon. I could nearly feel my stomach churn and forehead get hot. Because my condition worsened prior to it enhanced. I was unable to go on any longer photo runs prior to leaving the nation a couple of days later.
But the pics also reminded me of the positives. Revisiting Antigua in my thoughts. I roamed its cobblestone streets. admired the colonial structures. and appreciated their striking colors. I sauntered to Parque Central. weaved with the arches of the surrounding buildings. and took a seat in the calming fountain. I soaked in the tranquil ambience. Then. I gazed in the tremendous Volcn de Agua. and recognized how lucky I was. Where else could an individual leisurely stroll through a park eclipsed by a 3800-meter-tall volcano?
So I reflected upon the option I produced that Saturdaytrading soundness for snapshotsand wondered if I had made the proper move. On one hand. I disregarded my health. and certainly paid the cost for it. I shivered when I thought of the chills I had that evening. On the other hand. I spent an afternoon touring incredible Antigua; a chance I may by no means get again.
I scrolled via my photos 1 much more time. I sighed.
The price was well worth it.
