Best Western Stofella

A new wave of artistic style...

by la_beba

A new wave of artistic style and technique is developing today in Guatemala, a blend of the traditional with the modern. This intriguing combination can be seen in new and original styles of jade and silverjewelry, and in the modern fashionable clothing boutiques and stores throughout the city.
There's lots of nice shopping Malls all around with all the latets and best name brands. This is a picture of 'Geminis Shopping Mall'.

Kaminaljuyú

by AnnaLupilla

Kaminaljuyu is a Pre-Columbian site of the Maya civilization, in highland Guatemala, now within modern Guatemala City.

Kaminaljuyu has been described as one of the greatest of all archaeological sites in the New World by Michael Coe, although the remains of the site today are less impressive than many other Maya sites more frequented by tourists. The site lies in a valley in the outskirts of Guatemala City and contains a total of over 100 platforms and mounds created before the end of the Middle Culture period (ending approximately AD 150). The valley is surrounded by hills which culminate in a string of lofty volcanoes to the south that separate the area from the Pacific coastal plain. The climate is temperate and the soil is rich. The area was largely swallowed up by real estate developments in the late 20th century, although a portion of the center of Kaminaljuyu is preserved as a park.

The site was first excavated in 1925 by Manuel Gamio when he made stratigraphic excavations and found deep cultural deposits yielding potsherds and clay figurines from the Middle Cultures (from 1500 BC to AD 150). Later the extent of the site’s importance was discovered in 1935 when a local football club began cutting away the edges of two inconspicuous mounds to lengthen their practice field. They uncovered a buried structure and Lic. J. Antonio Villacorta C., the Minister of Public Education in Guatemala City, requested archaeologists Alfred Kidder, Jesse Jennings and Edwin Shook to investigate. Lic. Villacorta gave the site its name Kaminaljuyu from a Quiché word meaning “hills of the dead.”

Contraloria de Cuentas Building. (Banco Nottebohn)

by euzkadi

This beautiful racionalist building housed the biggest coffe export company in the earliest years of the XX century, then was expropiated to the german family that owned it after the second world war. In 1946 was the headquarters of the Banco de Guatemala. Now is the Comptroller's Office.

Guatemala City and Project Hope

by gordonilla

"The First Night"

The group from the Uk comprising of two of Project Hope trustees and three donors (including myself) finally arrived in Guatemala City at about 22:00. We were met by the charity's Guatemalan Director, Victor and our translator, Mark. We were staying at the Hotel Santander for 1 evening and then travelling around the country to view the country and see the work of the charity.

It was an entertaining first night, and a group of about 7 people went out for food and discovered Gallo - the local beer. Have one it's good! We enjoyed the traditional food available then went back to the hotel.

The first day of travelling around Guatemala.

"Back in Guatemala City after our travels."

After about a week travelling around the country and seeing the excellent work of Project Hope Guatemala, we retruned to the Capital. It was a long journey. When we arrived back, there were things to be discussed, so the donors were sent for dinner without trustees and staff. We went for a very enjoyable French meal and yet again we struggled to pay for anything. We were guests after all. It was enjoyable, cheap and very large portions. It was a long night of food, drink and mostly Gallo beer.

The picture shows out hotel Santander. It was comfortable and very relaxing - it is located close to the main drag where you can find many excellent bars, restaurants and cafes.

"The 25th Anniversary Celebrations"

We were hguests of honour, and were treated wonderfully. There was a lengthy and complex programme for this event. It was attended by many Government representatives and those of the other charities based in Guatemala. Lots of clapping and cheering - the people of ANACAFE certainly know how to treat their guests. Lots of food and far to much drink, particularly tall whiskies and ice.

Following lunch some of us went shopping and experienced the presenece of armed security personnel in shops, banks and supermarkets! It does in fact make you feel safe. It was good fun.

That evening we met up and had dinner in a Peruvian restaurant. It was excellent and this was followed by beer and some bars.

It was sad to leave the city and Guatemala.