Jan 15-21, 2018 Antigua, jade, Vieja, Nelson, prophet, wheelchair accessibility



How many times have Babette and Larry been to the hour-away tourist town of Antigua Guatemala? This was the fourth time for Babette; third for Larry. We went there again because it was the 
first time for our friends, the Kirkhams of Calgary, Canada. 
This time we had a tour guide, Miguel, to show us around. He’s 
with Guatemala Adventures Tours (an affiliate of Viator). He knew English well but a lot of it we couldn’t understand, because of his heavy accent. 


Al Kirkham, right, is Babette’s and Larry’s ward bishop in 
Calgary, Canada, and is Larry’s audiologist, in addition to being a close friend. 


The volcano Fuego began spouting clouds of steam and smoke 
alternatively (from internal lava). 



There also were many sightings of inactive volcano 
Agua too, of course. 


We visited two of Antigua’s 500-year-old church-convents. 
We also visited a small town where you can wash your clothes 
in the central park (San Francisco Aguas Calientes). 



At Jades Imperio Maya, in 15 minutes, we were shown 
how to make jade jewelry and other jade products. None
of us felt confident enough to give it a go. And some of us
couldn’t bring ourselves to part with our money in the store.  


Our first visit to a restaurant specializing in authentic
Guatemalan food. It was okay. We ate it, but we’re not
sure if we will try a second “típico” eating place. It’s an
acquired taste. “Cuevita” means “cozy cave,” “Urquizú”
is a last name. 

Vieja - Guatemala’s first capital


Vieja is near Antigua, at the base of the Volcano Agua. 


New Prophet and President

The announcement was well done. Short and sweet. 
In Guatemala, we viewed it with the Kirkhams, via 
lds.org, on Babette’s laptop. Pres. Nelson is 93 years 
old! He looks 25 years younger, which would make him
the same age as Larry! We sustain him with all our
hearts. 


The Temple reopens
The semiannual maintenance shutdown included making the Temple more wheelchair accessible, removing three steps exterior to the temple. 



It nice to get back into the Temple, 
so we could rest from our vacations!






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