antigua gold

By Bel Woodhouse

Iloved living in Antigua Guatemala for two years. Strolling the cobblestoned streets, I was awash with golden glows daily. Yellow is one of only four colors permitted in the UNESCO world heritage listed Spanish colonial town. Sky blue, cream and red are the other three.

I found joy in these yellows. From the light bright sun fl oweryellows and sunshine-in-a-bottle happy honey yellows through to thedeep mustard and amber almost terracotta hues. Their golden glows turn Antigua into a photographer’s dreamscape.

The City’s Golden Icons

Grand golden churches like La Merced with elegant white filigree delicately entwined around its columns and doorways are breathtaking. Antigua’s richest church it radiates in the heart of town right next to its most photographed icon, Santa Catalina Arch.

At the opposite end of town was my favorite. El Calvario church’s light yet vibrant lemon butter facade with bold white banding radiated peace. Lit up at night I was like a moth to a flame, staring at it for hours.

Volcanic Charm

I love the volcanic charm of Antigua. Volcán de Fuego–the local active volcano–small, almost daily eruptions wear the city’s buildings down. Creating a unique lightly-crumbling historic vibe. Making me feel slightly like a time traveler witnessing history as washed out yellowish volcano-damaged walls ended up creating my favorite urban landscapes.

Around every corner, down every street and in the town’s parks this historic vibe complemented the glorious yellows. Even Tanque La Union, the town’s communal laundry.

Photos (This page): Antigua's deep golden homes; Volcanic charm of Antigua (Opposite page, clockwise from top, left): Mayan lady carrying flowers on her head; Man sitting in the laundry tub reading at Tanque La Union, Antigua's communal laundry; Weathered peeling paint part of Antigua's volcanic charm; The author playing National Geographic photographer