Lakes, volcanoes, and shocking poverty

We have been based in Antigua, Guatemala, for 4 days. The city is a remarkably well-preserved colonial town. It's clean, it feels mostly safe, and it's surrounded by beautiful volcanoes and lakes.

So, of course, we explored all the nice parts. I could relax a bit more because Lola did all the planning.

What wasn't clear to either her or me was that getting around, even with a hire car, is incredibly slow due to a mix of poor roads, traffic, and steep climbs behind heavy lorries.

The driving also took us through smaller towns and villages, where the visible poverty was often shocking. Poor housing, garbage everywhere, dirt, grime and lots of car and lorry pollution.

Miserable places, but surprisingly, the 4 or 5 times we rolled down the window to ask for directions , people were super helpful and smiley. The human spirit surprises sometimes. It also makes me wonder why we find it so difficult to get the kids to understand just how privileged they are. I think that in the moment they do appreciate it, but its quickly parked. I do hope, however, that when they grow up, these memories will give them a good grounding.Read more