Posts

Antigua Semana Santa - Easter in Guatemala

Image
In April 2023 we were taken aback by the extravagant weeklong Easter activities in Antigua Guatemala. Antigua is located near Guatemala City.  The famously erupting volcano called Fuego is nearby and eruptions can be seen from the town almost daily.  Antigua is famous for its beautiful street carpets,  Alfombras,  and pious  Andas  that are made and carried during  Semana Santa.  Every year people put their names on lists according to their height to carry one of the heavy Andas   or floats.  Each day has a different theme in the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Every event is well-planned and conducted with reverence. Even the music played is full of sorrow and remorse. As soon as the procession passes the Alfombras are quickly removed. It is all so efficient. A tractor follows the sweepers and the street is spotless and ready for another Alfombra . Even a small float dedicated to Mary is easily carried by four people. Many processions start from one of the large churches
Post a Comment
Read more

Bhutan: Haa Valley, Bumthang, Tang Valley

Image
From Haa Valley to Tang Valley The Lhakhang Karpo monastery was one of 108 built by a Tibetan King in the 7th century. There is another monastery located higher on a hill behind this one called Lhakhang Nagpo, basically referred to as the white (karpo) and the black (nagpo) monasteries. Together they protect Haa Valley. The men that serve the king and sit in parliament are given a sword to wear when on duty. It is part of their attire and not to be left behind for any reason. Haa village is very basic, it has several small shops for clothes, food, and hardware with building supplies. Homestays are very popular in Haa and are being promoted by the tourism board. The experience is exceptional - the owners are very welcoming, serve delicious food, and make you feel at home. This is the fishery unit of the Government. Even though fishing is not allowed in Bhutan they work on growing fish and stocking the rivers, but who will catch them? Chele La (Pass) below, is covered with tall ver
Post a Comment
Read more

Stilwell Road to Pangsau Pass Festival

Image
Pangsau Pass is on the border between Arunachal Pradesh and Myanmar. Since 2016 there  has been an annual festival celebrating the tribal groups that straddle the border. To get there one travels on the Stilwell Road to Nampong. The Stilwell or Ledo Road was a WWII project that began in December 1942 and ended in May 1945. It was built to connected British India to China in the fight against the Japanese. General Joseph Stilwell was the name of the American in charge of the project. The road was built to transport supplies to China from Ledo in Assam overland to Kunming in China via Pangsau Pass (elevation 1,136m). The pass was the first big obstacle encountered by the engineers in charge of the road. The pass was nicknamed "Hell's Pass" due to frequent landslides.  Pangsau is the name of the village on the Myanmar side of the pass and Nampong is on the Indian side of the pass. Nampong is where we went for the Pangsau Pass Festival on January 20th, 2020. Stilwell
Post a Comment
Read more