Travel Photo Collection

My awesome trip to Guatemala! Joe and I took this Guatemala tour because it was a place neither of us had visited in Latin America. I got to use my Spanish skills, hike a volcano, see Mayan ruins, and swim in one of the most beautiful places I\'ve ever seen!

December is the perfect time to visit Guatemala! It seemed that every day there was a celebration, a festival, or at least beautiful decorations to see! Guatemala was our trip of a lifetime!

Joe and Sharon\'s 2011 adventure in Guatemala!

The Art Festival in Antigua, Guatemala has several goals. Our primary goal is to promote art in the associations and communities around Antigua. We began the Art Festival in 2009 and invited five community organizations to participate. Two of the associations already had art programs, but three art programs were created just so the associations could participate in the Art Festival. By holding this event, local associations are inspired to create art programs in the curriculums. In 2010, we plan to invite more local associations to participate so that they will also be inspired to create art programs for their children. A second goal is to use art to teach the importance of self-expression. Art is a very powerful form of expression and can give a voice to children and teenagers, boys and girls, indigenous and Ladinos. Children and youth living in poverty often have difficulties expressing themselves and releasing their emotions. They may turn to violence or drugs to escape their feelings. We want to teach children and youth how to express themselves in art and at the same time, create something beautiful. We hold workshops several months before the Festival to teach the associations different ways to teach art. We explain to them that we do care about technical skills, but we care more about the ability of the children to express themselves. We appreciate figurative art, but we also value abstract art that represents strong emotions or perspectives.

Guatemala is rich in color and culture. The Branson Family had a great time exploring Guatemala on a travel circuit known as the Gringo tour.

On week in Guatemala, including tours to Antigua, Lake Atitlan, Volcano Pacaya, Tikal, and the hanging bridges near Flores.

Kristen, Myrtle & Art: All the places we stayed were wonderful, not only because of the comfortable rooms or quaint little huts, but because of all the natural beauty and friendly people. As we flew back home, we reflected on how much we had seen and learned. We all felt that we carried a part of Guatemala in our hearts, for we had fallen in love with the land and its people.

Our second trip to Guatemala, featuring visits to Mixco Viejo, Semuc Champey, Chilasco Falls, Lake Atitlan, Antigua and more.

I organized this trip for the AAUW (American Association of University Women) San Juan Branch. Thanks to the economy\'s personal case of \"swine flu\" only 7 of us took the trip. Guatemala is a beautiful country!