Goodbye Antigua and hello Sampango

We still have the morning here in Antigua, so one more church/ convent.  It amazes me that so many buildings that partially collapsed in the 1773 earthquake are still in as good shape as they are.

The volcanos in the distance are Fuego on the left (the one that just erupted in June) and the twin peaks of Acatenangp from up on top of the church walls.

And off to Sampango

We thought we had a long walk from the hotel in to town, but the people here showed us a shortcut behind the hotel and along a deserted dirt road.  The town is on hills, with steep, narrow streets.  This is the Main Street just up from the market.

The town is gearing up for the Day of the Dead and stands are popping up all along the streets.  

Lots of flower stands because people buy huge armfuls and take them to the cemetery.

Up at the cemetery people are repaining their family vaults, cleaning up around their plots, and placing their flowers.

We can feel the festive energy here as everyone gears up for the kite festival tomorrow.  I am not sure what significance the kites have in relation to the Day of the Dead, but I am so excited for tomorrow to arrive.