New Years in Antigua!

If you would like to imagine what a normal backdrop of sound has been in Guatemala, it is constant popping and mini-explosions from fireworks.  Having lived with these jarring cracks, I knew that New Years was not going to be a quiet one.  We walked through the streets with the excitement building each hour.  There were some local performers on stilts performing moves that I was praying came with crash pads below them.  It was actually relatively calm and cool until 10pm when the fireworks started.  It was lovely and lots of oohs and aahs, but then the kids started coming out with their own purchases and itchy trigger fingers.  

A local street performer.  They basically strap fireworks to their backs and run around until they go out.  I imagine its what I would look like if my hair caught on fire. 

We went to the main square to be a part of the action.  We had to be on constant guard because sparklers and mini-bombs were being set off on every corner.  The main fireworks at midnight were so close I felt like I could touch them, or maybe it was the shells falling into the crowd.  The good thing was, when I looked around no one else had an ounce of concern on their face.  I was the nutjob with my fingers in my ears hiding under Michael.  

It was a great night and something we would never see in the states, mainly because it would never be allowed in the states.  Dad- I swear we were never in danger, just in the mix with lots of sparkly celebration! 

Happy New Years to you and yours.  I am going to dive into this new year and take on a few more countries in Central America.  Not a bad way to start 2014!