Flores, Petén, Guatemala
An island situated on the third biggest lake in Guatemala; Lake Peten Itza. Flores, a picturesque town offered an overnight stop as a gateway to the archaeological Mayan sites in the area. of which a couple were visited.
But for now
Flores is itself a quiet Island allegedly one of the 25 most colourful places in the world. So lets get colourful.....
.......or maybe not
The island is connected to its sister town of Santa Elena on the mainland by a short causeway, A quaint little place, nothing remarkable nothing significant, so, yes lets park mono and go see some colour.
Off the main sort of like ring road, where most of the hotels restaurants and stuff are the town was mostly a warren of tiny little cobbled ginnels and alleyways, well c'mon it has been here since before the motor car was even dreamt about. Wide enough for a horse and cart.
Lovely, no back garden, but just plonk yourself on the decking flop out on a nice big hammock and watch life on the water. sip a cocktail or three, read a good book.
Mañana, Mañana
Although the Spanish invaders arrived in Guatemala in 1524 the island was not conquered until 1697, when they marched in and destroyed it.
A nice but tiring mix of inclines and easy peasey flat bits
The existence of the cathedral dates back to the 18th century, yet was only elevated to the actual rank of a cathedral in 1951
Re-modelled and renovated many times during its existence; the last taking place over an 8 year period from 1997, whereby the cathedral was given a complete new facade.
Simple white washed walls with a special altar piece
Cristo Negro (Black Christ) icon, above the main altar. Every January 15, pilgrims come to the cathedral to pay homage to this sacred icon, which allegedly possess miraculous powers.
and now it is beer o'clock.
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