Coban

So we left the lovely Flores on one of the many touristy shuttle minibuses speeding us (quite literally) down to Coban. We opted for this easier if slightly less authentic option as the chicken bus would have taken 6-8 hours instead of the shuttles mere 4.

Heading out on the gentle plain of El Petan we eventually reached some pretty stunning hills. Clair stuck the camera out of the minibus window (strap firmly tightened, naturally) and got some nice snaps.






Lonely planet was typically snobby about Coban, describing it 'Not so much an attraction in itself, more a jumping for the natural wonders of Alta Verapaz'. As is often the case, this made us like it all the more. The central plaza and few blocks around are built on a steep hill, so there was a fair amount of climbing up and down, but there were lots of interesting things to see, so we weren't too fussed.

Here's a picture of the Cathedral. Its pretty exterior belies a rather functional concrete interior. Lots of tiny showers floated over the town creating a lovely light.


Looking down from the Plaza to the surrounding hills.






This municipal building had a small door permanently staffed by a surly chap with a hefty machine gun. Unsurprisingly this resulted in Clair being desperate to get a look inside. Eventually, while I pretended to be otherwise occupied she slipped in and got this lovely photo from the rear balcony.


This bizarre 70's spaceship bandstand stood right in front the cathedral. Clair was very pleased with her discourse of architectural styleage.


More crazy 70's (in an art deco style) architecture, complete with cable guy on roof. Again, at Clair's insistence we popped in here and had a look around. It appeared that there was no electricity, and the cable guys were sorting it by taking a direct cable from the lamp post outside in through the front door. Nice!


The idigenous ladies all wore these pretty lacy tops with woven skirts.


On our walk back from the orchid farm we came across this temporary bull/rodeo ring.


The rather muted exterior of this private museum really does not do justice to the lovelyness inside. We had a great hour looking at all the fabulous Mayan jewellery and pottery. It was all displayed on grand hardwood cabinets. When we arrived, the curator had to turn all the lights on as we were the only people there!


Gallo, the gorgeous Guatemalan beer is sold absolutely everywhere. Clair had been looking to find a hand painted version of the sign, and got this great pic.


Whilst walking back from the museum we came across this egg shop. It was wall to wall. The cheerful chap looked rather bemused, but nevertheless let Clairy come in and take a pic.


Me posing as egg security agent. Clair was also intrigued by the fact the gate was locked and people had their eggs passed through the small slot. Maybe egg crime was more prevelant than we thought.


These cheerful ladies made the most super tasty little street treats. We ate piles of them. Tortillas with red cabbage beetroot and egg, tortillas with guacamole, cheese and piquant sauce, and I also had what turned out to be a kind of fried pasty. Ideal! They thought we were hilarious for some reason.


We loved Coban. It was thoroughly cheerful little place.