One Month Living in Antigua, Guatemala: 10 Big Changes and Revelations

It’s been one month already, where has the time gone? It went by so fast! I’m currently working as a caretaker and living in Antigua, Guatemala, one of my favorite cities in the world!

I’ve learned so much already, so much about myself and about Guatemala.

1. I gave up alcohol.

I never really thought about giving up alcohol in the past. I know people who don’t drink and I always thought of them as extreme. My family tree is full of alcoholism and I have experienced immense pain because of it. Realization: I am such a hypocrite.

With that, along with wanting to be overall healthier on the inside, I decided to take a break from alcohol and see how I feel. Why do I need alcohol while traveling? I went to the #1 party school in the United States. I’ve done beer bongs, keg stands, danced until after bar close– I think my body has had enough tequila shots. 

It’s honestly been difficult, but overall positive. Difficult because I can’t lean on alcohol to make new friends. I can’t use a drink to give me the courage to salsa dance with strangers. I have to do it on my own. I also didn’t have a glass of wine when I was locked out of the house in the pouring rain. And I didn’t enjoy a margarita while laying on the beach in Monterrico.

I survived. My body loves it. I feel more energized and less moody. My sleep schedule has changed. I’m not saying I’m giving up alcohol for my entire life or even the rest of my trip, but so far I am enjoying the sober life.

2. I’ve become a morning person.

I wake up at 5:30am every morning, because I want to.

For people that know me, this seems almost impossible. In college, I couldn’t go to bed before 1am and was notorious for skipping morning classes. I HATED mornings. To all the night owls out there, the morning is great. You are missing out. I go on my morning jog through the city and see all the children going to school. The air is crisp and clean. The sun is kind. There’s a stillness in the morning and a feeling of peace that I’ve learned to love.

3. I gave up makeup.

This might not seem like a big deal to some people, but makeup can be used as a mask. I use makeup to hide my acne and imperfections and to feel pretty when I go out.

I feel free for the most part. I feel comfortable for the first time since puberty to go out without makeup and feel good about myself. And more importantly, not care. I spent so much of my younger years trying to impress people, trying to look sexy/attractive. Traveling is a chance to say “fuck it” to those beauty ideals and just be freeeeee!

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A post shared by Courtney | Travel Blogger (@courtneytheexplorer) on Oct 3, 2015 at 7:03pm PDT

 4. It is possible to be fit while traveling.

On both of my previous trips, I gained weight. I had very low points where I felt self-conscious about my weight. I just wanted a full kitchen and a nutritionist to follow me around and say ‘don’t eat that!’ This trip I prepared myself. I refuse to get out of control because I don’t want to miss out on something or I want to ‘fit in’ with other travelers. 

Day 2, I found a gym and have been working out every day. I set health goals for myself, just like I do at home. You don’t have to try the Guatemalan postre every day of the week.

I also tell people from the beginning I don’t drink, I like to do activities, etc, so we can find commonalities based on that. After I got done hiking Pacaya Volcan, I realized I could have never done that 2 years ago. I would have never been up in the front of the line, enjoying the experience. It was a huge moment for me. I realize I want to become stronger and healthier while traveling. And now I know that is possible.

Related article: Diets and My Personal Struggles, Acatenango Volcano: Antigua, Guatemala

5. I like hanging out with myself.

I always thought of myself as an extrovert. I love talking to people and meeting new people. I still do, but in a way I think I was hiding from myself, as weird as that sounds. If you are always with people or always in a relationship, you never have to have conversations with yourself or time to think about you, what you want, what you feel. I feel very content right now. I do almost everything by myself. I go for coffee, go to dinner, sit in the park, went to the beach, went on the volcano hike where I was the only solo traveler in the group, dance classes, gym, weekend nights, everything. I recommend everyone experience the joy of “you” time.

Related article: How to Thrive at Solo Travel

6. I’ve learned how to be friends with an 84 year old.

I’ve become more patient. I’ve learned it’s okay to not get the last word in. It’s also okay to do favors and nice things for nothing in return. I am living with someone who has completely opposite political, social, and religious views. She says things that are racist and even sexist. I have gotten pissed off many times, but am learning to question my anger. Is it really worth the anger? No. The elderly population tend to be highly sensitive and moody at random times of the day. But they have hours of fascinating stories and wise advice that only 84 years of life could give. I know how to have a proper tea party now, which she would probably argue to be my most important piece of knowledge gained. To me, I have gained a friend as well as countless opportunities for self growth.

Check out Annette’s interview for a laugh.

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A post shared by Courtney | Travel Blogger (@courtneytheexplorer) on May 24, 2019 at 11:23am PDT

7. It’s possible to get around Antigua with zero Spanish skills. 

I’m on my second week of Spanish school! Although I recommend learning Spanish, it is possible to get around without Spanish in Antigua.

8. I could live in Antigua for the rest of my life.

(2019 update: I still feel the same way about Antigua years later. I miss it so much and can’t wait to go back to visit!)

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A post shared by Courtney | Travel Blogger (@courtneytheexplorer) on Nov 26, 2018 at 8:29am PST

9. Guatemala is a safe place for solo female travelers!

This is a question I get asked ALL the time. “Is Guatemala safe for female travel?” YES! YES! YES! It is a perfect country for solo female travel. I recommend taking certain safety precautions just like anywhere else.

10. I LOVE GUATEMALA!!!!

Ugh. I LOVE Guatemala so much. I hope you get the chance to experience the energy, people, and sites of Guatemala. It is truly a special place.  

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More travel resources for Guatemala!

• How to Travel for Free
• Travel Budget for Antigua, Guatemala
• Best Vegan Restaurants – Antigua, Guatemala
• Learn Spanish for Cheap (or Free)

Any questions about Guatemala or Antigua? Comment below!