While in Antigua, we toured a few places nearby:
The Jade Factory is in Antigua itself. Guatemala is apparently one of the largest miners of the precious stone. Unbeknownst to me, jade comes in several different colors, including lavender, and many different shades!
There is an organization that gives Macadamia nut trees to farmers so they can grow a sustainable crop for income. Their farm is about 20 minutes out of Antigua. The tools they have designed to sort and shell the nuts are simple and something Guatemalans can build themselves.
A large coffee plantation is also in a nearby town. It was not harvesting season while we were there (the season is from Dec. through Feb. I believe), but when Ryan was there in Feb. he apparently saw the coffee beans drying on the patios that you see in the upper left photo. A very interesting process. Though I am sure it is clean enough, the Department of Health would have a hay day with the plantation! Yet we have no issues drinking their coffee!
1 comment:
So interesting! You write such great captions!
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