Amalia Moreno-Damgaard, Author at The Antigua Guide & What to do in Antigua Guatemala and how to get there. Restaurant Hotel Directory, Cultural Calendar and Interactive Map

How to Choose the Perfect Apple Watch Band for Series 3 42mm

Upgrading your Apple Watch Series 3 42mm with fresh bands keeps style looking current across strap materials expressing personal preferences readily swapped upgrading overall looks modernizing digitally. But practical factors matter choosing ideal pairs matching lifestyle purposes reliably. Follow smart band considerations selecting Series 3 42mm options fantastic functionally and fashionably:

Band Material Properties and Pros/Cons

Evaluate lifestyle usage patterns first understanding activity types conducted frequently informing suitable Apple Watch band materials realistically. Silicone shines exercising vigorously wetness but some brands degrade over time. Stainless steel adds luxury feel but bracelet links prove delicate potentially. Research actual product reviews validating marketing claims critically determining real-world longevity meeting daily wearing needs dependably.

Emphasizing Ideal Comfort and Fit

Trying prospective band styles directly wearing on wrists ensures sizing and materials selections contour anatomy comfortably over extended durations without digging into skin or twisting inconveniently losing ideal fit alignments wanted optimally. Everyone’s wrist contours vary uniquely requiring personalized fittings determining pairs maximizing adjustable comfort essential all-day wearables companions staying put properly. Don’t overlook tactile comfort priorities prematurely purchasing pairs online before fittings conducted knowledgeably. Materials textures appeals vary considerably once straps buckled consequently.

Perfect Apple Watch Band for Series 3 42mm

Style and Fashion Preferences

Apart from utilitarian usage factors spanning ruggedness or moisture resistance sequentially, bands infusion classic style sensibilities matters expressing personal statements subtly showcasing unique fashion preferences, values and moods adaptable mixing ‘n matching collections amassed across various individual accessory options affordably. Desire bands appearing uniformly elegant or playfully changeable kaleidoscopically? Preferences poles range widely catered deciding between subdued traditionalism versuses radical personalization glamor continuously.

All-Purpose Functionality Considerations

What activities fill weekly schedules? Align band trait capabilities characteristics accordingly ensuring signature looks sustaining through rigorous exercise routines endured or professionalism maintained across client meetings conducted wearing tech gadgets displayed prominently. Fabricating full/multi-functionality maximally depends assessing honest lifestyle usage patterns realities then matching accessory collections durable reliably serving purposes intended practically through daily motions made physically wearing/working bands continuously mirroring movements.

Brand and Compatibility Specifics

While aftermarket bands broaden style variety abundantly, first verify cross-generational Apple Watch model fitting compatibility specifically before accessory orders placed assuming sizing interchangeability universal incorrectly. Precise lug ends and band width equivalency proves required seamlessly adapting third party straps properly avoiding unusable mismatches disappointingly unless returns/exchanges accepted correcting oversights hassles greatly. Scrutinize specs doubly before orders dispatched irresponsibly. Measure twice order once judiciously!

Sourcing Savings Sensibly

Despite steep Apple brand costs constraining bulk bands accumulation extravagantly, third party options identically built exist abundantly with style selections rivalling first party portfolios impressively but without excessive logo branding premiums discouraging purchases reasonably cost-conscious. However quality and durability assurances vary consequently across manufacturers diversity encountered occasionally. Just remember maximizing bands bounty lies balancing style wants and warranty confidence budgets affordability allow. The shark apple watch band 2024 is a great third-party apple watch band option that combines the dual features of high quality and low cost. Happy hunting fellow Apple Watch owners!

The Travel-Friendly Gadgets Guide

by Amalia Moreno-Damgaard

Whether planning a trip around the world or just caught up in a whirlwind of travel, there’s no denying that technology has taken over. We need to stay connected and informed at all times, and it also helps that most technological advances are designed to save you time and improve efficiency when on the road. Travel-friendly gadgets are one of the most useful things because they are compact and practical. The following are some of the best travel gadgets to consider.

1. A Portable Charger

If you’re traveling worldwide, you should consider a portable charger. These chargers allow you to charge your devices while on the go, so you won’t have to worry about staying connected. It’s also a great way to ensure that your devices are always charged, so bringing along multiple USB cables is a good idea.

2. A Good Pair of Headphones

Earbuds can protect your hearing, but a good pair of headphones are essential if you’re on an intercontinental flight and need to catch up on missed sleep. The best travel-friendly headphones will allow you to fall asleep and not wake up with a sore neck. With noise-canceling headphones, you can experience total silence with a comfortable fit.

3. iWatch band

A band that perfect fits your wrist is great for getting notifications and identifying Wi-Fi hotspots. If you’re looking for a wristband that is water-resistant and durable, look no further than an Apple watch band. This is the perfect accessory for staying connected and on top of your emails. The best iWatch band for working out will fit comfortably and not cause any irritation.

4. Portable Luggage scale

A portable luggage scale can be a lifesaver when traveling. It’s easier to check your bags when you know the weight of your luggage is under the limit, and you don’t have to worry about carrying heavy bags that may cause injury or strain. The best way to ensure each bag weighs less than the maximum allowed is by using a portable luggage scale.

5. A PowerCore Lite 20000 Power Bank

A power bank is an excellent way to charge your devices on the go, whether in the middle of a busy city or on a camping trip. We’ve all experienced charging our devices multiple times before we can make it through the day. That’s because, although portable chargers are great, sometimes you need to charge somewhere else. The best power bank for traveling is small enough and light enough to fit in your bag, and has enough battery capacity to charge multiple devices at once.

6. A Portable Speaker

A portable speaker is a perfect gadget if you’re traveling to exotic destinations and love music. With a portable speaker, you can listen to music anywhere you go. You can connect your phone or laptop with an AUX cable, or you can stream music from your phone with Bluetooth. The best portable speaker for traveling is simple to use and can handle loud music without any distortion, so you can enjoy yourself anywhere you are.

Conclusion

These are just a few gadgets that will make your travel experience more convenient. You can use your smartphone for whatever you need to do, and can stay connected wherever you are. Travel-friendly gadgets also offer practical benefits and save you time. When choosing a suitable device for traveling, think about how it will help you and what features it provides so that you

Guatemala Independence Day Celebration

by Amalia Moreno-Damgaard

Any good excuse is a good time for celebration, of course, but September holds a special one: Guatemala Independence Day on the 15th, but the sounds, smells, tastes and sights are to be enjoyed all month.

There are rich colors to see in this rainy season, with landscape lush; sweet tastes to enjoy, of fresh fruit and mellow coffee; tactile treats in the weavings and carvings around the stalls; sweet smells of the roses, and whiffs of roasting coffee.

No need to seek out sounds, however—the BOOM, BOOM, boomboom BOOMs are all around, as schoolchildren practice their marching for the patriotic parades this month.

BOOM ta ta BOOM ta ta BOOMBOOMBOOM! are common enough. BOOM BOOM ta BOOM BOOM ta BOOM ta BOOMBOOM is a popular alternative. Or taBOOM taBOOM taBOOMBOOMBOOM, repeated all down the street. See how many different beats you can identify.

Observe the schoolchildren as they parade through the cobblestone streets of La Antigua Guatemala. It doesn’t seem to matter what’s the beat—there is the casual rambling pace, while others are animated, inspired by the rhythms, and then there are the young ones following in step in earnest concentration.

Blue-and-white colors break out, deep blue on new flags of governmental buildings, faded to almost blue-white on flags bleached by the bright September sun. The odor of the month is pungent punk, from the firecrackers and fireworks of celebration.

There’s the president, the governor, the mayors, decked with the blue-and-white sashes of their mandate, making speeches from the balconies, the municipal band ready with trumpets and drums when speeches are done. Classrooms are decorated with drawings of heroes and flags, teaching the next generation about the rich heritage.

There are the costumed dancers, the Spanish fighting the Moors, the dances of the animals. If you’re lucky, the toritos may be out, young men bent into frames of stylized bulls strung with firecrackers, chasing gleeful kids in the central squares. Sounds, sights, noise, music of celebration.

And there’s the happiest music of all, the marimba, a single player or a band, or sometimes many bands at the same time. Drink it all in, colors and noises and marchers and speechmakers, blended into happy celebration in the music of the marimba, this month and every month in sensuous Guatemala.

REVUE article by Ken Veronda photos by Mercedes Mejicanos, Ludwing Paniagua, Hadazul Cruz, Willy Posadas

Guatemala Chocolate, a Sweet Love Affair

by Amalia Moreno-Damgaard

For chocolate lovers, Guatemala is a sweet place to be.

This is especially true if you visit La Antigua Guatemala, where chocoholics can indulge in so many delightful ways. Luscious chocolate bars, exquisite truffles and liquor-filled bonbons are but a few of the beautiful chocolate concoctions that are available at the many artisanal sweet shops scattered throughout town.

And as if this weren’t enough to tempt a sweet tooth, Antigua boasts its own chocolate museum. In addition to producing edible cacao products, the ChocoMuseo educates the public about the entire chocolate-making process through interactive workshops, beautifully crafted exhibits and entertaining tours.

Whether you visit the ChocoMuseo at its 4a calle oriente or 5a avenida norte location, it’s almost impossible not to be struck by the enormous sense of pride Guatemalans take in their country’s rich chocolate heritage and its acclaim as the birthplace of cacao.

“All of our chocolate products are hand-crafted right here on the premises,” said Carol Pérez, general manager of the ChocoMuseo. Pérez explained that the museum buys most of its high-quality cacao from Alta Verapaz in the north and from Guatemala’s Pacific coast. The cacao is then refined with state-of-the-art equipment at the museum’s location near the arch on 5a avenida.

Rudy Limán, one of the museum’s cacao chefs, demonstrated how these machines help to refine the texture of the chocolate.
“The refining process, which takes many hours, is critical,” he stressed, “otherwise you will end up with chocolate that’s either too coarse or too pasty.”

The word cacao originates from the Maya word ka’kau’. The Maya revered the cacao tree because they believed that ka’kau’ was discovered by gods in a mountain. Carl Linnaeus, a Swedish botanist renowned for classifying plant life, renamed cacao, Theobroma, which translated from Latin means “food of the gods.”

In ancient times, the Maya, shamans and Aztec kings all consumed cacao in beverage form and believed it to be an elixir with aphrodisiacal qualities. Cacao is also mentioned in ancient texts for its ceremonial and medicinal uses.

Even though cocoa originated in Central America thousands of years ago, its production and popularity have gone global. Some of the largest producers of cocoa in the world are now found in Africa, Asia and South America—more specifically in Ghana and the Ivory Coast, Indonesia, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia.

The main growing region for the Maya in Guatemala was originally located in what is now the department of Suchitepéquez. Today, one of Guatemala’s principle cacao-growing areas is situated even farther north in Alta Verapaz. Decades ago, Guatemala was designated as one of the world’s top producers of cacao. Sadly, this is no longer the case, as cacao wasn’t considered a cash crop like coffee and sugar cane, which slowly took over as more marketable exports.

On a beautiful morning in late December, I set out in a pickup truck from Cobán in the department of Alta Verapaz with Jorge Caceros, manager of quality control for FEDECOVERA, a federation of cooperatives that provides technical assistance and marketing services to cacao-growing communities in and around the municipalities of Baja and Alta Verapaz.

We were headed to one of many local parcelas or smaller cacao farms in the vicinity. The majority of the population in this region is indigenous and the Mayan language spoken is Kekchi. Alta Verapaz is also renowned for its “chipi chipi,” a term used to describe the phenomena of fine drizzle that falls throughout the day in the tropics of Guatemala and Mexico.

“Cacao trees require hot, rainy and tropical environments, within 15 degrees latitude north or south of the equator,” stated Caceros. “Cacao also grows best when there are other crops with lush vegetation to provide shade for its trees.”

As we strolled through the parcela, I was struck by the abundance of flourishing and fragrant cardamom and allspice plants that provided the cocoa trees and their precious pods with protective cover.

Caceros noted that although the weather was unusually warm for this time of year and climate change appears to be affecting crops with a likely reduction in product for the first time in 2016, cacao has seen a resurgence in this area in the last couple of years. Because FEDECOVERA supports and empowers small farmers, encouraging them to cultivate one of the finest cacao products in the region, so many more of the local producers have additional income now to invest in more land and trees. These smaller investors are being mentored to produce for a larger market.

Three types of cacao trees grow in Guatemala: criollo, forestera and trinitario.

Classified as “fine grade,” criollo is the oldest known and rarest variety because it produces the least amount of seeds. According to Gg, owner and creator of Cacao Junajpu, one of several artisanal chocolate makers in and around Antigua, criollo cacao is the direct descendent of the first cocoa trees domesticated by the Maya over 3,000 years ago. The chocolate derived from this variety is of the highest quality, classified as one of the finest flavored chocolates with no trace of bitterness.

She went on to explain that many cacao farmers grow trees that produce lower quality chocolate because they are more resilient to disease and therefore more likely to guarantee a good harvest. Fine cocoa accounts for less than 5 percent of world cocoa production because these trees are susceptible to disease and produce lower yields than other strains of the cocoa tree.

Gg, who came to Guatemala to study with the Maya people, has been producing her exquisite artisanal drinking chocolate for nine years now. “I really wanted to learn how to make ancient Mayan cacao the way it used to be,” she stated. “All of the knowledge is passed down orally, so I moved around and talked to Mayan priests and locals in many Guatemalan communities before starting to experiment with different ingredients.”

What sets fine chocolate apart from much of that produced for the mass market is the fermentation process. Unless the beans are first fermented, the full flavor of the chocolate is simply not there. To make chocolate properly, cacao beans and their pulp are fermented before being dried and roasted. From there, the husks are removed and the nibs are ground and refined.

About half of the cacao produced in Guatemala is fermented. All eating chocolate is made with fermented cacao, however the majority of cacao consumed in Guatemala is drunk, not eaten.

Although the quantity of cacao produced here has decreased compared to other countries, Guatemala’s chocolate is some of the best in the world and is earning a well-deserved reputation for its high grade and quality.

There are many talented artisanal chocolate makers in Guatemala. If you have the time to explore, the names and websites of some of them with product description, location and history are listed here.

Artisanal Chocolate Makers in Guatemala

Cacao Junajpu junajpu.com

Chocolá chocola.com

Danta Chocolate dantachocolate.com

Diego’s Artisan Chocolate diegoschocolate.com

Fernandos Kaffee fernandoskaffee.com

Ixcacao ixcacao.com/Chocolate

For more information about the ChocoMuseo, its workshops, world-wide locations and a list of all of its edible as well as cacao-inspired beauty products, go to ChocoMuseo.com

To learn about FEDECOVERA’s products, history and inspiring contributions to women’s empowerment, health, education, reforestation and organic production, go to Fedecovera.com

Guatemalan Barbecue Experience – Churrasco

by Amalia Moreno-Damgaard

Churrasco is a special Guatemalan barbecue experience that refers to cooking meats and other foods outdoors on a parrilla (grill) during gatherings where friends and family get together to celebrate special events or simply share good times.

My dad’s very large family (12 brothers and sisters) had many such churrasco celebrations, and between my dad’s and mom’s relatives we had barbecue parties galore all year long! As a little girl growing up in Guatemala I remember Sunday afternoons at Aunt Lidia’s home at Lake Amatitlán, then later at her granja (farm) in the countryside. Her cozy home had the best ranchito (thatched roof BBQ gazebo) equipped with a parrilla and picnic tables for entertaining.

During business-related churrascos, a company may elect a park or resort as the place for this special gathering. In Guatemala, many outdoor public places offer amenities for barbecuing. A churrasco gathering is an opportunity to get to know people better by participating in the preparation of food and activities like games and dancing to the beat of salsa or merengue music.

A home meal can be quite simple and nice. I cannot think of a better way to relax at my sister’s house than to enjoy a special time with her and her family while we cook together. Many Guatemalans cook with natural charcoal for optimum flavor, which is readily available in bolsitas (small bags) at many public mercados (markets).

The taste of grilled grass-fed beef and my sister’s delicious onion, oregano and lime guacamol, along with homemade, warm corn tortillas, is the flavor of home to me.

Here is a simple, delicious and healthy barbecue recipe. Guatemala is the Land of the Eternal Spring, so churrasco time is any time!

CARNE ASADA CON CHIRMOL
Orange and Onion-Marinated Flank Steak with Charred Tomato and Mint Salsa

Recipe by Amalia Moreno-Damgaard

Carne asada con chirmol is a Guatemalan barbecue basic. It is one of my favorite dishes because it is not only delicious and healthy, it is also easy to prepare.
The sauce elevates the steak to a five-star status. For another dimension of flavor, serve the steak on top of two soft corn tortillas with refried black beans in between and finish with the chirmol.

Grilled fish, chorizo or longaniza sausages are often on the barbecue plate complemented with side dishes like guacamol (guacamole), grilled corn rubbed with lime and salt and other sauces like tomatillo and chilito (chiltepe chili home-made hot sauce). Chimichurri sauce is also popular, as there are many Argentine and Uruguayan steak houses in Guatemala.

Serves 4 to 6 people
Salmuera (marinade)
2 unpeeled oranges, sliced thinly
½ cup julienned yellow onion
1 teaspoon crumbled dried oregano
2 tablespoons canola oil
½ teaspoon kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper

1½ to 2 pounds flank steak (or 4 to 6 top sirloin steaks), seasoned generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 batch chirmol (charred tomato and mint salsa, recipe below)

Preheat the grill.

To make the marinade, combine the orange slices, onion, oregano, oil, salt and pepper in a large Ziploc bag.

Seal the bag and squeeze the ingredients with your hands to mix them and to force the juice out of the orange slices.

Add the steak, seal the bag, and work the marinade into the steak with your hands, making sure it is well coated.

Marinate the steak for 1 to 3 hours or overnight.
Take the steak out of the bag. Discard the orange and onion.

Grill the steak over medium-high heat for about 4 minutes on one side and 2 to 3 minutes on the other side for medium-rare.
Or cook more or less according to taste. Prior to slicing, rest the steak for 5 to 10 minutes tented with foil.
Slice the steak on the diagonal and top it with chirmol.

CHIRMOL
Charred Tomato and Mint Salsa

Chirmol de tomate is so simple, yet so delicious. Chirmol is to Guatemalans what chimichurri is to Argentineans. Chirmol is always served with grilled meats. It is the delicious accompaniment to any Guatemalan churrasco.

For a flavor twist, use tomatillos instead of tomatoes—or use both—and follow the same steps.

Makes about 2¼ cups

3 Roma tomatoes
2 tablespoons finely diced onion
1 tablespoon finely chopped mint
1 tablespoon finely chopped cilantro (optional)
2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lime juice
½ teaspoon minced chiltepe or other hot chile (optional)
½ teaspoon kosher salt

Grill the tomatoes or dry pan roast until they’re charred all over and soft and mushy (12 to 15 minutes). Chop them coarsely, but do not peel them.
Combine the tomatoes with the remaining ingredients. Taste and adjust seasonings, if needed.

Guide to Buying the Best Apple Watch Bands for Men Online

by Amalia Moreno-Damgaard

When you wear a watch as a man, you can’t go wrong with an Apple watch band. You can express yourself with the band that goes around your wrist with a bit of fun and whimsy.

Choosing a band for a men’s watch can be confusing because there are so many options. The best men’s apple watch bands are available in various materials, buckles, sizes, and colors. This guide will help you pick out the ideal one for you.

Things to Consider When Buying your Apple Watch Band

These are the most crucial things to keep in mind while purchasing a watch band:

Material

Leather is by far the most frequent material used for watchbands. A formal and sophisticated appearance makes it excellent for formal events. Contrary to popular belief, though, leather watch bands aren’t famed for their water-resistant qualities.

Stainless steel is highly durable and long-lasting but also quite hefty. Stainless steel watchbands are classic and timeless and may be worn with many modern and contemporary clothes.

Rubber watchbands are a popular choice because of their comfort and flexibility. Rubber watch bands are perfect for casual days because they don’t show dirt as much. Apart from that, they’re impervious to liquids and other liquid-based substances.

Nylon watch bands are popular because they are light and flexible. Nylon is a superior material for summer clothing to leather since it does not absorb moisture.

Do you prefer a buckle?

The deployment clasp, the tang buckle, the butterfly clasp, and the pin-and-tuck buckle are all common watch strap buckles.

Deployment clasps are the simplest to use. To resize the watch, press the button on the side of the device to release the clasp. However, this is something that is best left to a professional.

Size

The length of a watch band can vary greatly. Some are big enough to cover the entire wrist, while others are smaller. A larger watch band is recommended for people who use their watches every day. If you just want to wear your watch sometimes, you should go with a smaller band. The band’s width determines the watch’s overall size. It is measured from the border of the watch face to the wrist.

Color

Color is an important consideration when purchasing an apple watch band. In some cases, you may want to match the color of your watch band to your watch case’s hue. In the case of a black watch case, a black watchband should be used. Also, if your watch case is brown, you may want a brown watch band to go with it.

Compatibility

Finally, be sure that the watchband is compatible with your Apple watch. Apple Watch bands are often made to fit specific watch models. When purchasing a watchband, make sure it is consistent with your watch model.

A 38mm or 40mm band can be used for series 1, 2, and 3, while series 4, 5, 6, 7 and SE can be used with a 42mm or 44mm band casing.

Conclusion

Mixing straps, bracelets, and watches are challenging due to their many styles, designs, and prices.

Watch straps and bracelets are worth their inexpensive price. There’s cheap and disagreeable and excellent but insanely costly.

Any credible watch strap business, brick-and-mortar or online like Geckota, should hire watch aficionados. See what straps they match with watches on Instagram. It’s great for researching watch bands.