Books in Antigua!
My favorite way to settle into a new place is to locate the best book exchanges/used book stores. That said – my first few days in Antigua involved pounding the cobblestones in search of hostels I could sneak into and “borrow” their books.
1.) TROPICANA – 6ta Calle Poniente #2
I was fairly disappointed by the few book exchanges I was able to locate, but the one hostel that delivered was Tropicana, a popular place known for its pool (a pool!) and party crowd. After doing a lap around the deck and rooftop terrace, I wandered into the “lounge area” and BAM. Free books located. I grabbed two books in English that I would not have otherwise been inclined to read, but that makes it all the more thrilling. After tearing through my first two finds, I returned to the lounge area a few weeks later and attempted to stealthily exchange them for a fresh pile.
I failed. Twice. Because I kept walking in on couple’s sexy time. Bam chica wah wah.
Hey – love can be hard in the backpacking world. Get it where you can. I won’t judge.
Although my personal rule is never to spend money on books on the road, I quickly broke it here in Antigua. A few times. Here are some options to contribute your quetzals to the local economy:
2.) DYSLEXIA LIBROS – 1a Avenida Sur
Owned by Café No Sé (or is it the other way around?), this used bookstore has probably the broadest selection of books. I didn’t find too many that piqued my interest, however, I did buy Frog Music by Emma Donoghue (author of Room), which I LOVED. Set in 1870s San Francisco, it is based on the real unsolved murder of Jenny Bonnet. Regardless of your preferred genre, I’m sure you can find one or two to satisfy your literary cravings.
Here’s a video on Dyslexia Books and Café No Sé for your viewing pleasure.
3.) LA BIBLIOTECA – 1 Avenue South #3
My favorite place for books thus far is La Biblioteca, a bar/restaurant with a small, yet diverse selection of books that I was glad to peruse. Prices were right (anywhere from Q30 – Q50 or around $4-$6) and with enough interesting titles to choose from, I had a hard time narrowing it down to my backpacker budget. If this had been a free book exchange, you can bet your britches that I would have walked out with multiple paperbacks stuffed in my pants. Er, bag.
In case you’re wondering, I went with Into the Wild for Q30 ($4). Here’s hoping I enjoy the book more than I enjoyed the film. Who’s with me?
4.) NIM PO’T CENTRO DE TEXTILES TRADICIONALES – 5a Avenida Norte
Surprise! Used books available at this handicraft market and textile center! While I didn’t have a chance to peruse the many shelves here (I probably had to pee), there are a LOT of books to choose from. And if I read the signs correctly, you can trade in your own towards a purchase of crafts or textiles. Wins for everyone.
