In 1991 Billy and Akaisha Kaderli retired at the age of 38. Now, into their 4th decade of this financially independent lifestyle, they invite you to take advantage of their wisdom and experience.

Antigua's McDonald's

Antigua, Guatemala

Billy and Akaisha Kaderli

Walking around Antigua, one could easily pass over this understated entrance to McDonald's. But you really must walk in and make the visit.

Obviously, the fast-food at McDonald's is the same all over the world, so there won't be any surprise to that. And sometimes having a familiar tasting burger and fries really hits the spot when you are on the road away from home. But the real reason to go to Antigua's McDonald's is the courtyard and coffee house inside.

Understated entrance to McDonald's

This deep brick-red color of the entrance is called "Maya Red" and is found all over the country of Guatemala. This is the traditional color that the Mayans painted their buildings from centuries past.

The first entrance room and order counter

The deep red color is continued inside in the tiles on the floor and on the back wall. This McDonald's doesn't have the circus atmosphere or the glaring white, red and yellow walls that are often seen in the U.S. You still have the yellow walls, but somehow the whole atmosphere seems more subdued and classic. A bit more upscale.

Do you know your coffees?

The next room on the right looks just like one of the many coffee shops in town, complete with pastries, breads, pies and cakes.

Here you can order a sophisticated coffee drink like the ones listed below:

Cafe macchiato, sometimes called espresso macchiato, is an espresso coffee drink with a small amount of milk. Usually this milk is foamed. Add a flavored syrup if you like!

Prices are from $1.32USD for a single to $2.90 for a large, hot caramel macchiato.

Not a coffee, but rather an Indian blend of black tea and spices, Masala Chai is made using different formulas. Standard ingredients are as follows: black tea, fresh ginger, green cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, fennel (I like mine with star anise), clove and black pepper. Normally served with lots of milk and some honey or sugar, this drink is spicy, sweet and unforgettable.

Best prepared fresh, some cafes simply give you a "tea bag" and some side milk and sugar. Oh no!!

Prices are from $2.40-$2.78USD

Ristretto is traditionally a short shot of espresso coffee made with the normal amount of ground coffee but extracted with about half the amount of water. Since Ristrettos are essentially the first half of a full length espresso extraction, the faster-to-extract compounds predominate.

A Freddo is coffee poured over crushed ice with a cold milk froth. Besides a regular Freddo, you can choose a Mocha Freddo or a Hot Caramel Freddo too.

A Frappe is an iced beverage that has been shaken, blended or beaten to produce a tasty foam and refreshing blended drink. It is served cold, often with whipped cream and various toppings. You can add ice before or after beating the coffee along with custom additives such as sugar, milk, vanilla and sweet sauces. Frappes can be blended in a shaker, frappe maker or blender. An ice-crushing blender is better than a shaker for blending a Frappe and it comes out similar to a milkshake.

With the Frappes offered here, you can spend just over $3USD for the largest one available.

One view of the courtyard

Out in the courtyard, there is free WiFi, tailored gardens, a fountain and a view of Volcan Agua. It's really a great place to do some computer work, catch up with a friend, do some reading or just enjoy the scenery.

Another view of the courtyard

There is lots of seating sheltered from the sun but where one can still enjoy the brightness of the day. Here you can see the fountain and the view of Volcan Agua.

What a great place to enjoy your coffee, pastry or meal!

McDonald's

4 Calle Poniente 21, Antigua Guatemala

For more stories, photos and information about Antigua, click here

For more stories and photos of Guatemala, click here

About the Authors

Billy and Akaisha Kaderli are recognized retirement experts and internationally published authors on topics of finance, medical tourism and world travel. With the wealth of information they share on their award winning website RetireEarlyLifestyle.com, they have been helping people achieve their own retirement dreams since 1991. They wrote the popular books, The Adventurer’s Guide to Early Retirement and Your Retirement Dream IS Possible available on their website bookstore or on Amazon.com.

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