sasper – Off The Grid Geek

Office Space in Antigua, Guatemala

It was always my dream to work from home, but after doing that for years, I’ve found that I’m much more productive and focused when I have a separation between my living and working spaces. This allows me to disconnect, unwind, and focus on living in my living space. When I arrive at the office, I’m able to focus on what needs to be done for work, and not be distracted by a 1000 other things that are going on in my life.

In Antigua, Guatemala, there’s a great new co-working space called the Impact Hub Antigua. I first visited the Hub about 6 months ago during an event for social entrepreneurs, and loved the location and the people involved in the project. It’s a great way to get plugged into the technology and entrepreneurial world of Guatemala, as the members of the hub range from non-profits to Spanish schools to small businesses.

We at Syntric have rented an office space for the rest of the year at the Hub, and are looking forward to connecting with other folks working or traveling through Guatemala.

Oscar has parking with some friends in front of the entrance.

The always friendly staff at the Hub — A couple of the always friendly staff at the Hub

There are various places to setup at the co-working space -- benches, desks, comfy hanging chairs, or a quiet room. — There are various places to setup at the co-working space — benches, desks, comfy hanging chairs, or a quiet room.

One of the many shared spaces at the Impact Hub Antigua — “Mistakes are proof you are trying”. Some insipiration in one of the many shared working spaces at the Impact Hub Antigua

The Syntric developers den -- loads of computers, monitors, hard drives, and other computer hardware. — The Syntric developers den — loads of computers, monitors, hard drives, and other computer hardware.

Fresh Lemongrass Tea

After a long day of hacking away at the office, I love to come home and make some tea from the garden. My favorite is a simple but delicious tea with lemongrass. Just pull a few green leaves, put them into water, and boil.

You can add honey or panela to sweeten as desired. Other nice additions to the tea are dried hibiscus and the inedible parts of pineapple,

My off the grid retreat near Antigua, Guatemala

After spending 4 years in Guatemala, I’ve moved to Antigua, Guatemala, to grow a new socially conscious tech startup company, Syntric.

While starting a new business, especially a technology development and consulting services company, most people are connected at the hip to their internet connection. I’ve decided to live off the grid, in a cabin in the mountains above Antigua.

The porch of the cabin, overlooking Ciudad Vieja and San Miguel Dueñas

Large avocado trees are sprinkled throughout the property, and an herb garden provides delicious flavor to all food

2 of the 6 cabins. I live in the one on the left

The event space with natural pool, barbeque, and views of the entire area.

Aquí es la antesala del cielo - Here is the threshold to heaven — Aquí es la antesala del cielo – Here is the threshold to heaven

This blog will detail how I can maintain a balance between the always-connected life of a tech startup founder and the internal need to be grounded and connected to my body and earth.