We all welcomed the much needed day of rest (is it Sunday yet?). We woke up and met for a big breakfast of eggs, beans, toast, OJ/coffee and of course, tortillas @7:30am. Did you know the most nutritious tortillas of all are the negro, black corn variety? We had those today and were thankful of our hosts for taking care of us in the little ways that pay huge dividends in our diet. On our day off, we all decided to tour three of the major towns along Lake Atitlan. As I´m sure you´ve already been made aware, San Lucas Toliman is located on the lake shore in the eastern bay. We departed the Hotel Volcanes for the dock @8:15am and all jumped in the boat named Flory.
Our first stop, San Antonio Palope, arrival time was 9:00am. Acting as our "Tour Guide Operators", Will and Luis were kind enough to show us around town, including a very nice stop at a pottery co-op where a few of us bought some dishes and such, including Caitlin and myself (note to family: expect some Guatemalan gifts for Christmas). San Antonio was mildly touristy, so we were able to start slow and build up to the shopping fever. We hiked up to the top of the hill to peak inside a beautiful old church which I don´t recall the name of. After an hour, our time was up and we went back to the boat.
We again set sail for our second town called Barrio Rastropana Jechel or Panajechel. We arrived @10:30am. This turned out to be the most touristy town of the three. As such, we met many other gringos, including a group of Boulderites who were neighbors to Tina and Doug. Small world eh? We stayed at Panajechel for three hours shopping and eating lunch, including the privelege of discovering a chocolate store and eating the smooth decadence of Guatemalan cacao for the first time (not to mention the fact of being on chocolate withdrawal since last Thursday). With tourism comes the onslaught of street vendors, which there was certainly no shortage of in Panajechel.
And so it goes that we boarded for our next stop at Santiago, arriving on it´s borders @2:30pm. As I was told, Santiago afforded the best opportunity for buying original paintings from the local Guatemalan artisans. We had an hour to head uphill along market street browsing and perusing. The artwork was stunning, every painting was rich in color and expression. One particular style invented by a famous Guatemalan painter positions the viewer´s perspective of the painting from above as if you´re looking straight down on the setting. I loved the idea enough to purchase one for myself. Please continue reading to discover what others have bought for themselves. Adios. - Keith Siggins
Charlotte C. - Burgundy Table Runner
Carol - Earthy Large Woven Wall Hanging
Doug - Ancient Coins
Kate - 5 Beautiful Scarfs
Tina, Caitlin, and Luis - Dina´s Chocolates!!
Pat - Trucks/Cars (for kids)
Charlotte S. - An Azure Bedspread
Tom - Seabass for lunch
Mary G. - 10 Guatemalan Traditional Dress Dolls
Lisa - Beaded Xmas Ornaments
Barbara - Pantalones (Pants)
Jon - The Mask of a Corn God
Abigail - Antique Purple Vest
Steve - A Massage
John - Pajama Bottoms
Mary H. - Roasted Fava Beans
Tips for Team II
1. Ear plugs because the roosters don´t understand "turn over honey and stop snoring".
2. Bring hangers to hang up stuff you wash out in your room. It rains daily.
3. One pair of safety goggles per team.
4. Learn the Spanish noun for the tools. You will use them frequently.
5. Need small Spanish-English Dict.
6. Bring really old work clothes. You will be covered in orange dust frequently.
7. Don´t forget chocolate. It´s hard to come by.
Our first stop, San Antonio Palope, arrival time was 9:00am. Acting as our "Tour Guide Operators", Will and Luis were kind enough to show us around town, including a very nice stop at a pottery co-op where a few of us bought some dishes and such, including Caitlin and myself (note to family: expect some Guatemalan gifts for Christmas). San Antonio was mildly touristy, so we were able to start slow and build up to the shopping fever. We hiked up to the top of the hill to peak inside a beautiful old church which I don´t recall the name of. After an hour, our time was up and we went back to the boat.
We again set sail for our second town called Barrio Rastropana Jechel or Panajechel. We arrived @10:30am. This turned out to be the most touristy town of the three. As such, we met many other gringos, including a group of Boulderites who were neighbors to Tina and Doug. Small world eh? We stayed at Panajechel for three hours shopping and eating lunch, including the privelege of discovering a chocolate store and eating the smooth decadence of Guatemalan cacao for the first time (not to mention the fact of being on chocolate withdrawal since last Thursday). With tourism comes the onslaught of street vendors, which there was certainly no shortage of in Panajechel.
And so it goes that we boarded for our next stop at Santiago, arriving on it´s borders @2:30pm. As I was told, Santiago afforded the best opportunity for buying original paintings from the local Guatemalan artisans. We had an hour to head uphill along market street browsing and perusing. The artwork was stunning, every painting was rich in color and expression. One particular style invented by a famous Guatemalan painter positions the viewer´s perspective of the painting from above as if you´re looking straight down on the setting. I loved the idea enough to purchase one for myself. Please continue reading to discover what others have bought for themselves. Adios. - Keith SigginsCharlotte C. - Burgundy Table Runner
Carol - Earthy Large Woven Wall Hanging
Doug - Ancient Coins
Kate - 5 Beautiful Scarfs
Tina, Caitlin, and Luis - Dina´s Chocolates!!
Pat - Trucks/Cars (for kids)
Charlotte S. - An Azure Bedspread
Tom - Seabass for lunch
Mary G. - 10 Guatemalan Traditional Dress Dolls
Lisa - Beaded Xmas Ornaments
Barbara - Pantalones (Pants)
Jon - The Mask of a Corn God
Abigail - Antique Purple Vest
Steve - A Massage
John - Pajama Bottoms
Mary H. - Roasted Fava Beans
Tips for Team II
1. Ear plugs because the roosters don´t understand "turn over honey and stop snoring".
2. Bring hangers to hang up stuff you wash out in your room. It rains daily.
3. One pair of safety goggles per team.
4. Learn the Spanish noun for the tools. You will use them frequently.
5. Need small Spanish-English Dict.
6. Bring really old work clothes. You will be covered in orange dust frequently.
7. Don´t forget chocolate. It´s hard to come by.
Keith and Caitlin
Posts
