Getting Around

We had a fun time using all the differing modes of transportation in Guatemala.  It definitely is a whole different world than here...but we loved it.  It was an adventure!  We rode on one luxury bus for 8 hours on our trip to see the Tikal Ruins(which was by far better than the Chinatown bus to DC), on the crowded chicken buses, in the back of tututs (cute little golfcart-like cars), on boats across Lake Atitlan, and on the back of fletes (pick-up trucks). 

I would have to say our favorite ride was riding on the back of the fletes through windy roads overlooking the 3 volcanoes surrounding Lake Atitlan on our two hour ride from Panajanchel to a cute little town called Santiago Atitlan.  It was just interesting watching the people hop on and off the truck all along the way- little boys 8 years of age and younger carrying machetes on their way to work in the fields, women carrying baskets filled with handwoven belts and crafts they've made to sell in the marketplace, and older men bringing on loads of nets to catch fish in the lake. 

We felt we really got to experience Guatemala the right way taking in the culture and the scenery and getting a sneak peak into all of these wonderful people's lives.  Jeremiah's favorite thing was hanging off the edge of the truck with the locals when there wasn't enough room to stand or sit inside the truck.  He was happy to make room for oncoming passengers so he could hang off the back bumper.  During this ride I was sitting inside the truck's front seat with two other people and looked back to a happy Jeremiah.  Adventures are always fun! 

Colorful Chichicastenango!

Jeremiah and I couldn't get enough of this famous marketplace in Chichicastenango.  Everything, and I mean everything is handwoven by the guatemalan women on looms.  It's incredible.  It takes the women about 3 months to make one single huipil (the women's traditional tops)...we were lucky enough to catch a few of their women in the towns weaving their designs.  The coolest part is that all of these different huipiles that the women wear identify the town that they come from- san andreas, antigua, san antonio, etc...I loved everything about this place and my suitcase showed on the trip back:) We had the greatest experience taking in the culture and the colors and can't wait to go back someday.   

Below is one of the churches where they sold fresh colorful flowers.  I loved the stark white church next to all the colors below.  We were also lucky enough to watch a Mayan ceremony performed outside the church. 

All their patterns use about six different colors.  They're all such happy colors that match the feeling of the country.  Guatemala is known as the Eternal Spring...and it really was wonderful to be in the sun all day long. It was hard to come back to the blizzard back home!  

Here the women are in San Antonio Palopo weaving and embroidering.  This workshop overlooked a beautiful peninsula.  They are wearing their traditional dress from their town.  They work really hard! 

Our Local Fruit Stand

Peppers or Pears? That is the question.  We love our local fruit stand.  With so many options sometimes it's hard to choose!  Why not just get both! We shop at about 5 different stores...here for our fruit and veggies, another place for our meat, another for bread and milk...it definitely is a workout by the time we finish.  Often we just have to divide and conquer our shopping list!

Let it Snow!

With winter in full force why not enjoy what it brings instead of wishing it away.  This winter I'm grateful for fresh snow, brown boots, hot cocoa, movie nights, puffy coats, cute hats, and quality time with family and friends. 

scooterin' through siena

Zippin' through the Tuscan Hills with my favorite person.  It doesn't get much better than that.  Our trip this September to Switzerland and Italy definitely deserves a post.  More fun posts to come on this new and improved blog:)

 

We loved the narrow cobblestone streets in Siena and the town center where the famous Palio race takes place every August.  Probably one of the coolest towns.  But I really can't pick a favorite- I loved them all.