Guatemala-Lake Atitlan and Antigua
What a beautiful country!! I have wanted to explore Guatemala for years and I'm so happy I finally made it happen! I arrived early in the morning, so I opted to start in Lake Atitlan. That's about a 3 hour drive from the airport. So you'll see pics that I took on the way to the lake and then once I got there, around town. Then I went on a tour of 3-4 cities around the lake. There just happened to be a parade in the city that we had to meet for the tour in. The tour was both educational and fun. I thoroughly enjoyed my day. It was also nice to learn about the Mayan culture and all the things they are doing to keep the culture and traditions alive. I hope you enjoy the pictures and video's.
Below was the start of the parade and then our boat ride across the lake to the first of 3 stops.
We visited a COOP where they teach young women how to make the traditional weaved articles. I got a beautiful apron, headband and smaller items for gifts. But it was nice to see how they start with the cotton, color and weave it. So bright and colorful! It was also nice to see the pride in the process but also in what they make for themselves and to sell.
We learned about mini bee's that don 't sting, but make honey, tequila and wine from their nectar.(Above)
Then off to the next town where we learned about the coffee making process. It was some good coffee!!!
The last stop was just for shopping. I found a local church and met a local woman that was telling me about the traditional headpiece and how to put it together. I'm sorry, but I can't tell you much more than that, as I don't speak Mayan. I thought everyone here spoke Spanish, but a lot of the older people don't. There are 22 different Mayan languages and most speak 1 or 2 of those.
Overall, I enjoyed Lake Atitlan. Not a ton going on, but it was a good way to spend 3 days in the country. Then when I left there I headed back to Antigua. The entire old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site. And my first stop in town was to take a pottery class. I think they look pathetic- but they kept saying it was good for my first time. Below...then I found a great little Italian restaurant. The next day it was raining all day, but I still did the city tour. Excuse the raindrops on the lens!
The cobblestone streets were brutal!
See the architecture and how the city was originally laid out. Until earthquakes destroyed it.
Then as usual, I took a food tour. It was at night and also raining, but the food was really, really good.
Look at the churches from the 1500's. And more importantly, I learned that Guatemala is the second largest producer of Jade! I thought it was Japan. But the bottom 5 pics are of Jade. And yes, I bought a couple pieces. I didn't know they came in so many different colors. Guatemala didn't disappoint! But it's getting kind of long, so I'm going to do the Mayan ruins and Guatemala City(The Capital) separately. Next up: Flores, Tikal, Yaxha and Guatemala City.
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