Shopping Anyone?

If you love to shop for tacky tourist stuff, go to Panahajel. This small town is located in picturesque Lake Atitlan, a water-filled crater surrounded by volcanoes.



We journeyed through beautiful mountains. However, there was still evidence of Tropical Storm Agatha. Parts of the highway were blocked off with piles of rocks or mud and other parts were washed away (not usually a positive!). Some remote villages were destroyed by the mud slides and many homes are still buried under five feet of mud.

The lake itself was partially covered with a layer of garbage and lava rocks washed down from the mountains. We traveled by boat to three different villages. It was interesting to see how the locals made crafts and were most eager to sell their wares. We learned about coffee production and visited several churches and shrines.



Part of the ambiance of the area is having dogs stare at you longingly while eating (Anita failed the test and fed the dog and led Sue astray as usual.) and having peddlers persistently trying to sell you things (Even though you have politely said "no thank you" four times.).

It was a nice relaxing way to spend our last week-end in Guatemala.



Here are some fishing boats for rent. Any takers?

Going Back into the Past

On Friday morning before the sun rises or the roosters begin to crow, we flew to Northern Guatemala to see the Tikal Mayan Ruins. It was hot and humid. There were many miles to hike and pyramids to climb. Our legs protested having yet to recover from the abuse of last week-end. The scenery was worth the effort.

The mayans lived for 3000 years in the rain forests. Tikal was the capital that became one of the most powerful kingdoms of Ancient Maya. The Mayans had a complex canal system to bring water to the city. Salt and agriculture was important. Religion and customs were highly valued. They created 26 temples for their gods that represented everything from weather, harvest, birth, death and war. The temple shown measures 150 feet high. We climbed only 2 of the temples.

The jungle is never quiet. Parrots bickered, insects buzzed and monkeys played and you never felt alone. Even the howler monkeys joined in the chorus. They wanted everyone to know they were hungry. A busy community of creatures live in the jungle. This is a photo of a spider monkey.

Off We Go!

After traveling seven and a half hours through mountains and valleys of Guatemala, it is bewildering that people can see such beauty and still not believe in God. His creation is so spectacular! The photo does not do it justice.



In the Languin Caves, we were introduced to some of God's not so beautiful creatures.





On Saturday, we took a bumpy pick-up ride to Semuc Champey where we tubed down the Coban River, hiked a gorge, and enjoyed the natural spring pools. Thankfully, we did not have to find the German dude to go swimming.

Girls Just 'Wanna' Have Fun

We couldn't have a campfire because of Tropical Storm Agatha. So we gathered around candles (Thanks Jacqueline for the idea.) and made smores. We shared with one another how God has blessed us.



Do not try this at home. The highlight of the day is when the girls convince Douglas or Corbey to take them for a bumpy pick-up ride around the property. If you are the lucky one, you get to drive. However, there are always a few who miss the ride.



Another do not try this at home. Let's high jump! Check out those mats.

What Hasn't Happened in Guatemala?

Thursday night as we were walking back to our room, we noticed how slippery the sidewalks were. Apparently Mount Pacaya errupted and a thin layer of ash covered everthing. Some areas were covered with 5 inches of ash and rocks. On Friday, many schools were closed. Everything is okay at the Oasis. We just needed to do some cleaning. Mount Pacaya is several hours away from where we are but we are able to see the smoke rise from the volcano.



On Saturday, the tropical storm Agatha hit Guatamala. We had a very heavy downpour for about 24 hours. There was flash flooding and many homes were washed away. As a result of the storm, a big sink hole appeared in Guatemala City. It is 60 feet wide and 30 stories deep. It swallowed up a three-story building. Here in San Lucas there was not as much damage. Some roads were washed out and we did not have hydro for 63 hours. That made for some early evenings and no showers or running toilets. Thankfully, at the Oasis there is a water well and gas stoves.



Yesterday, we were informed that a second volcano may erupt. Mount Agua can be seen clearly from our window and it has been dormant for hundreds of years but it has now begun to grumble and complain. It has been a very interesting week-end. We can now add volcano and flash floods to our repetoire of school closure days.