Sunday, June 20, 2010

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?

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