The travels have been awaking to the presents of the moment. Here the mountains dance with the rivers. The result es el Lago de Atitlán. I will post for the first 24 hours here. Arrived in Pana Jarchel on the east side on the lake. The lead poin to the lakes community.
The lake is surrounded by many villages, in which Maya culture is still prevalent and traditional dress is worn. The Maya people of Atitlán are predominantly Tz'utujil and Kaqchikel. During the Spanish conquest of the Americas, the Kaqchikel initially allied themselves with the invaders to defeat their historic enemies the Tz'utujil and Quiché Maya, but were themselves conquered and subdued when they refused to pay tribute to the Spanish.
We are staying in the town of Pana Jarchel at the Hotel Marios, the corner of calla santender. About 300 meters walk west to the docks and beach. The streets are full of bright dress and spirits. We (Amber- amiga de Roatan by the way of Houston and I) walked to the beach around sunset. The cloulds and winds where thinking it was best to continue their work of the -start of rainy season. Rainy season- May through Octuber with a brake in June. The other season is dry November through April. The rain is fresh from the tips of the surrounding volcanos. To many to name now; dozen plus. We meet some locals who where quick to warm us with friendship and conversation. We spent the next hour or so learning about local culture and getting invided to a futbol game today around 1. Next we where off the to dine at Bombay Cafe, The first true vegetarian chief I meet in central America. We a fresh hummas, jarden sopas con pan, Thi pan tofu and Wafel. Amber drink a green mint tea and I El Gallo. Total bill was 165 Quetzales. Including tip. We went back to Hotel Mario for sleep.
The dinner 165 Quetz ; room - double bed, tv, breakfast, and communal bath 130 Quetzales. Plus the mini bus from Antigua city 160.The Exchange rate is 8 Quetzales to 1 Dollar US. Total One day expense 455 Quetzales/ 2 persons = 228 Quetz exchanged 28 dollars. This is a big spending day. I try to average 10 to 15 dollar per day. It like riding a cost wave.
This morning the world was colored with smooth grays and sound on rain drops dancing on steel roofs and leafs. Amber spent the night awake with stomach aches. I drank a cup of cafe negro and set out to find a clinic to help. I walk about ten blocks and found three clinics, one which spoke english. A hour later we took a ride in a titic a three wheeled scooter for 10 Quetz. La Doctora was kind and Amber spoke spainish using a past presentense word to disribe where she lives- Roatan, Honduras. Thats big in the word usage game, two points. They gave her some antibiotics, Gratis. back to the hotel by foot to see the street shoping openning for the day. Had breakfast and took to writing the blog. This has been the last 24 hours of moments.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
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