Exploration of the island only took 15 minutes so that gave me time for a swim in the pool and relaxation. Strange to see Christmas decorations in the sunshine!
Everyone was out picnicking and swimming in the lake. There were stalls selling delicious looking food and this all carried on into the evening when I strolled along the promenade and had a drink on the hotel balcony.
On Boxing Day I had my first surprise, after a big hug and farewell from Nixon, my driver. There had been practically no security coming up. But this time they went into it in a big way. My suitcase and rucksack were checked inside on arrival, then I ended up going through security twice as things I had packed in my hand luggage for an easy arrival were rejected so I had to go back to the check in desk and get them put in a bag. Then I had to do the full thing again, shoes off, belt off and all my bags through. Then they still found my body spray, my last vestige of something smelly to smarten me up and took that away!
At the other end I was met by Katia, who hugged me like a long lost friend and she has been with me every day since, so now we are good friends. On our way to Lake Atitlan we stopped at another Mayan site, Iximache, which was so interesting. But even more so as it was a special day for the Mayan people who were there celebrating. I asked if the clothing was for the celebrations, but no, in this part of Guatamala they wear these costumes all the time. Katia asked some of the people about their celebrations and they began talking to us, then they asked to share a photo.
Next we got talking to another family who invited us to get involved in their preparations for their offering for The New Year. Katia said this was a real privilege as outsiders are not usually invited .
I helped with preparing flowers and the 'abuella' the grandfather who makes the decisions explained the meaning of the elements; all were associated with peace, good harvests, health and family. They then lit the offering and as it burned said their prayers to the four points of the compass and the sun, interestingly, simultaneously using the Roman Catholic signs. This is another example of how long held traditions have not been overtaken but have merged with the religions they have been obliged to take on during their history. This was one of the most moving experiences I can remember.
Arrival at Lake Atitlan was a great surprise too as the hotel was set on the lakeside in botanical gardens with views of a ring of volcanoes; it was much fresher here and the mornings chilly, but days beautiful.
Katia and I had three very bumpy rides across the lake! We visited San Juan where we went to a textile cooperative and the ladies showed us how they spin, dye and weave the cotton. I found this so interesting and made a few purchases, although I couldn't master the spinning!
And they dressed me in local costume. I am not sure this would look good in Billingshurst High Street.
We went on to other towns around the lake all named after saints, San Pedro, Santiago etc and saw some interesting sights. This is another place where washing is done traditionally in the lakes like in Ometepe. The public wash houses that have been built remain empty, probably because they were built for rather than with the local people.
In the evening Katia and I went into Panajachel in a tuctuc, to have hot chocolate and cake. We have shared so much information about our countries and our families, travel does have many repercussions- sharing languages, cultures, beliefs and seeing the many similarities, yet distinct differences there are. In this part of Guatamala there are high levels of poverty and few have televisions, as electricity is relatively recent. Homes are very small and although school is provided many don't go through lack of money to get there and buy suitable clothes, plus they work with their families to earn money.
Now for my really big surprise!
Yesterday I set off with Katia for a hike in the National park and to see the canopy. I took little notice of the discussions at the entrance and we started at the mariposarium to see the butterflies. Then we were told it was time and I thought, for what?
The look on my face shows that realisation had dawned! This looked serious.
Now I am on my way up crossing hanging bridges but with a bit of extra weight!
And here I have just landed from my first zip lining experience! I can't work out how to insert the video. But if that wasn't enough , I actually had to do 8 in total zipping over the tree tops. It was a case of hold on, then let go and go for it! At least I had the prospect of dying whilst doing something interesting, but have lived to tell the tale!
The most difficult bit, though, was at the end when we had to go across a bridge like a widely spaced step ladder, which I did master, but the one like a series of swings we had to move from one to the other I had to give up on as I could feel my back twisting. I wasn't going to let my determination get me into trouble!
Brilliant! Happy New Year to you xx
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