Guatemala - Part XVII

Thursday, July 2 (part one)

Thursday morning we woke very early and to the cacophony of stray dogs howling, roosters crowing and birds chirping that made me wonder why we weren't also hearing people yelling and guns firing.  People would be getting dragged into court or sued if that much noise was happening in a town in the U.S.!  But in general it was a beautiful morning for a drive farther north into the mountains.

The pretty courtyard in our hotel.

This brings a whole new perspective to carpooling.

Our first destination on this day was the largest outdoor market in all of Central America found in Chichicastenango.  We got there as the artisans and vendors were setting up their booths.  The market was an intense maze of color, sound and smell!  I really have no idea how we got in and out of there without help.  We made so many twists and turns.  I'd have been totally lost if I hadn't managed to stay with the group.
But trust me to find churches even when in an absolutely massive outdoor shopping experience!  At these two considered sacred locations, Mayan tradition meets Catholic tradition.  People were praying at the chapel outside the door on the stairs (not pictured, but witnessed).  People buy flowers to offer as sacrifices on the church steps.  The smoke from candles and incense over the centuries has covered the insides with soot so that the ornate paintings and sculptures are almost completely obscured.

Capilla del Calvario (Calvary Chapel)

Iglesia de Santo Tomas (circa 1540) with attached convent.

I wish I had more pictures of inside the market, but there was so much happening I pretty much didn't have time.  But I got one just for Samson.  Not all of the market was for the tourists.  A large portion of it was for the general needs of the populous.  No Walmarts up in the Guatemalan Highlands!

A rainbow of dog food!

Somehow we found our way out of the maze and hit the road again.

The countryside is a patchwork quilt!

Looking back at where we've been.

Another view of Lago de Atitlan and the volcanoes

Our next destination: Mayan ruins at Iximche.  Stay tuned!