A Whole Mess of Places

We were fortunate enough to be in Chichicastenango for the twice weekly market. Held every Thursday and Sunday, this is one of the largest markets in Guatemala. The city is closed to cars as tents selling fruits, vegetables, meat, cheese, notebooks, bike parts, batteries, t-shirts...


Por jueves y domingo, esto gimnasio cambia a un mercado...


Los calles y el mercado de Chichi

Justin and I took a hike up to Pascual Abuj a Mayan shrine. We were quite lucky and got to witness a Mayan ceremony. About thirty people were atop the hill overlooking Chichi. The ceremony involved a lot of chanting and incense. At the end of the ceremony they burned candy and alchol as a sacrafice to the gods. I talked to a young boy who said that they were thanking the gods for their health and praying for those who lost their homes or lives during the tropical storm Agetha.



After Chichi we headed for two days to Nebaj, a small town high in the mountains. Despite the rain we managed several long hikes. While waiting in one of the towns Justin began some camp songs with children who were at recess... good fun.



We then made the long 10 hour ride back to Guatemala city. I forgot about the volcano that rained ash on the city two and a half weeks ago. The city is still littered with piles of ash.





We took a day trip to the beautiful city of Antigua. Antigua's economy is based on tourism, and the city certainly does not hide that. Again it was beautiful, but I am very happy we only spent an afternoon there...


Una iglesia de los Jesuits. El edificio rojo es el embasia de Espana. For those of you who know the history of the Jesuits this is pretty neat


Prf. Ocampo dijo que esto es un puente famouso


Una vista de la ciudad y el Volcon de Agua


I was out of spit by the time I finished tacking all these stamps on

Tomorrow we leave for El Peten and the ruins of Tikal. Another long bus ride... Que bueno!