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Published: November 14th 2012
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Spanish speaking. It is amazing how quickly Spanish has come back to us. Of course, Clay has a big edge here but the fact that being “in it” helps, it makes us feel better about going to Morocco. Now, whether Arabic comes easily or not, will be another story.
Tuk-Tuks: These roofed, but otherwise open, three wheeled vehicles are red, and numbered. Each one is individualized with things on the windshield- - “Jesus is my map,” paint splatter decals, a name, “Shalom,” etc. Some are in good shape, others with no tread on the tires, or taped up seats. They are the local taxis. They cost relatively nothing but are a God-send. Speaking of which, it is wise to pray before hiring one. (Videos are forthcoming.)
The central plaza market. We took a Tuk-Tuk from the end of our hotel road into town. Clay asked the driver to take us to the central plaza, guessing that one such place existed (doesn’t every town here have one?). Of course, vendors were set up to sell their wares, mostly fruits, vegetables and nuts. While exploring the market, we came upon a weathered old man selling what appeared to be flowers of
some type. However, these were not decorative flowers, but for consuming in some fashion. Clay inquired as to what they were called and how they were used. The old man said that were very good to make a sweet drink, and assured us that if we bought some, we would certainly enjoy them. We asked how much for a handful and we were told 10 quetzals. It sounded reasonable and 10 quetzals later, the old man was filling a medium sized plastic bag (think Publix bag) with the bright red flowers. We had to tell him that we just needed a little and he seemed a bit disheartened. Having completed our transaction, we walked out of the man’s sight and sat on the sidewalk to look at our purchase. Clay actually bit into several flowers while I recorded the event for posterity (or for the doctors, should they need to know what poisoned him). Clay said they were bitter sweet and would probably make good tea. Having experimented enough to satisfy our curiosity, we found the nearest garbage can and said good bye to our little flowers. Clay is still alive, so they must have been safe.
Down to
public playa. See photos.
Diego. Diego owns Tuc-Tuc #051. He picked us up from the central plaza (which is also the market) and originally we were just going to go around town. He asked us where to and we really didn’t know. He must have sensed the hesitation, because he said, “I can take you someplace special with beautiful views, but it is far up in the trees.” Being ourselves, naturally we said, “SURE!” He ended up taking us on a tour to parts unknown. Up a deserted dirt road for about 45 minutes and we arrived at the most awesome vista ever. See photos. Seriously, it was an unbelievable scene. Diego was not kidding. We were treated to a non-tourist area that I doubt many gringos get to see. We saw no one else, period. There was an outside grill made of rocks and a sign which indicated that this area was a public park.
Lavandaria. Diego showed us the Lavandaria de Maya (wash area). The women do laundry in the lake. Ann asked him why no men were there and he looked at her like she was crazy. We have to admit, the women are lucky
that they do not have to carry packs of firewood on their backs, up forty five degree hills for miles on end. You can tell the men who did that all of their lives as they are humped over in old age, but could probably carry us both up a mountain.
Family bathing. The area of the lake next to our hotel is apparently the best local swimming hole/bathing spot. Men, women and kids bring their soap and take a swim/bath. They are laughing and splashing as if they are having the time of their lives. It is interesting to see families bathing together, but refreshing to see people enjoying what they have and not complaining about what they don’t have.
Lunch to El Pescador. We went to the fish restaurant recommended by our hotel. We were the only ones eating downstairs; the tourists were all drinking on the upstairs balcony. We were served large quantities of food and the Spanish soap opera, “The Decisions of Women” was on T.V. We have come to realize, that this restaurant is the only real traditional gringo style restaurant in town. There are almost no tourists in Santiago, from what we
have seen or can tell. The tourist trade is mostly confined to the other side of the lake because of the views of the volcanos. But we think that you will agree, our views are just fine. A few boats have docked at our hotel and then unloaded groups of tourists who ate and took in the beautiful view, but our hotel is outside of town.
Unmatched Beauty: In the afternoon, the clouds roll in over the volcanos. What an amazing sight. As evening begins (about 5:30), the sun is behind the clouds and creates a beautiful view. See photos. In the evening, we could hear a very loud and active church service in Santiago involving hours of singing and celebration. We imagined how irritated we would have been, had we been trying to sleep before an early morning court appearance.
Ann (a girl’s side notes): I have lost most of my irritated self in this short week, but there is a big trade-off. If you come here, be ready to breathe in dirt and exhaust, and see families living in one room homes with no running water. Flies are everywhere and on all of the fresh produce
being sold (hey, haven’t you ever had Asparagus grown in Guatemala from Publix?). Watermelon is a luxury item. For the day’s entertainment, people stand in their doorways watching what goes by. There are no street sweepers or garbage trucks. The Tuk-Tuks are a bit scary and very bumpy ride down 45 degree angled streets which is enough to make you want to walk. Kids are really cute and the little boys have already learned how to act sweet to get you to buy them something. I am overwhelmed by wanting to give and realize I have been blessed. As an aside, last night I saw a big black spider on the bathroom floor. My first instinct was to kill it. I let it be, and weirdly, it felt good.
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Sandra
non-member comment
Santiago
Very, very nice.