Panajachel, the continuation

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Thursday was shopping day. We have bargaining down to an art but I must admit that Steve is better at it than I am. Our day was pretty relax: ate, walked, tanned, siesta, people watching.

Friday we visited three more villages around the lake. We were going to take the "public boat" but we were convinced by a Captain to hire his boat and driver for the day for a reasonable price. That was quite the treat. The boat was clean, sea or lake worthy and the driver or pilot was good. We started out in Santiago, the second biggest village on the lake. It was interesting but the vendors were pretty aggressive. Most of them were kids and being the sucker I am I did end up buying quite a few bracelets. Once again, Steve is better than I at resisting their allure.

We decided to stop for ice cream and this is when we were approached by a very (or looked like a very) old lady who demanded that we buy her a chocolate ice cream. We tried ignoring her but that was not working. Finally, she spotted other tourists and left after cursing us or at least cursing Steve. Once she started bugging other people, I started finding all of it pretty funny. I could have stayed there all day and watch other harassed tourists looking like they just wanted to disappear.

Next we went to San Antonio where Steve got a great deal on a shirt and scarves then on to Santa Catarina for a nice meal and one more bracelet for the girl who does not wear jewelry. All in all it was a great day. Steve topped it off by taking me out to a very nice restaurant for our last supper for a little while at least.

Steve left Saturday at 1600 Hrs (he has written to say that he has made it back home safe and sound) and I have been taking it slow since then. I am getting a lot of reading and walk about slowly time. I have confirmed my reservation in Guatemala City for Thursday night, confirmed with Patty (my current landlord) that I can check out at 1545 Hrs and I am acutely aware that my time here is coming to an end. Panajachel is getting busy with tourists coming here for Easter vacation and the street is alive with vendors, tourists, music and colour from 10:00 to 23:00. Very cool.

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