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Published: January 27th 2009
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two enterprising young woman
So smart and sooo beautiful! Thursday, January 15th
I headed down to the dock, to catch the boat to Panajachel (Pana for short)...when several other people from the apartments where I am staying all came down at the same time. Altogether we were 8 in all, and decided to hire a private boat to take us, saving us time...while avoiding all the many stops along the way. Once we arrived, I just started walking, and found my way to the main street called Calle Santander. This is where all the stalls are with the local crafts, some better than others, and all the haggling begins. I really was not here to shop. I just looked and stopped at the Sunset Cafe for some nachos and a delicious cup of iced coffee (finally a good coffee!). The Sunset Cafe had a table for me right on the lake...it was very good and another fabulous day. I was approached by five young mayan girls to sell me their crafts, bracelets, scarves, etc and I declined, but asked for a photo. I gave them each 1Q and they seemed pleased. I regret I don;t have more pics of the street vendors and life here, but taking ones camera
Panajachel
Typical Tiende out and snapping away, is not a good idea here. Pana is the largest and most active village on the lake. It is where one would go to make any large grocery purchases, go to a doctor or dentist, an accountant, etc. It is probably the most unattractive and least appealing otherwise. So, you are not missing much photo wise.
On the following Sunday, January 18th, I went back to Pana to do some grocery shopping. I found a nice local market that had everything I needed. I walked around a bit and again headed down Calle Santander, this time in more of a mood to shop. I bought a few things. A wooden craft piece that holds three candles. (My hotel in antigua had one of these on the tub with three small round candles in it, and it made the bath very inviting... a nice touch) so for $12 usd I bought it. Then I found a nice young man who was selling rugs and wool alpaca blankets. He was giving me some good prices, (great for future reference, should I decided to stay a while and do some decorating. Pierre's apartment is such a pure white
Panajachel
I offered them each 1Q for this photo! I will frame these one day too! pallete that it would be a joy to do. I took his location down (he does not have a name, just pointed to a sign across the street, as a marker to find him again!) As I got closer to the lake, i saw a young boy selling these cards, all hand-made by his madre, and they were absolutely darling. I will try to take photos of some of these things. I bought five of his cards for 100Q (12.70usd) I would like to frame them. At this point I was approached by two young girls wanting me to buy from them. They had nothing that I wanted, but I told them instead I would take their picture. The oldest girl said ok, for 10Q each. I got her down to 5Q each. Aren;t they darling???
As I am about to make two more purchases of beautiful fabric, though machine made, I loved the color combos and had an idea of making pillows out of them. I am thinking of ways to be creative and make a buck off of these great crafts, while at the same time contribute to their economy. I think it could keep me busy and
Sunday in Pana
The woman are dressed in dressier clothes on Sunday and it is clearly a family day.. happy while I am here. So I made two purchases of pieces of fabric, and all this time, I have a another young girl watching me make these purchases and on my way to the next stall, says...as she walks along side me, "Why won;t you buy something from meeeeeeeeeee???" I said, Oh, sweet angel, you just don;'t have anything I want.
As I am about to make my approach to the boat docks, I finally stop and say...okay take your basket off your head, and lay it down over here, and I will buy ONE scarf from you! OK?! She does, and proceeds to pull one scarf after another, telling me how beautiful it will look on me, 'it goes with your eyes! It goes sooooo beautiful with your shirt"! Well, I bought three scarves from her for $10usd. She counter-offered.
I refused. She accepted. I am learning quickly, The Art of the Deal!
All in all the day cost me about 50usd ... groceries included.
I want to interject, that my Parisian landlord has been making a great living off of mayan crafts for many years now. He appears to have done very well. He sells thru trade
me - launcha back from Pana
i love this mode of travel! shows. Has protypes and takes orders, and then has the local people make up his orders. Last week before he left for Paris, he had shipped out some plastic hand woven tote bags to a Japanese client. He aalso showed me jewlry he designs and has made (all hand beaded) by a guy in Santiago. He also designs textiles and has the local woman weave them for him. Very enterprising, huh?
Tomorrow I head to the beautiful hotel in Jaibilito for two nights.
to be continued...
Love, Dolores
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Sue Larrabee
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more beauty
You look great sista! The pics and words make me want to pack my bags and get in the sun....As we are to get snow and rain manana en la manana :<(