Adios, Atitlán

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Blog 8 Adios, Atitlán



We are approaching the end of our idyll here on the world's most beautiful lake. We have a thick vine of orchid flowers on our terrace, and every evening tiny hummingbirds come to feast on the nectar just as night is falling. All day long we hear exotic bird calls, and sometimes we spot the birds they belong to. And there is always the deep blue Lake Atitlán in the background. Today we met the owner of Hotel Bambú; he was dressed in work clothing and was out with the gardeners who keep the grounds here so immaculate. This explains a lot. He is a govenment official of some kind, but his heart is in landscape gardening. It will be so easy for it all to go to hell when he is gone. If we ever return, we fear to find a night club and gambling casino in place of the lovely thatch-roof cottages and jungle paths that wind among the various flowering trees. I attach another few photos of the place, though as I said it really needs a panoramic camera to capture the full sweep of the flowers, the water, and the volcanos.



Yesterday we tuktuked in to the village of Santiago Atitlán again, bought a few trinkets, and visited the Museum of Textiles. Also I bought a colorful Gutemalan-enhanced hat that I hope to wear in my avatar for these blogs. The best restaurant, the Posada Santiago, is on the far side of town, easily reachable by tuktuk from anywhere for about $1. We had tacos made of hot blue corn tortillas and smoked chicken, with a variety of toppings; really delicious. The guacamole is rich and plentiful; a little more pale than what we make at home, but maybe even better. They have a very mild tomato sauce here called chirmol with a wonderful flavor; I have got to find the recipe. I swear it is better than anything Italian.



Adios, Atitlán

Vamos hoy, porque?

Porque?

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Photos

1.Tuk-tuk and drivercheap and
Best way to get around. Cheap.

2.My jeweled frog
Glass beads, not emeralds. Otherwise, Cartier quality.

3.My hat
I mean, sombrero Guatemalteco.

4.Maya women, Santiago Atitlán
Extremely traditional town

5.Front door, Posada Santiago
Best restaurant in town, Posada Santiago

6.Pollo pibil at Posada Santiago 1
The chicken was smoked, Texas-style.

7.Quesadillas at Posada Santiago 1
Simple but tasty

8.Tail end of a Maximón parade
Our tuktuk could not get around it, so we never saw the front. Possibly this is the procession that takes Maximón to his next home for the new year.

Comments

[Meredith]

New Hat...
Very good, this colorful hat, which is just right for these blogs. I was honestly wondering if you were just sticking with the fax out of indolence? Here's wishing you and Carol more wonderful hours and then safe journeys home. Love Meredith

[Anthony]

jealous
The food and the beauty both sound so good. Safe travels, and continue to keep us updated!