Our Vacation - Part 5 - Chichicastenango

Okay, so this is my feeble attempt to show you the panoramic view from our room on the top floor of the Posada de los Volcanes. We really liked the hotel. The rooms were VERY CLEAN and the showers were hot. The staff was friendly and helpful and the view was lovely. We would recommend this hotel for everyone, except honeymooners. (The walls were a little thin.) However, if you look closely in the lower right hand picture, you can see some roosters. Contrary to popular belief, roosters do not crow in the morning to wake the farmer up. They actually crow from 3:00-6:00 am, and it's not really a crow. It's more of a strangled screech. But it's all part of the cultural experience, and we even think fondly of the roosters, now that we're home and sleeping through the night again.

This is a picture taken from the window in our room looking out on the balcony. We occupied the entire fourth floor, with our party of 7. That's Sugar, my brother, and Mom.

One of the best parts of our hotel was the driver, Renando. He drove us all over and we all felt completely safe with this man. He backed down streets that I would have been afraid to drive forward on. And good driving is important on those roads.

So, on the 2nd morning, we packed up and loaded the van to head to Chichicastenango. This is a huge open air market. People come from all over Guatemala to sell their goods. It goes on for as far as you can see and it is a "sensory overload" experience. Here are some pictures...

These women are all lined up carrying their chickens in their arms and babies on their backs.

Colorful textiles.

The chicken bus booth.

Some people and scenery.

Now, here is a picture of us with some of the street vendors. In the middle is my mom. If you look closely, I think you can see written on her forehead, the words, "Please show me your stuff. I want to buy something." More than once, my brother had to grab her hand and rescue her from the mob of street vendors. Or did he rudely interrupt a good bargain? We may never know. :-)

Blessings to you,
Mamita J