December 1-3
Lake Atitlan
Panajachel (Pana) is located only 90 miles from Guatemala City. On the banks of Lake Atitlan, it is the home of 15,000 residents and a tourist hub for the area.
“Panajachel” derives from the Kaqchikel language and roughly translates to “place of the Matasanos,” the white sapote fruit tree.” ~ Wikipedia
Walking down the main street, Santander, the way is solidly lined with vendors, small shops, tables loaded with hand-made goods and several restaurants scattered in. This was a hippie settlement in the 1960’s and although most of the gringos left the area during the Guatemalan Civil War, there is still that “free spirit” vibe alive and well here.
Mayan woman selling woven goods
The Mayan culture is strong with many indigenous still keeping their culture alive, wearing traditional clothing, living in small villages, and speaking their own dialect. Many women can be seen wearing a colorful hand-woven blouse (huipil) and skirt. Each village has their own unique design pattern and color for their huipil. They walk up and down the streets selling hand-made scarves, beaded goods, or wall hangings.
Lining the streets are tables offering up necklaces, bracelets, purses, brightly colored clothing, wallets, and so much more. Prices are very reasonable and negotiating is part sport and part art.
Street food is abundant with choices of grilled corn, fried chicken, and roasted nuts. I can not vouch whether or not it is safe for the Western digestive system…
Here are a few typical scenes:
Pot of flowers
Making tortillas
Church
Inside a grocery store
Boat pier
Small restaurant
Typical street scene
Pier
Gratitude Moment: Today I am so excited – I just got the great news that my nephew, Ian, has proposed to his long-time girlfriend, Nadia. She said YES! Congratulations to both of them!!!
A Note From Abroad 
Gorgeous photos! I especially love the first few — the sun over the lake and the local people in their colorful garb. It seems like a very interesting place to visit.
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Thank you for stopping by and your sweet comments. It is certainly colorful and holds a very special place in our hearts.
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I went back and reviewed you previous two posts as the wedding, scenery, people, and the local architecture were so wonderful to see and read about. You have a gift for story telling and what you choose to show us. The fact that you are a caring individual also shines through, just so you know! You are enjoying life and great friends, and allowing some of us lucky (followers) to come along, thank you!
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John, thank you so much. You certainly made my day with your thoughtful comments. We are certainly blessed to be able to see so much of this world and are pleased that you enjoyed following along.
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Lake Atitlan is gorgeous!! All the pictures are beautiful Joanne. Congratulations to Ian 😍 xoxo
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Thanks Sam. We are super excited about his great news.
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Beautiful photos. Beautiful people.
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Thank you Ron.
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