American Thanksgiving

On Thursday a group of us went to a village along the lake.  At Santa Cruz we were at a restaurant/hotel that sold tickets for a Thanksgiving dinner and it was delicious. The meal cost about $15 and the room cost $13.  We had to take a boat both there and back.

It has been very windy lately and the lake was pretty choppy.  A cold front has moved in and temps are lower than usual but still pleasant. Here if it falls below 20C we feel chilly.

I see it is cold in Alberta and am thankful I am able to escape that bitter cold. Keep warm and safe.

Incident

Yesterday afternoon while we were visiting friends in the country there was an incident in Pana. We received various reports by phone and today it was in the paper.  Apparently two men in a half ton kidnapped two children. They then sped through the street by the market and hit seven people.  The locals apprehended the men, over turned their truck and lit it on fire.  The police arrived in full gear and got the two men.  The locals pelted the police.  Our landlord said that the locals know these men will be out of jail quickly and do it again, so they prefer to handle these things on their own.  Anyway, the police used tear gas to quell the mobs.

By the time we arrived home it was over with.  In case it was on the news there know that I am fine.  It is very rare for this to happen here.

Free Clinic

Today I began work at the free clinic doing data entry while the doctor examines the patient. The doctor is very patient with me.  It was an interesting morning. Few of the patients are literate and many do not understand instruction for taking meds.  Many children die from pneumonia. The Dr. gives out a lot of donated vitamins and antibiotics.

Panajachel is a beautiful area.

You can see from the photo how lush it is here.  I like the people of Pana.  They always make eye contact when they greet you and return your smile.

The streets get busy at times and one must be careful when crossing the road.  There are a lot of tuc-tucs and motor bikes. The sidewalks change every couple of steps so you need to watch your feet when you walk.  Last year I cut my toe on a sign so this year I am a lot more careful.

I am almost out of Hot Wheels.  I wish I had more.  The children are so excited to get one.

We are invited to a gathering later today so our afternoon will be full.

Flowers

We have been very busy.  The ex-pats take turns having gatherings where there is good food and good visiting.  The only down side is that the bugs love me.  Today I bought B complex as several people suggested that would help.  It is worth a try.  It is strange that Pete has no bites at all and I have LOTS!

Isn't this a strange looking flower?  It looks plastic but it is real.

Not much room for vehicles down our lane!

Weaving and Walking

This week two of my amigas and I walked to Santa Katerina, which is about 5 km from here and a very hilly walk.  We asked this weaver if we could take her photo and she agreed. This area is known for its weaving.

They do very intricate designs and don't seem to use a printed pattern.

Yesterday these same women and I took a chicken bus to Solola to shop.  These are old school buses painted various colors and are not all that safe to travel on, but it was only a 15 min. drive.

This young fella we saw as we walked down our lane.

Market

This week we went to the big market where they sell produce and many other things. I am invited to a baby shower this afternoon so I needed to buy a gift for the baby.  My landlady invited me.  They are Guatemalans so it will be interesting.

Last evening we went to an ex-pat gathering.  The food was delicious, the company was great and there was live music and dancing.  There were also fireworks.

Market

Gathering

Painted Lines

I had a request from my friend in Waxahachie Texas to see a picture of my friend Pete. Pete is from Florida, but we met in Pana last winter. I am sending his photo so that if you see his picture on a wanted poster you can let me know.

Yesterday I saw a man painting a yellow line on the road.  He was using a paint brush!  Ouch....a recipe for a sore back.  Today I came across two men breaking up a piece of road.  They were using a sledge hammer and a shovel.  People work hard here....both the men and the women.

I can't complain about the weather here.  Every day is perfect.

Boys and Hot Wheels

I have been giving little cars to the shoe shine boys.  The older boys are full of smiles and some of the younger boys just look confused.  Why is this strange lady giving me a car? I take their photo so I can remember them.

The internet is poor here so until it improves my posts will be short.

Another beautiful day in Pana.

Here Again

Here I am again in beautiful Panajachel. As many of you know I have a travelling companion this winter,....Pete.  we met in Guatemala City and took a cab to Pana.  Pete suggested  a short cut.  We were re-routed in one town because of a celebration and drove around lost for a bit.  We found the hwy. to Pana and came to a spot with no bridge and drove across the river bed.  Fortunately there was little water.  We passed some cyclists who were waving at us.  We thought they were just being friendly but we discovered they were warning us that there had been a mudslide and the hwy. was blocked.  Of course there were no signs warning us of that.  We just turned around and found another way.

Pana is small.  We met friends from last year and the children had grown as they tend to do.  I had breakfast with friends this morning and we are invited to Château Tony on Saturday  to meet other ex-pats.  The owner is from Ontario but has been here for over 30 yrs.

The weather is hot and gorgeous.

River bed

Mudslide

Lake Atitlan