We met up with Delores and she gave us a great walking tour. We visited both the church and several other traditional Mayan ceremonial shrines scattered around town, travelling up little alleys, walkways, and even into people's houses. Very interesting.
It was great to catch little glimpses of normal daily life during our stroll....
We were fortunate to be able to go and visit Jose and his family and get a first-hand look at family life here in Guatemala. Jose has been working with Mary Anne and Jody for the last many years, and as a result, now has a daughter heading to university. Pretty impressive, given that the majority have less than a grade four education. Their house is quite simple, but again, this is a (comparably) good situation. Three rooms: kitchen, workroom (where Jose does his embrodery work and the sewing machines are in here) and one bedroom, with one bed that everyone sleeps in (husband, wife, Mother-in-law and 4 kids). Such a contrast from the lives that most of us live.
Next up was some shopping! This area is known for their bird embroidery, and most of us indulged. I picked up some of the men's short pants and I am planning to turn them into pillows when I get home. The volume or hand embroidery is mind-boggling....and makes me want to learn how to do it myself! ;-)
It was back to the Posada for lunch, and then it was time to board the boat to head back to Pana.
We had the evening off, so after we settled into our new hotel, Elaine and I walked around in town and then had a quiet dinner. We are starting to feel a wee bit exhausted at the end of each day....
