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After the heat of the eastern Mexican desert, the cool of the Gutatemala mountains was welcome. We stayed in a huge water park that had a few RV spaces. It was founded about 20 years ago by an ex-pat German and sits about 50km from Guatemala City. What attracted the German was the nearby volcano and its hot springs. Therefore, we had the opportunity to swim in pools and spas heated by the earth itself. Sweet.

The next day, we hopped in an old Blue Bird school bus packed with people and headed to the market in Paulin. It was the last day of the feast of San Cristobal and I took my little camera to practice my Spanish and my portrait taking. After pushing through the crowd exiting the cathedral, dodging fireworks, I made it to the top of the steps and got a great view of the nearby vcolcano. I also met a slighty drunk man that tried to teach me Spanish. Unfortunately, his slighty shlurred speash made communication all but impossible. On the other hand, he lead me into the church itself where I caught a glimpse of the altar. It was totally covered with thousands of flowers, all colors and all kinds – BEAUTIFUL! I also snapped a picture of a native lady selling dried black beans. She was shy at first, but after seeing her picture on the LCD of my camera, she busted up and we had the whole corner of the market crowded around my little camera. I guess she became quite a celibrity!

I´ve always had problems taking photos of people, it´s too intimate and too intimidating. I always end up feeling uncomfortable and like a silly tourist. Add in the language problem, and I find myself avoiding some great photos of people. This experience with the woman in the market, however, went a long way to easing my fears. Look for more portraits as I go!

We took a side trip to Antigua. Interesting to explore the city, one that used to be the capitol of Guatemala until earthquakes forced the people to abandon it. They left behind a huge old catherdral, now in ruins, that had 18 chapels. Wonderful picture taking, but a little too touristy!

At Antigua, we visited a jade jewlery factory and and native crafts market. I learned there that I´m a soft sell. I´ll have to leave more money back at camp if I hope to make it to Venesuela. I walked into the market, firmly resolute that I wouldn´t buy anything. But out came the cute kids bearing beautiful bolts of fabric and hand woven wall-hangings. “Please, I give you good deal today. How much you pay? My mother make this.” I walked out with a “very strong” piece of rainbow fabric, two wall hangings and a jade necklace. What am I going to do with a jade necklace for four months!? Oh, well.

Off to El Salvador…