While we were in Xela, all the host families suggested that we host students find a place that was tranquil and not make any fixed travel plans for the days following the presidential elections. Previous elections had a history of getting rambunctious and we were assured that blockades and protests would follow September 6. We aimed for Lake Atitlán, a beautiful turquoise-blue crater-lake surrounded by volcanoes. First stop, Panajachel. Because it was the low season, we were able to haggle an amazing deal and stayed at a hotel that had a pool, jungle vegetation, and a high-ceiling-ed room containing such luxuries as hot and cold water, cable TV, a balcony over the main street, and towels. And we had the hotel almost entirely to ourselves.
Lago de Atitlán by night
Anne vs fork battle at a local pizzería; no one won
Typical Lake Atitlán
Flying planes
Recently divers in Lake Atitlán found pottery, foundations of houses, and stelae about 45 to 90 meters below the surface of where the lake reaches today. Consequently a museum has sprung up in Panajachel and though the explanations weren’t very thorough, we found ways to stay entertained.
Julien’s observation: “Not too practical!”
Barbies wielding huipiles and traditional skirts
Voting day
The speedboats that provide transport to all the villages around the lake. It cost 25Q (about $3.50) for the 45-minute ride, though we were repeatedly reminded we could take a private boat right away for about five times the price. Our patience paid off, and about an hour later we embarked with another couple, Heidi from WI and Julian from Mexico.
…embarked on the scariest boat ride ever! I had assumed the middle-aged man taking our fares would drive the boat, but we ended up flying across the lake with a 15-year-old at the helm. The incoming storm meant the lake was turbulent, and our young driver seemed to be racing the rain, full-speed ahead.
Incoming storm
San Pedro finally in view
The next day we would hike to the tip of Indian Nose’s nose.
Zoola’s
Plaza Central at 4am; what the photo does not relate was that a marching band was practicing loudly out the front. At 4 in the morning.
Lago de Atitlán
San Pedro and San Juan below
Hike pup
Indian Nose shadow
Boat on the calm morning lake
The mountain pups seemed to enjoy the fermented-tasting banana and chocolate breads we bought from the ancient street vendor the night before.
Julien and Santa Clara
Julien, Anne, Heidi, Julian
Hike back down
This little voice kept yelling “Foto! Foto!” We were last hikers and got a snapshot of this cutie.
You can only cross hula-hooping.
Street art
You’ve never seen Julien’s face light up as brightly as when he sees a fries-stand, perfect for a quick snack.
A man and his rooster
Plaza Central by day
Pup whisperer
Every day we had lunch at Sababa, an Israeli sandwich shop that opened recently.
Back at the hostel, back at work.
We were sure to catch a morning boat for a calmer ride back to Panajachel.
Click here for a video peek into our visit to Atitlán.
This Framerican Life 
J’ai beaucoup aimé les vêtements des poupées Barbie ! Et puis toujours ces couleurs (maison, bus, statue…) magnifiques ! On dirait que les gens mettent de la couleur un peu partout pour masquer hélas leur pauvreté.
Bisous.
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Bonjour,
Peut être que les couleurs sont témoins de l’expression de libertés et de non besoin au conformisme contrairement à nos vies ou nous deveons nous habiller en noir ou bleu pour ne pas choquer ou peindre toutes nous maisons de la même couleur monotone
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Remarque pertinente snourch, c’est justement une discussion que l’on a eu un peu plus loin sur notre route, à Granada au Nicaragua. en voyant toutes les maisons arborer des couleurs vives nous nous disions que nos pays avait certainement de bonnes pratiques à en tirer pour rompre la monotonie et le conformisme et apporter une touche un peu plus personnelle et joyeuse à notre quotidien.
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