Antigua to Panajachel, Guatemala 2011

May 15,  Panajachel, Guatemala

Off at 8 am for the Chichicastenango market.  Apparently the largest in Central America.

Supposed to be a 1 hour drive but the traffic on way to market was backed up for miles.  It appeared, after about 1 hour stopped on the road, that a truck was stalled out.

At least we did not have to go hungry or thirsty as many sellers were walking up and down the road side.

The ride was at least comfortable, in a car with 1 other guy.  He was for Miami and had been traveling in Guatemala for a few weeks.  Was great as he gave us some good recommendations.

The market is huge!  The streets are blocked off and the stalls are set up in front of the store fronts.  Street after street, and all the squares full of stalls selling clothes, meat, plastic goods and second hand stuff.  Anything you could want or need!  Live dogs, cats, chickens, ducks, turkeys, pigs.

Spent a couple of hours wandering around.  There were actually 2 churches in the main square.  A mix of Catholic and Mayan.  Both were filled with smoke caused by fires on the steps and inside.

Did not buy anything, I was able to resist the persistence of the sellers.  These were even more aggressive than town!

Many local people in traditional dress were doing the shopping and selling.  

Only took 1 hour to come back.  

Relaxed for rest of afternoon.

May 14,  Panajachel, Guatemala

8 am shuttle, which really left at 8.30 for Panajachel.  Interesting ride, many windy roads and mountains.  Much of the land agricultural, and most terraced.

Arrived about 11 am.  Spent the rest of afternoon having lunch and walking the streets.  Small place with mostly hotels, restaurants and shops.  The lake is fairly large but you can still see the volcanos on the other side.  There is a haze everywhere but not sure if cloud or smog.  We did arrange for a boat tour for Monday.

The shops have similar stuff as Antigua but then some of it is different again.  The sellers are a bit more aggressive here and will follow you along for a bit.

No several times!

May 13,  Antigua, Guatemala

Laundry day!  But this time I had to do it!  Bit of a shock to the system.  Went to a laundromat.  Not used to that, but I survived!

Then off wandering around the city.  Went to the Convent of San Francisco.  Old ruins from the mid 1600s.   But have been rebuilt over the years due to earthquake destruction.

Only parts have been redone, much of the place is in ruins.

Also had a look at a photographic display in the Central Square.   Appeared to be a one of people that had been hit by water disasters.  New Orleans was included as well as many other places around the world!