You can never leave.....

Trip Start Oct 10, 2001
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Trip End Feb 19, 2002


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Flag of Guatemala  ,
Wednesday, December 5, 2001

In the past couple of days, we took advantage of the beautiful weather around the lake to tour some of the Maya villages. San Antonio Palopo has a fishing village character, Since there was no passenger boats, we hired our own. After lunch, we relaxed on the boat docks to absorb some badly-needed highland sun that heals our body aches. A little Mayan girl tried tirelessly to sell us some handicraft, we said "no gracias" about 100 times. We waited for our return bus fruitlessly, then decided to walk back. Since I didn't carry much money and no camera to speak of, I had nothing to lose. The walk was absolutely beautiful. I have no pictures to prove it, but it left a unforgivable image in my mind.

Next day, we took the passenger ferry to Santiago Atitlan. The village was much larger than Pana and little Gringos to speak of. We happened to stumble upon a religious festival, where the whole town was celebrating at the main docks, "Halaluya de Jesus" they chanted, while delicious food was prepared for a feast Lago Atitlan at sunset
Lago Atitlan at sunset
 . This town is famous for its religious celebrations. I bought a kilo of grapes and chop it all down. Juliette just laughed as my stomach ballooned.

Today, we went to San Pedro la Laguna, a beautiful hippy town. We followed the volcanic ash paved road to a simple hotel by the lake. For 20Q per night, we could live here forever. I guess thats why some people arrive and never leave. It also reminded me of "hotel California" by the Eagles: "welcome to the hotel California, such a lovely place.... any time of year, you can find it here.....you can check out any time you like, but you can never leave...." We even went for a walk around the lake, and had a quick swim in a quiet place. The weather was beautiful, the walk although tiring, was refreshing. And I can never forget the view, stunning Lago de Atitlan is THE most beautiful lake in the world!!! wish I had my camera :-(
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