Weekend Getaways

It’s been a few weeks, but things are in full swing and I think I’m finally finding myself in a little bit of a groove….well as much of a groove you can find when each day presents new surprises, both inspiring and challenging.  

I’ve taken a few fun excursions since my last post: a hike up the Nose of the Mayan, a weekend trip to Antigua and a visit to a local artisan’s home in San Antonio Polopo. 

As much as I love Pana, it’s always really refreshing getting across the lake. A few weekends ago we boated across to San Juan and hiked the Rostro de la Maya, or the face of the Maya. It’s a recognizable face in the side of a hill. The hike weaves you through some of the 50,000 sq. meters of organically grown shade coffee of San Juan, passing through incredible view points of the lake and onto the tip of the nose! Hiking through coffee….two of my ultimate favorite things….can life get any better?! Check out some great San Juan shots below.

Two weekends ago, we took a trip to Antigua, an old colonial, Spanish influenced, city that for many years was the political and religious heart of Central America. It really did feel like a whole new land, with the bright colored casas and cobble stone streets. The city was destroyed in 1773 by a series of earthquakes and the city was abandoned for the now capital, Guatemala City. Now Antigua attracts a lot of tourists for it’s quaint colonial streets and expansive city ruins.

Rainy reflection of Arco de Santa Catalina

strolling the street toward Arco de Santa Catalina 

Central Park 

Ruins of the Cathedral of San Jose. As I mentioned, the old Spanish Cathedral has seen 3 extreme earthquakes. The church was rebuilt in the capital, Guatemala City, but the ruins remain here in Antigua. 

This past weekend I finally rode in the back of a public pick-up truck- local style! We rode up out of Pana into San Antonio Polopó to visit the home of one of the amazing local artisans’ home. Maria was kind enough to invite us into her one room workshop, where she, her mother, and her sister work all day weaving table runners, bracelets, headbands, and scarves! It was humbling watching these 3 women in action at the loom. Even though I was dressed for the job, it takes years and years to master this art. Some of Maria’s pieces take over 15 days to complete! 

I do have lots of school updates, Feria and Desfiles, but will make a new post for those! Thanks so much for following along. Stay tuned for more to come!