Heather’s Report
Guatemala -- The Undiscovered Jewel of Central America
I’m
back from a great week in Guatemala. Surprisingly, I did not meet any
tourists from the USA, but there were many from Europe and Asia – here’s
another undiscovered fabulous destination. You had better bring along an
extra bag for all the unique artwork you are going to find. My first
experiences were walking through the cobblestone streets of colonial
Antigua and shopping for textiles in San Antonio Aguas. I’ve never bought
so much on a trip before. These people have unsurpassed talents with their
styles varying from region to region. Unfortunately, I could only buy
what would fit in my suitcase. But I did OK and needless to say, all of
my friends are going to be happy with my purchases. I saw a few flower
processions. People spent days arranging flowers into storybook pictures
in the middle of the streets. This was only a small glimpse of what will
be seen during your Easter week in Antigua.
My next stop was a short drive to the
volcano-surrounded lake, Atitlan, with water so clear you can see the
bottom at 60 feet. At the lakeside traditional village of Santiago
Atitlan I learned how much each place treasures its own culture The people
of every village wear distinguishing different patterns and colors. My
guide, Ruben, could identify the people of each of the 140 villages of
this region by the designs on their clothing.
Tikal was much bigger than Machu
Picchu in Peru. These Mayan ruins are a must see with acres of huge,
mysterious, breathtaking buildings. No words can describe what I felt
when I sat on top of temple number 4, built over a thousand years ago.
Here I was looking out over the tree line, seeing three similarly
magnificent temples towering proudly in the distance. I tried to imagine
the lives of the Mayans living here long ago.
One of my last unforgettable stops was
the Sunday market at Chichicastenango. As far as I could see there were
bags overflowing with colorful vegetables, fruits, beans, dried chiles,
and rice – and hardly any meat. I got hungry just walking through there.
The next aisle over were rows of stalls filled with beautiful woven
tapestries, carvings, and pottery -- I had to restrain myself from buying
it all. The market was so immense I had to walk around the whole place
again just to take in all of the sights and sounds.
I had a great time. Guatemala had much
more to offer in culture, shopping, and beautiful countryside than I ever
expected. Not only did I see and buy many beautiful things, I also learned
a lot about the Guatemalan and Mayan people and their traditions, that are
fortunately still preserved in their original form to this day
I hope you will join us on this next
McDougall Adventure, scheduled to leave March 28, 2002.
Best wishes,
Heather McDougall
Adventure Director
McDougall Adventures Inc.
CST #2049430-50 |
