We picked this little town, Zunil because it is in the most volcano-ey state in the nation with many active fissures and natural hot springs. It's high (over 6000 ft), and because of the volcanic soil and ample rain the small farm business is booming. When we drove in yesterday afternoon, clouds descended on us so it was cool and moist. Today we learned that happens every day, but yesterday was cloudier than usual. Windy, too.
When we left Chichicastenango yesterday, this is what the farmland looked like:
And then there was this. What the heck?
We left our hotel after breakfast this morning and headed in to town. I wanted to see the church. Mass was being said so it was a little awkward, besides, there were fireworks and marimbas playing on the plaza outside-much more entertaining.
Today was not Big Market Day so it was relatively quiet. We saw fava beans and beautiful girls.
And a completely different dress code as is the case for every village we've been in.
After a quick look around and a couple of bean purchases, we headed up a lush road where every square inch was growing something delicious, sometimes right up to the edge of the road.
We arrived at the hot springs, it was pretty quiet and the water was HOT. We'd whiffed an occasional sulfur smell on the way up, Ev was laughing about how Pop always said "that doesn't stink, that smells like money!" The water at the springs wasn't sulfurous at all but it was definitely "amargo" bitter or sour.
This is what it looked like when we arrived, and that is my trusty chauffeur getting ready to turn his skin bright pink.
We met four lovely 20-somethings: 2 backpacking Quebecois secessionists and 2 Guatemaltecos they'd met in the city. We chatted the afternoon away talking about the indigenous population in this country, mining, education for physicians, how best to travel, where to retire, malignant moles and the size of carrots in Guatemala. They asked for a ride back in to town and we were happy oblige. By the time we left, the afternoon clouds had rolled in; it was steamy, dreamy and wonderful.
We're in a room with 2 dbl beds so we slept apart last night and nearly froze our tushes off. Tonight we'll pile in together and try to keep warm.
Tomorrow is a travel day, mom, so don't worry if you don't hear from us. We aren't going far and you never know what the internet sitch will be.
When we left Chichicastenango yesterday, this is what the farmland looked like:
Today was not Big Market Day so it was relatively quiet. We saw fava beans and beautiful girls.
After a quick look around and a couple of bean purchases, we headed up a lush road where every square inch was growing something delicious, sometimes right up to the edge of the road.
This is what it looked like when we arrived, and that is my trusty chauffeur getting ready to turn his skin bright pink.
We're in a room with 2 dbl beds so we slept apart last night and nearly froze our tushes off. Tonight we'll pile in together and try to keep warm.
Tomorrow is a travel day, mom, so don't worry if you don't hear from us. We aren't going far and you never know what the internet sitch will be.
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