You really captured the magic of Chichi. I just loved this place and hope to return some day. On the trip from Antigua to Chichi we passed many villages and homes where we saw people harvesting the raw material as well as creating the wares that are sold at Chichi. We also saw people transporting their goods personally (with out car, truck, animal) up the sloping hillways to Chichi. While shopping I was overwhelmed by the quality of the craftmanship and awed by the realization that these products were one and the same as the products I saw being produced in the homes I passed during my journey. While I was excited by the great prices offered for the fabulous merchandise, I found myself paying what I thought the product deserved, rather than what was requested, to the astonishment of the sellers. The talent of the artisans is sadly under appreciated in this poor economy and tourists are too happy too pay ridiculously low prices for extraordinary work. :(We Love Guatemala!
BB
Picture is dark but it is of a young man learning to carve near the lake near Tikal. (Not near Chichi, but it is a young artisan!)
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-- (June 19, 2005) on Chichicastenango
We ate at all these restaurants and were very pleased. Also we were there during the 2004 ALCS between the Red Sox and the Yankees. We spent time at the Monoloco bar where we listened to people chant LET'S GO RED SOX in at least three different languages! Being Yankee haters, this place was a dream. :)BB
We Love Guatemala!
Go Diamnondbacks!!!
-- (June 19, 2005) on Restaurants in Antigua, Guatemala
We really felt at home in Antigua. The food was fantastic, the people were beautiful and the scenery majestic. Here is a picture of me and the Boyfriend in central park...We look hot(temperature wise) but were not. The temp in Antigua is fantastic.
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-- (June 19, 2005) on Antigua
Thank you so much for your fabulous web site. Here is a picture of me in Tikal. I have others but your pictures completely capture the amazing essence. I submit this pic because, if any of your visitors are Star Wars fans, they may remeber this view from the movie...BB
We love Guatemala!
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-- (June 19, 2005) on Tikal
Here is the rooster hangin out next to the dock where we were waiting for our "boat" trip back...I don't know if anyone has mentioned that the only way to Monterrico is by boat. That is one of the coolest parts. To get there you must travel on these flat boat ferries through gorgeous mangroves full of fabulous birds and water plants. Amazing! Plus, you share your ride with nationals. Everyone is sitting side by side on planks of wood. This is not a touristy trip!
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-- (June 19, 2005) on Monterrico
I told you it was hot...Try to count the water bottles. We were only there about ten 15 mins.....:)
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-- (June 19, 2005) on Monterrico
Now that I know I can upload pictures I want to share these too. The first one is my BOYfriend in a bar off of the beach. As you can see, he was very, very hot. DId I mention we were from AZ? I can't be sure of the temperature that day but it hellllllish. Just nbefore we stopped at this bar (50 yards walk from where we were) I thought I was going to die of heat exhaustion. Seriuosly.The second one is me on the black sandy beach. See the Tikal towell? Very touristy huh? I got that in Chichi.
The third is a rooster by the boats at the dock. Its not a great pic but it is indicative of Monterrico...
Again, best of luck!
We love Guatemala. BB
PPS: If traveling to Guatemala you MUST, MUST, MUST go to Chichicastenago (I may have spelled that wrong). It is an awesome open market where Guatemalan people sell ther fantastic wares. Loads of fun and freakishly great deals!
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-- (June 19, 2005) on Monterrico
I just have to laugh. We were in Guatemala in October 2004. We stayed in Antigua and took day trips all over the country. It was a most fabulous vacation and Guatemala is forever in our memories and in our hearts. I had to laugh, however, because your pictures TOTALLY capture the essence of Monterrico! My very favorite picture of alllllll time is a picture I took of a mossy (that's right covered in moss) pig walking into a tienda in Monterrico. Whenever I want to smile, I look at that picture. :) Anyway, we only stayed an afternoon (a very sweet driver and his wife took us there and back) and the only food I had was this very, very strange hamburguesa that I ordered because I wanted to sit in the shade of the restaurnat by the dock. The "burger" had mayonaise and some sort of sauce that was obviously supposed to be ketchup but it seemed berry like. Not strawberry or raspberry, but some sort of berry just the same. I can't describe it better. Anyway, I truly, truly recommend the Monterrico experiece. But be prepared for more heat than you have EVER EVER expereinced if traveling there in October (and I'm from Phoenix, AZ).Best of luck!
BB
PS: I wish I could show you my picture....
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-- (June 19, 2005) on Monterrico