After a long delay to get to Guatemala resulting in no sleep our first night, we were thrilled to arrive at the oasis of Centro Paz Mundo near Sololá. Set on a sacred place of the Mayan priesthood for thousands of years, it is a meditation and peace center with a vision to “build bridges between cultures and religions.” They offer various retreats and have gorgeous grounds with multiple Mayan altars, intercultural temples, pyramids and trails for strolling the steep hills overlooking stunning views toward Lago Atitlan.
We were between sessions but were happy to support the philosophy and the causes. They run various social programs to support education, food and emergencies for the Mayan population in one of the poorest areas of Guatemala. They run a hospital, a hospitalito that is, right next door. It was closed for the holiday week but we got a wonderful tour by Carmen. It offers general medicine, multiple clinics and surgeries for no charge. It has specific programs for children, providing therapy for those with special needs or disabilities and donated wheelchairs, as a few examples. Later in April, a medical team from the US was arriving for a 10-day intensive clinic, open to the region. Only day 1, and I am inspired!
We decided to travel to Guatemala on the way to my project in Nicaragua because it would be Holy Week, Semana Santa, and it is a significant celebration throughout the country. Guatemala is deeply Catholic but I understand much of the Mayan traditions are retained. But more on that later, as the main event is in Antigua!
On Palm Sunday, we went to Sololá a few kilometers away. It is a terrific Mayan town with a big market attracting people from all over the region on certain days. This day was special also because of the holiday. Many women and some men in the region still wear traditional Mayan dress and each version is gorgeous– the patterns and the colors. Textile lovers could spend weeks in the region. Down the hill is the main square with a big church packed with attendees for the Sunday service and a beautiful park where the whole town was out to celebrate, have an ice cream, and be with the community. Sololá is definitely a place to linger for a few days to experience a slice of an authentic Mayan town without so many tourists…and these views are unbelievable.
Finally, we went 2000 feet down to Panajachel on the north side of Lago Atitlan. It is a tourist and expat hub so not my favorite town but two things (other than practicalities like ATMs!) made it worthwhile: a short hike in Reserva Natural Atitlan, an old coffee plantation turned reserve, and a local Semana Santa celebration at the beautiful 16th century Cathedral near the interesting market. (The old town is much more interesting than tourist areas.)
The Reserva is a pleasant place to spend a little time to escape the heat of Panajachel. Dedicated to spending our money cautiously and purposefully, we were thrilled to pay the $8 USD admission to support this organization with programs promoting the health of the lake, now challenged by rising waters, pollution and cyanobacteria. The park has a few rescued animals, a butterfly house and a private beach down the hill. I can’t vouch for the many suspended bridges but they are definitely an adventure!
Generally our first few days aimed at purposefully supporting local causes and businesses ended up serving an additional purpose–a bit of slow relaxation and unrushed time together after several crazy months. Sometimes appreciating those you love can be the greatest purpose of all.
http://www.centropazmundo.com/
Wide World Wanders 