
What a day we had today.
The best travel experience for me is when there are pleasant surprises that you discover along the way. We had that today - thanks to Bryan and Tito.
Bryan is a nieghbor in Adams in Morgan in DC (running for ward 1 city council) who has lots of experience here in Guatemala. Tito is a local.
Tito picked us up at the hotel this morning and drove us up, down, and around the mountains to some very cool and non-touristy experiences.
We started at a traditional highland market in Momostenango. I think I was the only gringo there - seriously. I was at least a foot taller and several shades paler than the many hundreds of people crowding the market. I stuck out. Jean blended in a bit better.
After the market, Tito took us to visit a Maya family of weavers on the side of a mountain. Weaving is one of the oldest Mayan crafts - practiced for centuries before the Spanish arrived. Today we learned about weaving, tried out the spinning wheel, and enjoyed a snack of cheese tortillas like we were part of the family.
Here are my Five Favorite Fotos from a very memorable day...
Nature...
This part of Guatemala is all mountains and hills and trees - and volcanoes. it is stunning.
Beauty...
Not me. The jacket. Dona Thelma beside me and her family spun and dyed the wool and weaved the fabric to make the jacket. I love it.
Fun...

Luis is patiently helping me spin the wool. He kept telling me "suave, suave" Smoothly.
Spirit...

At the market, the mother's expression and the glimpse of her baby's hand on her back got me.
Just liked it...
Dona Thelma and some of her family standing above the house they built 25 years ago on the side of the mountain. It was a real privilige to be welcomed into their home.
And more photos here at my Flickr account.