» Nuts, storms and scorpions

scorpion

I am learning to expect the unexpected here in Guatemala. Nothing has been what I have expected.

The internet is far better than in Mexico, and the Skype lines so far have been clearer than the phone lines in North America. Then Thursday evening I was invited to a “cocktail party” at the owner´s house next door to my suite. I expected a glass of wine and an hour of touristy chitchat. Three hours later, and several bottles of wine later, the group of foreigners staying at the place had discussed everything from energy vortexes, criminal justice in developing countries to the psychic healers in San Marcos. It turned out to be a fascinating evening.

Yesterday I walked into San Marcos, the little town beside me. I have never seen anything quite like it. There is one main road that is the road I had traveled late on Tuesday evening. It hadn´t looked very impressive – a very typical developing country road with little stores, houses and dogs everywhere and I mean everywhere.

However, yesterday as I investigated, there is a complete maze of pathways through the jungle down to the lake that were like something out of Alice in Wonderland. It was remarkable how you could meander down a path and find crystal healers, massage therapists, fabulous restaurants alongside the local people selling their vegetables or sitting and weaving.

It was an unexpected combination of many foreigners and a very local flavor. I had lunch at a restaurant owned by a British couple who gave up making their fortune in Spain with the economic crisis and came with their 3 children to Guatemala. The kids, age 8, 11 and 13 love their life here and are receiving a fabulous education in a private school that rivals what would have cost them a fortune in Europe.

While at the restaurant, a Guatemalan man and his young 10 year old daughter Joanna entered selling nuts. A beautiful selection of macadamia, cashews, pistachios, almonds and peanuts were wonderfully displayed. We conversed for awhile as I tested the produce and then made my purchases. You can see the pictures of them on my Facebook Fan Page. I had no idea Guatemala had such a beautiful selection of nuts. I am in for a treat these next few months.

Last night a storm hit the lake and it was full on with thunder, lightning and heavy rain. Storms at this time of year are not expected and so it came as a complete surprise as we are in the dry season. Well, it was anything but dry last night. The storm lasted almost 2 hours during which time we lost power. Thankfully I had followed the instructions given and had purchased a flashlight just before leaving Mexico. I had my laptop on battery and listening to a recording of a teleclass I had missed as I watched the storm in the dark. It was almost surreal. Thankfully the power came back on as the storm ended.

This morning, my second scorpion showed up in my kitchen sink. This time, unlike the first night when I had one in my bathroom sink, I grabbed the camera before I grabbed my shoe to kill it.

Tomorrow I am planning to head into Panajachel for the Sunday market. It is the largest town on the lake and will be about a 40 minute boat trip from here. It should be an interesting experience. I´ll let you know. I am sure it will be nothing that I expect.

Popularity: 2% [?]

Share and Enjoy: