Thursday, July 27, 2017

Guatemala Day 6: PART 1 boat ride to San Juan

Today is my birthday!
I woke up early to see the sunrise. It was a nice present from Mother Nature.


Lee picked us up at 8:30 again this morning and we walked down to the dock to get a boat across the lake to San Juan. San Juan is a village that has created a co-op for the artisans. We did a lot of shopping.



It was a cold 30 minute ride across the lake. Perfect for snuggling. 


The sun came out as we arrived, and Lee bought a dragon fruit for us to try. It's a beautiful hot pink color inside. It tastes like a strawberry and a kiwi. 


Becky loved it.


We shopped a little, mostly gifts for Ally's friends. Then Lee suggested a Tuk Tuk ride for Ally. Tuk Tuks are small 3 wheeled taxi cabs. The plan was actually for Ally to drive one! And she agreed!!!


So off Ally and I went with Juan. 


Once out of town he had Ally get in the front and she drove for about 10 minutes. 


She loved it. 


Crazy hair selfie!


Ally and Juan the driver. 




We met back up with Beth and Becky and Lee at a local weaving co-op. We got a lesson in how they take raw cotton and make a finished woven article. Ally translated for us. She did great.  Two pictures above is the khaki colored natural cotton that represents the skin color of Guatemalans. 
In the above photo Ally is pounding the cotton.



Then they spin the cotton by hand, 


Ally is grinding something to make dye. 





One the thread is created and dyed it is woven using s back strap loom.


Next up was fashion show. Ally tried on the traditional and popular Huipil and skirt with belt. Traditionally women where the huilip blouse in a pattern that represents their tribe or location in the country they are from. Above and below Ally is showing off her heritage Huipil. 


Becky tried one on too.


In the end Ally decided on an outfit with colors she really liked and fit her better. We were told that the tradition is a bit outdated. So it was fine for her to get what she wanted.


Outside the store waiting for mama and Beth to pay.


At lunch Ally learned how to use a can opener.


She loved her orange crush.


Basically she loves orange food. Yes she ate most of this plate of carrots Lee ordered for her.


After lunch we stopped by another school. This one was public school with a covered play yard.


Before we got on the boat Ally did a few more handstands.



It was a rough boat ride back to Pana, but Ally loved it. 




The view from the boat. We said goodbye to Lee in Pana, he was a great guide and host for 3 days. 



On our way back to Antigua today we saw a rainbow!

Part 2 up next, meeting Ally's foster family. It was a good time and I'm so glad we did that. 


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