To wrap up this simple commentary on the Guatemala trip, mention must be made of the wonderful hosts I encountered in Amatitlan. They're a great resource for anyone traveling to this part of Guatemala and could not have been more generous, kind, engaging, and inspiring. Pictured here is Perla (right) and Hippie, the family's "perro de los Maya." Perla's father was an important man in Guatemalan government in the last century, and her husband works as a dentist. In addition to sharing the story of their lives, preparing delicious typical meals, and introducing me to their three nice children, Perla and her husband Luis drove me into Guatemala City to see some of the old center and gave great tips on what to try and see while in their area of the country.


One such place to visit was the malecon, or waterfront of Lake Atitlan. Here dozens of lanchas are awaiting lovers or the adventurous to row out into the lake on a windy afternoon.


Amatitlan also boasts a spa featuring geothermally-heated waters in several pools. The center also offers massages and steam sauna options. The most economic ticket is only about $5 and comes with no time limit, so I soaked in the pools for a few hours, enjoying the rest (glad that my stomach issues were passing) before a group of young and buxom models arrived with a film crew and rendered one of the areas off-limits while they shot their catalog or music video, etc. The Aguas Termales de Santa Teresita were an interesting counterpoint to the lives of striking poverty witnessed only a few miles away in San Vicente. Guatemala, like the rest of the world, exists in two forms. One for the haves, the other for the have nots.


Yet life goes on, as this little friend demonstrates. I thank Guatemala for the kindness it showed to me, and for the opportunity it presented to share love through service to others. Far less than the sights and marvels experienced through the traveling, it was all along the people I learned to know and reconnect with which made such a period of 11 days so magical.