Guatemala-Day 4

After a wonderful visit to La Soledad farm in Acatenango, we depart for Panajachel village, on Lake Atitlan. This is the deepest lake in Central America and considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. We are staying at the Hotel Del Lago, a beautiful place overlooking the lake. After breakfast, we take a lovely boat ride to San Juan La Laguna to see the co-op "La Voz que Clama en el Desierto" which translates "The voice of one crying in the wilderness" (from the Prophets Isaiah and John the Baptist). The influence of Christian Missionaries is evident in the joyfulness of the people and their open praising of God. The tour was unfortunately more geared to tourists than coffee professionals, and a lot of the trees and practices needed some help. Nonetheless, it was a beautiful place with colorful people and plenty of potential! After this we boat to Santiago for lunch and then spend a few hours walking the streets to buy a few gifts. In Santiago, the poverty seems to manifest itself in some of the most aggressive sales tactics imaginable. We almost had a group of street vendors jump into the boat with us! I bought an adorable hat and outfit for my daughter Elizabeth here as well as few unnecessary "pressure sale" items!