Pinata carnage from above. This was definitely the safest place to be at that point in time. Getting between a Guatemalteco child and their candy can be an extremely dangerous proposition.
More of the countryside around my house.
Katie and I with her host brother, Hendrick, who is quite the kid. Usually, this kid can be found covered in whatever he happens to have in his hands at the time. This can range from suckers to peaches to an entire cantaloupe. Seeing him this sanitary is a sight that few have had the pleasure of, so I felt quite honored and was compelled to get a photo. He was cleaned up and dressed up for his birthday, he turned 5 and we were able to help out with and attend the festivities. Over the course of 2 days, there were 8 cakes prepared by Katie for the birthday and on the day of the party two pinatas were completely destroyed by a number of children. Good times for all.
More of the festivities in Chichicastenango. These guys were paraded around town throughout the day.
The church in Chichicastenango. This was when Katie and I visited during their feria, when the whole town celebrates their patron saint. There were supposed to be men flying from a 80 foot pole, "los palos voladores", but we never saw them. It was still a pretty wild scene with non-stop music, firecrackers and thousands of people in a space intended for hundreds.
Riding in the back of a pickup to get tamale dough for Christmas Eve. I spent Christmas in Katie's town with her family and we went with them to get tamale dough, which was located in a town near Lago Atitlan. So, this was on 12/24, and it was a balmy 70 degrees--a bit different than the weather most of you are experiencing in the States I imagine.
Yes, I have been able to locate a grill here in Guatemala. Very nice. I was having trouble finding charcoal, so I asked a person in the market in Quiche if he knew where I could track some down. He directed me to "la puerta azul, cerca la carniceria"--the blue door next to the butcher, of course how did I not know that. So, I knock on this random door, and lo and behold, the guy comes out and asks how much I want. I get a good sized bag for 3Q, less than 50 cents, and this has provided two meals off the grill. Excellent. Also, as there is no lighter fluid, we use something called "jocote" which is basically a pine tree that is super sappy and when it finds flame it keeps it. It is pretty handy stuff and can be found in just about any market.
That is all for now, enjoy the photos. I hope you all had a Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year. Hasta 2009.
