- DSC07356
The bat is the traditional Mayan symbol of Solola - DSC07358
Ian Ivan and Aracely in the van on the way to the hot springs - DSC07361
Almolonga - IMG 2472
We passed this statue in Salcaja, in honor of those who have emigrated north to seek opportunities to help their families. It is located at a crossroads where the Panamerican highway leads to Mexico and then to the USA. These people sacrifice their safety and their own personal security and happiness to try to earn enough money to keep their families fed and clothed. This is the same situation that many of our own ancestors encountered, coming to the USA to seek a better life for their families. We saw this statue in the past and it has haunted us. We can't imagine the anxiety and grief of the family members left behind, who don't know the fate of those who have emigrated. The statue contains a prayer and a poem for the emigrant. Something to reflect on this 4th of July. PRAYER OF MIGRANTS As I now must go to other lands to seek a decent life for my family, I ask your protection and intersession before God, for those who are on the road, for those of us who are on the road since you did not abandon the Migrant People. Help us achieve our purpose. Amen. POEM TO THE EMIGRANT Migrant of Salcajá, emigrant of valor that by making your dream, you make the sweetest love. Looking at the horizon, I think, behind you is the moss of the mountains hope your inspiration. The distance is too long but prayer still unites us. We are the same substance, we are the same heart. Nature all around is now your provider, of the star, the brightness and the purity of the wind. Smile, do not be sad God asks you to be happy, when a new day dawns not feel melancholy. You crossed a road, to become an emigrant, to forge your destiny and then one day succeed. Salcajá cry your way, I miss your warmth, but in your coming, I get back your love anew. You left your mother crying, as your father and your siblings; together they are longing to shake your sweet hands Emigrant Salcajense I admire your courage; fight, fight with determination because you are brave. - DSC07372
The road to Zunil was blocked by protesters. Passing the blockade would be akin to crossing a picket line, making yourself a target of potential violence. So everyone heading that way needed to turn around, including this truck. This reminded us of the movie "Duel"... - DSC07401
Zunil - IMG 2409
We were in small rooms with hot spring water piped in. We were allowed to use the rooms for one hour. - IMG 2414
It was the perfect depth for Ian Ivan, and also for Eddy, who had gotten stitches in his lip following a hammock accident and wasn't supposed to get his stitches wet. - IMG 2417
Ian Ivan enjoyed the sulfur baths - IMG 2423
The kids had their hearts set on hot springs, so when we couldn't make it to the cloud forest grotto of Zunil, we improvised and went to a roadside spring-fed bathhouse called the Manantial Sulfur Baths. - DSC07413
Church of San Jacintho ("La Ermita") Salcaja The first church built in Central America (1524) - DSC07415
Church of San Jacintho ("La Ermita") Salcaja The first church built in Central America (1524) - IMG 20180703 150044
Church of San Jacintho ("La Ermita") Salcaja The first church built in Central America (1524) - IMG 20180703 150609
Lawyer's office where we bought Caldo de Frutas - DSC07427
Salcaja is known for its production of Caldo de Frutas, a homemade red liquor made from fruits. Though we had anticipated buying it at a liquor store, the reality was that we showed up at a lawyer's office, knocked on the door, and a man let us into the waiting room. A woman came out with bottles of the liquor and some fruit soaked in it. We tasted the liquor and the fruit. Humberto bought a bottle for us to enjoy over the weekend. It was a surreal experience.