After a harrowing micro ride down to Panajachel...forded a stream in one place as the bridge was gone, only dragged bottom a bit...many areas de derrumbes, landslides, we arrived in Panajachel and got off enfrente Don Rodrigos. Um, not sure where we were going but a young man, Fernando, took in tow to Jardines del Lago where our room was. Very nice room for 70 quetzales at 13.3 Q to the dollar. Beautiful grounds right to Lake Atitlan. Photos in January if I don't lose the camera.

Eventually I asked Fernando if he worked for the hotel and he actually worked for grupo o lo que sea that owns the public boats and some private ones. My daughter talked to him extensively and before I knew it we had chartered about a 28' fiberglass, Suzuki driven boat and captain...just the two of us. 120 bucks 'til we dropped. What a plutocrat!! We shopped Santiago and two others, the memory fadessssss. In Santiago we had lunch and shopped a bit. I got the "typico" which my daughter pointed out is often a good deal. It was for 55Q plus propina, tip.

Got a great embroidered cinturon, belt, my daughter got a gift for mama' of a beautifully embroidered camisa-like thingy with very rich birds all over about 60% of it. Gorgeous item. I've no idea what she paid. Old gals behind the counter of beautiful embroidery don't haggle mucho, I can tell you that.
,
After a few hours we motored on to the next village famous for its ceramics which was set on a hillside VERY steep. I'll remember it eventually. Terracing up and down the 50*+ hillside made up the only flat ground and alleyways with steep stairs made the paths. I got mugged, uh, bought a mug, and a beautiful blue woven and embroidered small mesa covering or wall hanging which is what I'll do. My wife likes white walls at home.....a bit o'color won't hurt.

Tambien in the first stop I bought a baston, cane of coffee wood with a carved bird head as the steep and rough walkways were taking a toll on my joints. It works! It'll be good for bashing the pickpockets, too.

Near dark we headed for home, by passing Santa Catalina village for the succor of the hotel. A dock at the base of the Jardine and a short walk home. Costly day but a grand day! The xocomil was mild and small waves for the most part. I sit typing this on my bed looking out my window at a spectacular volcano just sitting there across the gardens and across the lake.

So far, so good.