Antigua to Panajachel

Sunday morning started with a group breakfast.  We had a typical Guatemalan breakfast with eggs, cheese, black beans, and fried plantains (which tasted delicious)!  And the coffee!  It was amazing!  No cream or sugar needed. 
Our group in altogether equalled 23 people and this was the first time we were all together.  After breakfast, one of the group veterans Dr. Kesden took us on a tour of the local market.  He is very knowledgeable about the local fruits and veggies.  We found the row of meat stalls with all the wares hanging from hooks.  The smell is so hard to describe but it was very overwhelming.  There were even full chickens split open with un-laid chicken eggs inside (a local delicacy).  The vegetables here are grown in volcanic soil and get really big.  The carrots appeared to be on steroids. 

Also there were avocados at every stall!  Turns out Guatemala is one the the avocado capitals in the world.  Dr. Kesden bought some of the more unusual fruit for us to try like granadia (dragon fruit) and zapote.  Most of them were really good.  He lead us to the spice section of the market and explained all the medical properties of the local spices.  Turns out that cinnamon fights ulcers and beets help lower blood pressure.  The market was a very eye-opening experience.  Before the bus left for Panajachel, we had some time to explore Antigua in the daylight. 



The arch is the most photographed place in Antigua
  

On the way to Panajachel we fit in some history and culture by stopping at the Iximche Mayan Ruins.  Our bus driver turned into our very own tour guide while we walked around.  One part of the ruins is still used, the ceremonial center.  A shaman was there performing a ritual.  People still come there to pray and light particular candles for health and prosperity.  It was really interesting to watch.  



Second year med students

We were suppose to have lunch at a local village after the ruins, but we were informed that the town was quarantined.  Turns out there was an E.Coli outbreak and the entire town and surrounding areas were unsafe.  So to add to the adventure we had to find a new place to eat several miles away from the ruins.  We were lucky that our bus driver knew of an excellent place.  A few hours later we were at Panajachel which is located on Lake Atitlan.  This lake is surrounded by several active volcanoes with little villages nestled on the hillsides.  Our hotel, which we took over, was right on the shore.  The gardens surrounding the building were incredible!  So much bougainvillea.  We spent the night playing card games and then all went to be early to prepare for clinic the next morning. 



Hotel garden

 

view from room balcony