San Juan

Throw the [backpacker´s] bible out the window! I´m growing as a traveler, I don´t need to follow Lonely Planet´s every recommendation. My anticipated itinerary has changed. I´m not heading to Chichi for its acclaimed market nor Queztaltenango for its traditional weaving lessons. Authenticity is right here.

Just a 10 minutes´walk from San Pedro, San Juan is a peaceful town without much tourist presence. There´s only one restaurant in the town, vacant. Weavers peacefully work in the shady courtyards of their homes, and children play in the street. Passing by, I´m invited into homes and I have the opportunity to learn for myself: How do you make the dye for the cloth? How do you get running water in the house? At what age did you marry? What kind of tree is this? Do you learn Mayan or Spanish language in school? What kind of work does your husband do?

Here, people are kind and welcoming. Que paz!