Weekend Journey (Travel, Friends, Fun, and Adventure)

Liz and I had the opportunity to travel to San Lucas Tolimán this weekend to stay with our friends Ruth and Beto. The visit served two purposes: 1) to visit local friends from Guatemala, 2) to practice our Spanish since neither of the two speak English. 

The journey across the large lake would require a few stops and changes in transportation,  So we jumped on a boat at the Santa Cruz dock (Cost Q10 = $1.30) and traveled to our first stop (Panajachel) as soon as school ended on Friday -12 p.m. 

Once in Panajachel we found a Tuc Tuc (Cost Q5 = $0.70) and we were driven across town to the "Public Dock" where we could find another boat to Santiago, Atitlán. (Boat to Santiago Q20 = $2.60)

After about 45 minutes we arrived in Santiago.

We then walked up the hill, across a few streets, and asked where we could catch a truck to San Lucas Tolimán. It wasn't long and a truck arrived and we hopped on the back along with 15 other people.

The drive (cost Q10 = $1.30) took about 20 minutes and we rounded many curves, climbed up and soared down the roads while stopping every so often to let people off at their destinations.

We finally arrived in San Lucas. Instantly we felt somewhat at home since this is the place we have visited so often over the years and we know our way around.

 It didn't take long to run into someone we knew (Anita) and hugs and kisses were instant! :)

We were then greeted by Prof. Beto and Ruth (Our good friends) as we arrived at their home. The home they graciously offer as "Our Home" when we are in town.

We then traveled to Katie's (Missionary) home for a prearranged dinner with her and Father John. (The above picture wasn't from that night, I didn't take any pictures. I just wanted to put a face to the name so I took the picture from her blog.)

The rest of the weekend we spent with Ruth and Beto. I'm not sure if it is the culture or just Ruth (I think both) but it seemed that we were always at the table eating the most delicious food, laughing, telling stories, and enjoying each other.

The food is fresh, tasty, filling, and did I already say "Delicious". 

Sunday we were blessed with the ability to go to Mass.

Mass was beautiful and you can't tell by this picture but the church was filled to capacity. Liz and I were even surprised that we are begining to understand more and more as our Spanish improves.

The weekend seemed to pass by quickly and it was time to return home. We then hopped back on a boat and returned to Santa Cruz ready for another week of School.

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