Panajachel and a Volcano Eruption

Wednesday morning we were picked up at our hotel and transported with others in a comfortable, new Toyota van. After a mid-morning coffee stop, we took a different route back to San Marcos. Josh had suggested that we divert to another wonderful city, Panajachel. It is located west of San Marcos on Lake Atitlan. As we traveled comfortably in the morning sunshine, we were fortunate to see Mt Fuego suddenly erupt spewing fire and probably lava. We were miles away, but it was on the Internet the next day. It seems that this volcano erupts quite often with little damage to people or farms because of its remote location. We could see huge smoke funnels as we sped along the highway.

Eventually, we reached Panajachel; a much more commercial city than San Marcos, and the people there are less traditional. It even has a high-rise hotel. Courtney, Josh and Althea did some needed shopping for supplies on their own, while we bought a few gifts and found our way to a wonderful Internet cafe combined with a used/new bookstore (see photo). After meeting up with the others, Gloria was surprised by Courtney and Althea with beautiful bouquets of calla lilies, snapdragons, deep purple glads and other exotic flowers. We may our way toward the dock for a late lunch. Finally, it was time to board a little boat and head to San Marcos,
a 45 minute trip. Getting onto the boat was not Gloria's idea of fun. Also, the best time to be on Lake Atitlan is during the morning hours. During the afternoons, the water can be quite choppy. This trip was no exception. The bow was in constant up and down motion, but Gloria handled it. Courtney dutifully carried her mom's bouquets, which beautified our little cabin for the rest of our stay. Upon our welcome arrival at San Marcos, Gloria was able to pull her way out of the little old boat with the help of Jerry, other passengers, and the captain. It was certainly more graceful than her entry.