On Sundays all the villagers from villages far and near come and occupy the highway illegally. They block off one lane on either side and set up their wares. They are there mostly with food stuff.

Most of the transactions are between villagers and almost all the transactions are on a barter basis and does not involve money.

Traffic snarls can slow you down really bad.

It is called the Mercado de Chopulo. (Chopulo Market)

We are back on Pan American Highway. And this display is on either side of the highway. All the folks live in a village nearby – El Quiche

This village was completely destroyed during the eruption of 1976. It has slowly built itself back up again.

Saw quite a few bicyclists like the one you see here

Known to be the black bean capital of Guatemala

Famous for it leather works

We came up to this point where the traffic cop was directing some traffic. And there was a huge cowboy boot statue there. I asked William what it was all about. Learnt that the village that the road to the left leads to a village that is famous for its leatherworks.

In fact, we decided to take that smaller road and go thru a bunch of villages with different artisans and meet back with Pan American Highway later somewhere!

We hit the Pan American Highway again. Today’s goal is to hit the beautiful Lago Atitlan. The lake is surrounded by mountains and three volcanoes. The clouds will make it a hit or miss though.

It is Sunday morning! Today we will go to Lake Atitlan! Woke up very early morning. Unfortunately too early for my hotel to have hot coffee. So, went out to the street side cafes. Those coffee shops open up very early.

As I stepped out, this sight hit me. Yesterday, I could not discern Volcan de Agua much due to low lying clouds. Overnight, the clouds have started moving out.

That is an impressive volcano seemingly at the end of the street!!

It was nearly 10 pm. I was walking back from the restaurant. The central park was teeming with people on this Saturday night. Tired kids were still playing, adults were still buys street side food and enjoying it with others.

As I was cutting thru the park, I noticed a bunch of folks waving sparklers (like we use in Diwali). Figuring there was some kind of Easter activities going on, took a detour to check in.

Turns out there was a wedding going on! Or at least celebrations of somebody getting married!!