Lakeside Therapy
Trip Start
Oct 05, 2009
1
50
177
Trip End
Ongoing
Where I stayed
Hotel Gran Sueno, San Pedro
Lake Atitlan, Western Highlands, Guatemala
Monday, March 22, 2010
Our hotel has 3 fine views including a good one from the toilet and the only things giving us grief is Rex (our name) a local Alsation that lives on the roof next door and some ridiculous flute playing from an unidentified traveller.
The choice of activities even in this one small town is truly eclectic - Rebirthing and Inner Child Courses, Papier Mache workshop, Pyramid Therapy, Mayan Hieroglyphics Interpretation (advanced); frozen t-shirt contest, United on Fox TV accompanied by a full english and cup of PG, Poker Tournament and crossdressing bbq. Something truly for everyone! We avoid the worst of the bongo bashing and bong smoking, and give the full moon psytrance party a big body swerve. Phew.
One lakeside town houses an icon of Saint Maximon, local badboy god, scourge of the Catholic church but loved and venerated by the people. People come to ask favours of him, bringing him cravats, candles, rum and cigarettes - I'm not making this up. We follow suit and take the guy and his missus a few gifts. A small boy guides us to his house and leaves us to it. All a bit surreal, but also deadly serious as people have been beaten up for not showing due respect when visiting the shrine.
The walking is glorious around these parts, as are the boat trips, as are the local markets and we take full advantage. Its a beautiful spot that we swear we'll return to one day.
