Chichicastenango

What a trip. We set off early on Sunday morning for a three hour hair raising drive to Chichicastenango along a windy road around a mountain!!!!!  Diego our driver worked his magic avoiding the many potholes and the Chicken buses that are important means of transportation in Guatemala.
When we arrived in ChiChi as it is known........the market was in full swing, jam packed and not for the faint of heart.  You need your wits about you and forget trying to barter, vendors came out of nowhere.  You quickly realize if you "touch" or "look" at something then you are bound to be pursued as interested.  Sunday is  also a market day for many Guatemalans too hence the large crowd.

La Puerta Abierta, February 18-20, 2019

This is our third year to return to the The Open Door School (La Puerta Abierta) located in the beautiful Santiago Atitlan.  As in the past this school continues to amaze, inspire, and educate us on the wonder of teaching in Guatemala.   The school now serves Preschool - 5th grade with the hope of adding a sixth grade classroom next year which would mean the following year La Puerta would have its first graduating class. We arrived with supplies, a smile and a strong desire to "engage" with the preschoolers/kindergartners.  We brought some shaving cream for a hands on sensory experience, which they loved.  By the way SHAVING CREAM according to the lovely teacher Chonita costs "mucho dinero" who knew!!!

Reflections of Guatemala Visit 2019
We continue to support La Puerta Abierta in their dream of a forever school. 
The pop up market selling items hand crafted by the mother artisans at the school was very successful.  We look forward to having a market again soon.

We also have a Loose Change Jar in the upstairs hall and are hoping it gets filled before our trip to Guatemala on February 14, 2020.