Journal notes
San Marcos La Laguna radiates with sweet, fresh fruit air. Warm sun, cool breeze, turquoise, and light rain. Spanish buzz surround-sound. Morning walks down through town to the docks in the sun; afternoon walks up from the docks wrapped in a rain jacket. Cozy, rainy afternoons.
A soft pillow bench and warm sips of cacao. I love the art on the bathroom door; three pictures are all the same, except one has an hourglass. What does it mean? There is only one other person here. A dog walks across the width of the cafe and out into the rain.
I always want to remember on the last day, finally dipping my body in the coolness of the lake, how quickly there was no ground on which to stand. Paddling, so close to the rocks, but as if out to sea. Sitting on the rocks upright to dry off in the sun. Inhaling air. A kayak disappears in the light at the horizon. Here I am.
Lake Atitlán, Guatemala
When: October, 2021
How long: 4 days, 3 nights
Via: 3 hour drive from Antigua with a driver (Mario, recommended by a friend); originally flew direct from Orlando to Guatemala City and drove 1 hour with Mario to Antigua from there.
Stayed: Lakeview Lodge, an absolutely incredible Airbnb off the dirt road between San Marcos and Tzununa.
Ate/Drank: Comedor Konojel (San Marcos; dinner), Il Giardino (San Marcos; breakfast, takeaway dinner), Samsara’s Garden (San Marcos; smoothies, snacks, tea), Licor Marrón -Chocolate (San Juan, hot chocolate); Moonfish Cafe (San Marcos, takeaway dinner), Deli Jasmin (Panajachel; lunch), NECTAR ArtCafe (San Marcos; cacao and drinks).
Did: Explored San Juan La Laguna, Explored San Juan La Laguna, Cerro Tzankerjl Nature Reserve (San Marcos La Laguna).
Shopping: Casa Flor Ixcaco Weaving Cooperative (San Juan La Laguna), Licor Marrón -Chocolate (San Juan La Laguna), Lavalove Cacao (San Marcos La Laguna).
Fitness: Running along the dirt road between San Marcos & Tzununa; running up the 150 steps from the road to the Airbnb.
Local: Required covid test – Las Asunción Laboratorio Clínico Biólogo (Panajachel).
exploring & escapades 
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