2 gringas wander into a small town

This was the title of yesterday's blog but as does happen here things crash at the most inconvienient time.
I'll try to recreate what I had said as best I can.
We decided yesterday that we would beat it out of town for a couple of hours so we hopped a chicken bus to Santa Maria de Jesus, halfway up the Volcano to Agua. We expected a tranquilo day with a cup of coffee and people watching. We didn't expect to be smack dab in the middle of their procession to the Virgin Mary. I'm not sure who was more surprised, us or the townspeople because you see we were the only gringas in sight. We were able to be a part of the procession and shoot photos at the same time. These amazing procession pieces were carried by the women of the town. How they do it in heels is beyond me.
Today is Easter and things are as if nothing had been happening for the last 40 days. We took a mini bus to Chichicastenango which is the largest market in Guatemala. Even Easter doesn't deter making a living. We managed to see part of their Easter procession as well. I think we are pretty much alfumbraed and processioned out.!
I can't wait to share this all with my friends and family. Hold onto your hats....there are stories to tell.
More ominous political signs...Donald Rumsfeld was here this last week to meet with the Guatemalan president. The jist was either keep the peace or we will ramp up our intervention here. Also, several million in frozen assets were released to the Guat Gov't. Coincidence... I think not. We have also learned that about 6 months ago a law was passed forbidding the Mayan women from selling their wares in many public places. Things look worse here than last summer. How will these people live, How did they before... Who will be a voice for these women?
Anyway, we are preparing for departure in the a.m...Hasta Luego