maximon around every corner

So fellow travelers we started our day with a tranquilo boat ride across lake Atilan. Remember, how much fun that was Team Guatemala!! We went to Santiago Atilan and much to our surprise, maximon (masheemon) was out for the Semana Santa festivities. He was part of the procession to the Cathedral and he will wait to make his entrance with Jesus on Good Friday. The main cathedral is an impressive collection of cultural and spritiual presence. There are no pews in this massive space (sound familiar ) and the updates came to a sudden halt back in 1981 when the head padre was assasinated. There are plaques that are dedicated to the disapeared and murdered in the region. This area was the hardest hit in the 80s and 90s.
We thought it would be a short trip but there is always the unexpected!! I am learning that to respect the Maya is to simply observe and spend time and once they notice you, you have an opportunity to go places that pay off in the end. We were granted entrance to the beginning of the ceremony and allowed to come and go as we pleased. For all who know me, I have already filled a disc full of photos and plan on more. Remember, the real deal has yet to start.!
My head is so full of ideas for Team Guatemal 2005 that I hope to remember it all.
I purchased a book about Guatemalan women and finding their voices. I continue to be drawn to this particular area because the pain of loss is palpable.
Observed what appeared to be at least 2 hippies from the 60s looking like something out of the lost planet. More of the gringos who come and never leave.
We leave Pana tomorrow after a final visit to Armandos family. Cant believe all we have done and seen and the final act is yet to come....