Hope's Grand Adventure : Exploring San Juan Sacatepequez

San Juan Sacatepequez Market

Since 1550, every August 15th, the religious festival of the Virgin of the Assumption is celebrated in Guatemala City. In 1776, the capital of Guatemala was moved from Antigua to the valley where it is currently located, it adopted the name of the "Nueva Guatemala de la Asunción", in honor of the Virgin Mary, Patroness of the city. The celebration of the Virgin Mary takes place in different places around the city and mixes the religious fervor with fun and the Guatemalan gastronomy. So, what better time than to have the day off! Let's drive an hour north to San Juan Sacatepequez! Wonderful drive up, up, steep at times, but we made it....

We had a wonderful time exploring and negotiating with vendors at the market. We spoke broken Spanish and the women would try on their English, giggling and smiling all the while.

My balcony views with dramatic volcanic landscape

Approaching San Juan

San Juan Sacatepequez Chapel

Vista Hermosa Blvd sunset

You can find anything at the market!

Market in San Juan

Tower of fresh seafood, cucumber, avocado resting on a balsamic glaze.

Exploring Guatemala with Katy

More textiles

My new tables and textiles

My new tapestry. Lot's of white space to cover!

My apartment is shaping up with handmade tables and textiles from the markets. I spend most of my time on the balcony, facing west. I like the simplicity. I come and go. My maid comes weekly to clean. I have a long list of new places to explore. Spanish classes start soon. Salsa and yoga classes too!