Day 4 - Lake Atitlán
Day four was probably the most intensive day when it comes to traveling. To begin our day off bright and early, we left the hotel with Keara (from De La Gente) at 6 A.M. to travel towards Lake Atitlán. The drive there was estimated to be three hours so I got comfy and started reading my book to help time go by faster!
About two hours and fifteen minutes later, we arrived at the cooperative in San Lucas Tolimán where we would be introduced to Arnulfo and Roberto. This cooperative works directly (but not solely) with De La Gente with selling coffee beans. With warm welcomes, the two of them explained their entire process from start to finish. Following the explanation, the showed us where the processes occur and it was great to visualize it. To end off our visit, Arnulfo’s wife prepared a traditional snack that was similar to empanada (which was delicious).
After visiting the cooperative, we traveled to visit Pueblo a Pueblo. With a mission similar to Common Hope, they wanted students surrounding the lake to strive in school but also help their parents. From building libraries for schools, to adding alternative capital sources for their parents, they want to better the lives of all.
From here we visited Cojolya, who sells products created by locals and fully backs fair trade. Compared to other companies that receive products from locals and then pays them once they sell, Cojolya pays the locals well and upon receiving the products. We were fortunate enough to visit one of the local families and not only watch them create pieces, but try making ourselves! Then products they offered were not only the most well made (in my opinion), but it was going towards a good cause.
All the organizations we visited today were beautiful, and they all want to better the lives of the community. It’s amazing that we were able to experience what we have, but I wish everyone else could as well.
About two hours and fifteen minutes later, we arrived at the cooperative in San Lucas Tolimán where we would be introduced to Arnulfo and Roberto. This cooperative works directly (but not solely) with De La Gente with selling coffee beans. With warm welcomes, the two of them explained their entire process from start to finish. Following the explanation, the showed us where the processes occur and it was great to visualize it. To end off our visit, Arnulfo’s wife prepared a traditional snack that was similar to empanada (which was delicious).
After visiting the cooperative, we traveled to visit Pueblo a Pueblo. With a mission similar to Common Hope, they wanted students surrounding the lake to strive in school but also help their parents. From building libraries for schools, to adding alternative capital sources for their parents, they want to better the lives of all.
From here we visited Cojolya, who sells products created by locals and fully backs fair trade. Compared to other companies that receive products from locals and then pays them once they sell, Cojolya pays the locals well and upon receiving the products. We were fortunate enough to visit one of the local families and not only watch them create pieces, but try making ourselves! Then products they offered were not only the most well made (in my opinion), but it was going towards a good cause.
All the organizations we visited today were beautiful, and they all want to better the lives of the community. It’s amazing that we were able to experience what we have, but I wish everyone else could as well.
Snack made by Arnulfo’s wife
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