Day 5 - Maya Traditions

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Dylan Hawxhurst - 05/24/2019

Starting off the day in the surrounding area of Lake Atitlán, we had the plan to visit Maya Traditions. This organization was wonderful and had a similar mission and vision to Cojolya. They are an organization who looks to better the lives of Guatemalan weavers. They believe in fair trade and paying the women as they work and not after the items are complete (some factories or people pay the women once their pieces sell). Upon arrival we received a tour of their beautiful little premises and were introduced to several women who weaves for Maya Traditions. After explaining their personal stories and fulfilled any question we had, they showed us their beautiful art; displayed both as woven cloths and accessories, and pine bowls. The pieces were beyond beautiful, I knew instantly I was going to purchase a bunch of items for my family. And I did just that, I got items for my mom, girlfriend, and sister!

After leaving this wonderful organization we had a little time so we went to the local nature preserve where we saw two creatures we were hoping to see. The first was spider monkeys, which I’ve never seen in person so it was an incredible experience. The second being butterflies, which we saw in a beautiful little dome. I haven’t seen butterflies like this in years; since I went to the Museum of Natural History. It was wonderful to see all the species ima protected dome out of harms way.

The rest of our day consisted of traveling back to Antigua, where I slept for the duration of the car ride back! It was relaxing because it was pouring and that puts me to sleep instantly. Overall, another wonderful day that was irreplaceable!

Butterfly flapping wings in slow motion


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