Vacaciones

¡Hola Amigos!
This past week was our spring break. My friend Amber and I went to Panajachel, Guatemala. We took a four hour bus ride to Guatemala City then a three hour bus ride to Panajachel. We stayed in a very touristy area which was weird since we’re not used to being around other white people. Panajachel is one of many small villages on Largo de Atitlan, a beautiful lake surrounded my volcanoes (See pictures). We took a boat tour of the lake and stopped at a few of the different villages. We wanted to go on a hike up one of the volcanoes, but we were told by a travel agency that it was very dangerous so we decided against it. There was a huge artisan market by our hotel so we did some shopping. I some how managed to go five days with only $80. I think the exchange rate for Quetzals really helped me out. It was fun relaxing in Panajachel (we had hot water and a TV in our room, something I haven’t been a around in months), but it was so nice to be back in El Salvador. I missed the other Casa students and I just feel more at home in El Salvador.

Random side note—while on break I read an amazing book for my theology class called "Confessions of an Economic Hit Man" by John Perkins. If you are looking for a good read and want to challenge your world view I highly recommend it.

Paz,
Stephanie