Water, Water Everywhere, Nor Any Drop to Drink

Do you take drinking water for granted? Can you turn on your tap and get sparkling clean potable water on demand? You're lucky! It might seem far-fetched to think that there are still people in the world who don't have water in their homes, but it's true. Can you believe it? I mean, we've sent people to the moon, yet here in Guatemala I still see ladies walking down to the river with jugs on their heads.
At my house in Panajachel, I have city water that comes into my property thru a pipe in the wall. Then there are two cisterns to store the water. One is below ground in the shed; the other is on the roof near the kitchen. When I turn on my tap, most days clean water comes out. It's not drinkable, but it's clear. I use it to wash dishes and my hands, I give it to the cats and dogs to drink, and I cook with it if it involves boiling, like for pasta or soup. Drinking water comes in a garrafon, a 5-gallon jug of purified water. I buy the expensive brand, Salvavidas, for Q17 because it tastes better but I know you can get it cheaper.

This morning, however, there is what my tap water looks like. 😝

Water from my tap this morning, icky!

This is irritating but not uncommon. It's happened to me a few times here, especially during the rainy season when the heavy downpours kick up the mud. I went down to my pila (outdoor sink) to see if the water there was any better, but there actually wasn't any water at all coming thru the city pipes, so no luck there. It will come on again later, I'm sure.

By coincidence, a friend shared a post on Facebook this morning about poor Guatemalan families who only have access to rainwater for drinking, cooking, and bathing. I am happy to share the webpage of a small charity that is providing water filters, stoves, and other essential supplies to families in need here in Guatemala. They are The Ripple Effect. Their website says: "Unfortunately, 13% of all deaths are due to dysentery. Clean water, continued hygiene education and better nutrition would greatly improve quality of life." I applaud their work and hope you can take a moment to visit their website and read about them, and perhaps consider a donation. Thanks!

Fruit in Bags [VIDEO]

I absolutely love that I can get precut fruit in a bag from a vendor on the street! They should have snacks this like in every city all over the world. So refreshing and healthy.

Mango is my favourite, ripe or green, but I also get cantaloupe melon slices a lot or a salty/spicy mix cucumbers and radishes when I want veggies. A bag of fruit is usually Q5. Smaller bags can be as cheap as Q1, which is what I pay for a few tiny slices of raw coconut from the old lady who sells near the soccer field.

Disfruta! Enjoy!

Sharing A Great Video of Lake Atitlan

I had to share this awesome 10-minute video of Lake Atitlan and Panajachel! The drone footage is spectacular. For any family & friends who haven't visited me here yet, this might be the thing to make you finally decide to book your flight. 🛫

Visit their channel on YouTube to see more cool videos of their travels 👉 Our Million Adventures

Why Not Party?

I knew there had to be something going on this weekend as there has been an increase in loud fireworks activity. I can even hear right now a loud concert with marimbas playing in the far distance. I figured out what it was when Cafe Kitsch posted this video below!

This is what they said on Facebook:
"Haciendo la recepción respectiva del convite Femenino en Honor a la Virgen Maria Auxiliadora, es un honor tener a estas damas tradicionalistas de la cultura Panajachelense. Bienvenidas al Lugar mas Kitsch de Panajachel. Saludos."

"By making the respective reception of the women's parade in Honor of the Virgin Mary Help of Christians, it is an honor to have these traditional ladies of the Panajachelense culture. Welcome to the most Kitsch place in Panajachel. Best regards."

Here's a photo I found of a closeup of one of the masks. I find them creepy!! What do you think?

Guatemala can be really weird sometimes.