I had the pleasure of meeting the founder of Hiptipico, Alyssa, at a Cafe Moka here in Panajachel not too long ago. We were discussing street dogs, my main passion and a side project in Alyssa's busy life. We also chatted a bit about her life journey to Pana and her amazing work with local artisans. Hiptipico works with women in the Western Highlands of Guatemala to help sell their amazing textiles, weavings, beadwork, and original designs all around the world.
I encourage you all to visit hiptipico.com and watch the introductory video. It is Alyssa herself telling her story and the story of the Mayan women she works with. The cinematography is amazing and really captures the vibrancy and beauty of Guatemala.
"When you shop with Hiptipico, you know the authentic story of the artisan who made your product and the traditional technique and materials used to craft it. Through this dignified job opportunity, Maya artisans partner with Hiptipico to lift themselves out of poverty while doing something they love."
Alyssa at an outdoor textile market. Her long blonde hair must get a lot of looks!
Hiptipico was also recently published on Buzzfeed Community with an article of 15 Reasons You Should Visit Guatemala Immediately. There are several things on her list that I have yet to do myself. I'd better get to it!
Mister Jon, of Mister Jon's Restaurant, posted on Facebook today that he found his restaurant on the Guatemalan version of Google maps. So exciting! The page says the photos were taken in November 2016. I'm in the process of going around the map trying to find anyone I know!
Click the picture of La Palapa to go to the map and take a tour of my town!
La Palapa!!
I'm so pumped they finally did this. I remember wishing for Street View before I came here. It's one thing to look at a map and some photos and perhaps a few videos; it's a more immersive experience to virtually stroll around town!
You can just click on the map to move around, or you can click on the left-facing arrow in the far top left (by where it says Calle de los Arboles in the photo above) and it will pull you out to the map view. Then click on the little yellow man in the bottom right corner and drag him to any blue street. Have fun!
I actually got my butt out of bed early and went downtown...and nothing was going on! HA HA! I'm so out of touch this year. I didn't see a single procession. Not one! How is that even possible? I guess it's like when you want to see a parade, there aren't any, and when you're trying to get somewhere in a hurry, you're blocked by marching bands and school kids in weird costumes. Oh well.
Sooooo many buses parked along the river! They're not kidding when they say it's the busiest week.
And check out how low the river water level is. It's barely there! Wait until the rains come and then I'll show you the difference. :)
I love these weird fruity arches they put up.
My friend went to San Juan across the lake and took some great pictures of their alfombras. They're quite artistic there!
They put some Van Gogh influence into a picture of Lake Atitlan. Amazing.
The colours are so rich!
Just amazing work. With sawdust. Just wow.
This is a very natural one with flower petals and pine needles. The smell of the carpets is so wonderful.
This is another alfombra from Solola.
What happens to the carpets of sawdust and flowers? The processions walk through them. Yep, they walk all over them and mess them up! Then the sweepers come and clean it all up and all that's left is dust in the cobblestone cracks. Pretty neat, eh?
Leaving you with this short video of how busy it was down at the beach and docks. If you look closely, you can see Bert taking Calvin down to the water for a drink!
Happy Easter, everyone! 😊
