"Truck stop"

We had an unexpected half-hour stop on our way to Mexico.  There was a truck (without its trailer) stuck in the middle of the road.  A dozen men tried to push it, but it must have been in gear because it wouldn't budge.  A few small cars squeezed past, but we weren't willing to risk falling in the huge ditch.  Michael even got out to evaluate the space (tall white guy on the right).  It was a jovial atmosphere, which we usually encounter here when there is a big problem at hand.

 We girls were pretty jovial, too, while waiting in the car.

Eventually, one of the other drivers had the idea to hook up a chain to another huge truck and yank, yes, YANK the truck over a couple of feet.

The guys waved us on through, and we went on our way!  Always something interesting around here!

Dogs!

There are a lot of stray dogs in Guatemala.  On the way to Mexico to renew our visas last week, I noticed that we were passing many dogs by the roadside... so on the way home, we decided to COUNT DOGS.  It was fun, but we were really amazed at how high the number was by the time we got home:  214 dogs!  That seems like a lot for a 160-mile trip.

The market

After walking to the various stores around town, we head to the market to buy fresh fruits and veggies.  This is the part of the market that is always set up and ready for the locals, not tourists.  I prefer shopping here, since no one calls to me to buy their souvenir trinkets.

Many things are for sale in the market,
like clothes, shoes, toys, and food.

Julia is my favorite vegetable vendor.

Elena is ready to carry bags full of the
produce we will buy.

Finally, we arrive back at the car to unload the bags
from our aching shoulders.  I never knew how
heavy fresh produce is!  The store behind me is our
small grocery store.  They have carts... hurray!

Chichi streets

Here are some scenes of the streets of Chichicastenango, where we walk to do our shopping.

The butcher shop where I buy beef.

Elena, waiting to cross the road.

The baskets on the left are filled with produce.