Just Back From....Guatemala
Trip Duration: 4 days. It was a quickie, but Central America is surprisingly accessible and great for when you need a getaway and want a rich cultural experience but don't have a ton of time.
Where I Stayed: Casa Palopó, a luxurious villa overlooking Lake Atitlán and its surrounding volcanos.
Best Thing I Ate: Tortillas, all day every day! Local women make them fresh on nearly every street corner, and they are fluffier and thicker in Guatemala than anywhere else-practically pancakes!
Best Hang Out Spot: Every inch of Antigua is chock-full of colonial charm, a total feast for the senses-but Meson Panza Verde, a boutique hotel and restaurant, is by far the dreamiest spot in town.
Daytime Activity: Shopping the markets for locally woven textiles, of course! The craft tradition here has been passed down for centuries, and it is inspiring and refreshing to see the majority of native men and women still wearing traditional dress. There is something very regal in the way they've been able to preserve their ancient culture through the language of fabrics.
Best Night Out: Los Tres Tiempos in Antigua offers a playful approach to all-day tapas. When you're there, be sure to order the Quezalteca Royale, made of champagne, white rum and hibiscus flower-it's deliciously addictive!
Trip Highlight: The most meaningful moment was having an opportunity to visit the homes of local weaving communities in Comolapa, and to really see and understand how important it is for these women to find work that allows them to support their families without having to leave home.
Best Shopping: The old markets in Santiago Atitlán are only accessible by boat, but well worth the adventure.
Why Guatemala? I was inspired to visit by a friend who works with Mercado Global, a nonprofit organization based in New York that empowers indigenous women to overcome poverty, access education, and become successful business owners. The more I see of the world, the more am I compelled to be an agent of change, to use whatever small voice I have to celebrate and support the preservation of cultures other than my own. Travel keeps you humble, it forces you to see how small your version of the world really is.
