PANAJACHEL
LIGHTS OUT
Panajachel in the dark at the ferry dock is a confusing experience for the weary traveler. Being more than twenty-four hours behind schedule and missing the hotel booking the night before, spending as little time at the ferry dock had become a priority. We had also missed the opening ceremony and the entire first day of Winter Solstice Festival at the Eagle’s Nest. A private ferry was the only reasonable option at this point. Fortunately we were able to get a private ferry at 9:30pm to bring us to San Marcos. Granted, it was costly Q$250 (which I learned later that was Q$100 less than usual), but we were in our way.
While awaiting the private ferry, we saw the variety of shops along the street leading to the ferry dock. Some were open obviously hoping to catch the last opportunity to make a sale. Most of the shops had closed for the night, probably knowing that at 9:30pm on a Monday night would be less than satisfactory. I would venture back a few days later to absorb the culture and to check into a finca I had rented for the holiday.
Lake Atitlán happen to be relatively calm that night and the ferry was only a 15 minute ride from Panajachel to San Marcos. Upon arrival the boat captain slyly attempted to adjust the price to Q$350, which we asserted was Q$100 more than agreed prior to leaving the ferry dock.
HOLIDAY AT PANAJACHEL
Prior to leaving the USA, I had rented a two-bedroom farm house near Panajachel. The farm house was west of downtown Panajachel in Solola by approximately one and one-half kilometers (a 20 to 25 minutes walk) to anything in Panajachel. This town is home to a variety of people including local cultures and ex-patriots from across the globe. Due to the amalgamation of foreigners, one will find many shops and restaurants boasting goods and services at several locations.
Check in at the finca was one day following the conclusion of Winter Solstice Festival at the Eagle’s Nest in San Marcos la Laguna, Lake Atitlán, Guatemala. I opted to spend one more night with Daniel “El Suchi” Garcia and friends at his private home before arriving at the property rented from Richard Rivera.
The decision proved to be another turn in perpetuity of my recent and obvious path (thank you to one of the most amazing humans I have ever met in my life). That evening Daniel hosted a music event at Lake Atitlán Hotel Lush Garden. Artists from a variety of regions performed individually and collectively. Daniel played an excellent opening set while merging into a conglomeration of musical talent performed by David Satori (Beats Antique and Dirtwire), Kr3ature, Nikodemus, Omerar Nanda, Taches and many more talented artists and musicians.
This gathering closed and, gratefully, I had the honor to be invited to Christmas Eve dinner with these amazing humans and their families hosted by Daniel “El Suchi” Garcia. This invitation was humbly accepted before departing the following day to Panajachel to spend December 23, 2022, relaxing and finding down-time.
A great big thank you to Richard Rivera from whom the farm house was rented. Richard was very accommodating and supportive, providing very detailed information of where points of interest were located. Richard provided support with locating banks, restaurants, cell phone providers, and interpretation. This man is incredible and has a very beautiful story regarding health and expatriation. Connect with him on X and on Telegram and WhatsApp (+502 5945 7345) when you plan a trip to Panajachel.