Almolonga to Zunil

I was able to check out a few Mayan towns the previous weekend, Almolonga is situated in a deep valley famous for their produce and ability to grow fresh veggies. The guide book said it would be the biggest carrots you have ever seen, and I couldn’t quite believe it.

The valley is very fertile and because of underground waters and steam they have rich soil and water all year long, but the farmers here refuse to install irrigation lines and instead still make ditches that fill with water and then scoop up the water with a shovel and toss it on the veggies.















Next onto Zunil, here it is evident the mixing of Catholicism and Mayan traditions. When the
Spanish came and imposed Catholicism on the Mayans, they had to find a way to keep their traditions and rituals alive, so they integrated them into their version of Catholicism. Some can be interesting, particularly San Simon. He was originally an idol/god from the Mayan tradition, but they called him Saint Simon and all was ok. Sam Simon is rotated on a yearly basis to different peoples houses, he has suits, including tuxedos a variety of cowboy boots and honestly looked to me like a female mannequin dressed up to look like Michael Jackson. He has some Elvis glasses and painted on sideburns, and you can pour liquor down hi throat (they later collect the ‘bodies water’ and sell it as holy water) In addition he smokes and has a tray that collect his ashes which are also sold. Every night he is put into his own bed, in his own room where he has a closet full of clothes. Oh and he has a man purse that you put money into. I try and be very respectful of different cultures and religions, but I had to restrain myself from laughing, seeing grown men light cigarettes for this mannequin and the tarot card player hanging out in the corner. Very interesting...I think this picture of Sarah and shows my skepticism (and lack of a poker face)