Along with a group of other senior missionaries, I had the opportunity to go to Chichicastenango. I had heard so much about the market there and decided I could not pass up the opportunity. So, off we went at 5:30 a.m. to avoid some traffic and travel about 3 hours.
We drove through small towns, around diesel exhausting buses, and winding up s curved roads to about 7,000 feet. The trip up was worth it!
The 'Chichi' market is described as the heart of Mayan life. It is known throughout Guatemala as a must see. It is that and more. The market is a conglomeration of local and sellers from all around Guatemala selling their wares. Yes, it is a tourist trap...an amazing one at that.
Our first stop...the pig market! I felt sorry for one pig. They had tagged him and were pulling him to his buyer. I swear that pig knew what was happening. He was wailing and tugging with all his might trying to escape his doom.
There is color and activity everywhere...so much that it is almost too much for the senses to assimilate. If you love to shop and/or watch people, this market is for you! The night before, the sellers set up and are squeezed in so tight it is almost like one endless procession of sellers. The people selling can be quite aggressive. If you are not interested in something, do not pause, stop, or touch. Otherwise, they will follow you forever. I paused, stopped, touched, and asked about a weaving. She followed me everywhere! I kept saying no because I had just gotten there and wanted to see ALL my options. (That is a woman's thing, right?) Well, she followed me for at least an hour. The price kept going down, but I had not seen it all. She finally gave up, BUT later I decided I wanted the weaving but could not find her. Yes, I was looking for her. Funny, huh?
Before we left, we had lunch at a "typica" restaurant with a lovely garden and birds. The waiters were dressed in Mayan dress. Look closely and you can see the designs on the pants.
