Chichicastenango is in the throes of the annual fair--celebrating Santo Tomas, the patron saint of of the town. People here are very proud of this guy and almost every family has a relative or three named Tomas! Anyway, we live about a mile away from downtown and can hear the live music and festivities here in the house. Each day this week, there has been something big, like a parade or dance of characters or a band playing. One of the popular bands in this area is the International Rabbits--they area mix of marimba and what we call pop ranchero (Guatemala's country music). They are actually pretty good if you like that sort of thing.
Also, because of the fair and Christmas, all of the streets have been full of vendors just like on regular market day, but, the city also decided to repave one of the major streets in town, so now the traffic is even more fun than ever. It's kind of a free for all, for this one (narrow and curved) street that goes through town. Until the police start work (about 8:30 am) everything jams up at the midway point on this one street and everyone sits there resolute not to back up and let anyone pass--good stuff! Your only hope is to get behind a bus, whose assistant works his way up and starts directing traffic with the other bus assistants until there is a break. THE FAIR IS OVER TOMORROW!
We headed to Mexico yesterday to get our visas renewed and do a little shopping at Sam's Club. Now we are back home safe and sound. This method visa renewal is common among American who live here, because the residency process is a long one. But, we are thinking about doing that next year when we can get back to the States and get our letter of clearance from the local police department and banks. The upside is, you are considered "legal" while in process of getting your residency visa. Until then, we will keep making our run to the border, taking advantage of good mexican food and discount warehouse shopping! We are here for Christmas this year, but are enjoying a visit from Kemmel's mom Roberta and her husband Duane who get here Monday! It will be a good week.
Well, Merry Christmas everyone,
God bless.
Also, because of the fair and Christmas, all of the streets have been full of vendors just like on regular market day, but, the city also decided to repave one of the major streets in town, so now the traffic is even more fun than ever. It's kind of a free for all, for this one (narrow and curved) street that goes through town. Until the police start work (about 8:30 am) everything jams up at the midway point on this one street and everyone sits there resolute not to back up and let anyone pass--good stuff! Your only hope is to get behind a bus, whose assistant works his way up and starts directing traffic with the other bus assistants until there is a break. THE FAIR IS OVER TOMORROW!
We headed to Mexico yesterday to get our visas renewed and do a little shopping at Sam's Club. Now we are back home safe and sound. This method visa renewal is common among American who live here, because the residency process is a long one. But, we are thinking about doing that next year when we can get back to the States and get our letter of clearance from the local police department and banks. The upside is, you are considered "legal" while in process of getting your residency visa. Until then, we will keep making our run to the border, taking advantage of good mexican food and discount warehouse shopping! We are here for Christmas this year, but are enjoying a visit from Kemmel's mom Roberta and her husband Duane who get here Monday! It will be a good week.
Well, Merry Christmas everyone,
God bless.
1 comment:
Merry Christmas from the Tryggestads (Erik, Jeanie and, coming around Jan. 16, Maggie)
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