SAN SIMON CELEBRATION

I started out the morning at Casa Contenta playing with some of the children from the Panajcahel pre-school. The wee ones have been kicked out of their pre-school for the last few days so the dental team can use it. I don't think they're complaining in the least bit since that means they can play at the park all day:)Of course I came with dum dums in tow because candy is always a hit for them and quite a treat as well!! We didn't stay there very long because Rodolfo invited us to attend the celebration of San Simon's birthday at his uncle's home. I didn't want to miss that opportunity because it's something I have never seen and it's also an honor to be welcomed into such a traditional celebration!! The altar was beautiful and I was amazed at just how many different things are offered up to San Simon. The altar was strewn with beer, cigars, money, flowers, candles and more!! It was actually very beautiful!! You're also greeted with an offering of a drink so I took the chance to try some Gallo. I'm no fan of beer for sure but I did try it and my opinion remains the same. Some gentlemen enjoyed the rest of the bottle though lol!! The party area was a big open court where we listened to a live band and was served some very delicious food!! I have to say those men in Guatemala sure know how to drink and many of the were toasted before noon!! Guess it's all in the celebration lol!!

So we left the San Simon celebration and I went off to do a little shopping in the local market with Mike before we headed off to Aleeya's birthday party! There was a nice crowd there and the kids seemed to really enjoy themselves!! Aleeya picked me and Lety to participate in a game with the clown. We had no real idea what we were going to have to do when we were handed each a balloon. Well our task was to each blow up our balloon then tie them together, place them between our foreheads and walk to this line and back again. Which ever team did this first was the winner!! Well guess what we won!! woohoo!! I won this cute little bear but I left it behind for a child in Guatemala to have. There are so many of them without toys! So after eating some birthday cake I headed to the hotel to begin packing up my things as we are set to leave in the morning:( I'm going to bed not even completely packed because I enjoyed my last night out in Panajachel by going out to supper with some friends!! What a perfect way to end the night:)













San Simon Celebration


The San Simon altar


Another view of the altar


Me and Rodolfo!! He's the one who invited us to the celebration, hosted by his family!


A Mayan woman comes to give her offering to San Simon on his birthday




Some of the crew at the San Simon celebration!




Meal served at the celebration




Mike


Enjoying


Some of the guest


more of the guest


Machine used to process corn


Corn soaking for processing


Working the river sand


Destruction remains in Pana


Man on a scaffold


Juice stand


Aleeya and the clown


The kids loved the clown!!


Aleeya picked me and Lety to participate in one of the party games!


Us with the balloons


Me and my bear that I won:)


Ilsa and Mike's turn


Mike and his prize bear!!!


Aleeya with the little girls who came to the party


Singing happy birthday to Aleeya


Inside the Circus Bar and grill in Panajachel