Tire art in Panajachel

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Originally uploaded by lynnikins.

We enjoyed seeing this bird made from an old tire at the market in Panajachel. Rachel distinguished herself as an aggressive but cheerful barterer, making a real game out of it, and becoming adept at such techniques as add-ons and walk-aways. She insists that the sellers enjoy the exchange as much as she does, although the women tend to be more stubborn. This is the second 3rd world country Rachel has visited, so she became immediately skilled at converting quetzals to dollars (7.5 per American dollar). Mom helped us a lot with the Spanish, since Rachel and I are limited to rudimentary communication.

Panajachel is a big gringo hangout, and its market seems to reflect that--there are more clothes, for example, and the beadwork is simpler. But I think I prefer the market in Santiago, with its crafts and small vendors, and slower pace.

Here is the lady from whom I bought some woven fabric. Her name is Margareta. Notice the gold on her teeth, a favorite adornment of Mayan women in this area.