Travel Photography > Photos taken by Derrne
Antigua, no matter how often rebuilt, was destroyed as many times by earthquakes. The remnants of these disasters remain everywhere. But they make this charming little town all the more exquisite. Wish I had had a bit more time.
This is the first of three shots of "Miguel," who became "Miguelita" once we realized she was a female--we were so concerned about her leg and the fact that she seemed to be starving that we did not check out the "equipment." Miguelita went into rescue with Myan Families and Animal Health, a nonprofit doing wonderful work in Panajachel, on the northern side of the lake. Just before I left, Selaine, the organizer, had even planned a spay and neuter clinic in Santiago Atitlan. The latest news on Miguelita is that she will be coming to me in early May. It is hard to find an adoptive home for a special needs dog, so I guess I'am that new home. Since I am already a volunteer with cocker rescue in the States, I guess it makes sense). I am looking forward to seeing her again and giving her a home in the sun where she does not have to fight the other dogs for her existance. (Wonder if I have to talk to her in Spanish?)
This is the little girl I am sponsoring through Pueblo a Pueblo. We met for the firt time this week. She is one of 6 children. The family's home was wiped out in the mudslide, but they are lucky. They still have each other.
This is the first in a series of three pictures showing the beginning of the procession. After a service at the Catholic Church on Good Friday afternoon, the casket of Jesus is carried out of the Church to begin a procession that weaves throughout the town and culminates at the Church at about 5 in the morning. The Good Friday procession is a significant event. First, arches are erected on the procession route. They are decorated with evergreen, fruit, and lights. Then the alfombras are designed and created; the procession will walk on the alfombras, destroying the marvelous designs. The Catholic lay community is heavily involved in this celebration.
This is the first of several alfombras ("carpets") that are put down on the streets along the route of the procession on Good Friday. These are amazing designs that are created, in some cases, just minutes before the procession arrives on its night long journey. Take a look at these wonderful alfombras!
Maximon, the Maya "spirit" is on hs way to meet with the Mayor of Santiago Atitlan. Then it is on to the Caltholic church, which barely tolerates him. The potestant churchs have banned him from the stage. Maximon drinks and smokes. He represents the human qualities of us all. I am glad he is still arond.
Lake Atitlan has proved to be one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. I will post several more photos of this amazing environ, the rest without comment. Suffice to say they were taken on the way to Panajachel, which is a small town on the northern side of the lake. Santiago is on the southern side. Most of the tourists arrive in Santiago by boat from Panajachel
I have been sponsoring Irma for almost a year now. For $25 a month or $300 a year, I am helping keep this girl in school. Pueblo a Pueblo is looking for sponsors for all 500 of the children of Panabaj, victims of the 2005 mudslide
199? to 2007. Jesse went to the rainbow bridge in August 2007. I had promised my self a sizable trip as a kind of consolation prize. Through Jesse, I also became involved in animal rescue, and that is where I learned about Pueblo a Pueblo, the U.S non-profit operating in Santiago Atitlan helping to get the new Hospitalito built.