In October, Facebook reminded me I spent part of 2010 in Chichicastenango, Guatemala. The reminder came as I sat at a table with other reporters at La Esquina - a trendy Guatemala City restaurant. Thus six years to the day, I was back in the country, which is an almost mystical occurrence and also very Guatemalan.
Over 20 centuries ago, what we know as Guatemala was the heart of the Mayan civilization and renowned for its magnificent art and advanced architecture, mathematics, astronomy, writing and calendar system. Traveling around the country, it's clear the ancient culture's influences endure, right down to a strange but unmistakable air of proximity to divinity.
On this visit, though, I would not spend time in Chichicastenango, the indigenous Mayan town located at 6,447 feet in the southwest Sierra Madre de Chiapas mountains. Instead, after dining at La Esquina, which serves sustainable fare sourced from local farmers and suppliers, we transferred to Flores and the Las Lagunas Boutique hotel.
Flores is located in Guatemala's northern Peten province and presents a quiet contrast to the country's southern mountains and volcanoes. The city's oldest section is located on an island on Lake Peten Itza that is connected to the mainland by a short causeway built within the last 40 years.
Our group strolled the hilly streets of several towns, looking at colorful wall murals, visiting artisan's textile shops and speaking with local weavers and craft-makers. Later, back at Casa Palopo with the volcanoes in view before a setting sun, we participated in a ceremony by a Mayan shaman, who used a traditional pyre of colored candles, flowers, incense, nuts and other natural elements to lead a prayer for our peace and well-being.
I used those moments to wish good fortune for family and friends, and reflect on my incredible luck to revisit this magnificent country exactly six years after my first visit. I couldn't help but think an ancient Mayan spirit had somehow preordained my return.
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