Went back to the Clinic in San Lucas this past week. I reminded myself to pull back and soak in the environment of the community and not just let myself get sucked into the activity directly at the clinic. Sometimes you really have to return to basics and remember to cover everything possible that can help a story along. Great trip I'm happy with my take. Now back to editing the story together.
Got up and headed to Almolonga this morning for what I heard was going to be a very different kind of procession than what I had been shooting this past week here in Xela. Well turns out I was mislead and the processions in this small farming town were on Thursday and Friday. Since I was out there I wandered around the town which here in Guate is know as the "Garden of the Americas." Much of the produce grown here is on small family plots with vegetables growing year around, which is sold and eaten all over Central America.
As I was wandering to the outer edges of Almolonga I ended up on a small dirt path between farm plots. Walking along this path I heard someone behind me calling to me. I turned around and found a farmer asking me to take his photo, after a few minutes of awkwardly navigating the field he was working in I introduced myself to Bartholmu or as he said "Bartholmu de Almolonga." We chat for bit, I snapped a few portraits after which he continued to tend his crop.
One one hand I missed some cool and different processions, but on the other I was able to explore this interesting town for the morning. All in all I think todays little misadventure was a good one. And hey not only did I meet a few very cool people but I found out how much it would have cost to use the baño's at the market, something thats always good to know.
As incense burns around the Processional floats Tuesday night, crowds gathered in Quetzaltenago's central park to observe the Procession of Jesus De La Paciencia. The procession is one of many that will take place during Semana Santa or Holy Week in Guatemala, which runs from Palm Sunday to Holy Saturday.
Had to jump over the line and head into Mexico again for a Guate visa extension. Camera gear wise I went light camera body and a 35mm lens. A good time was had!
This time of the year in Xela, processions are all over the place. I'm sure Semana Santa will be fun!
