Parish Coffee...

This past week I spent a few days in San Lucas Tolimon to meet with project coordinators with the San Lucas Mission and the head doctor of the clinic there. My meetings went well and I will be heading back to start shooting at the clinic in February. Between meetings I had some time to check out the Missions other projects one of which is coffee growing and processing. This was the first time I had seen coffee being processed and I have to say it was all very interesting. I am very grateful to the folks at the mission and the people of San Lucas for allowing me to visit them and make photos in their town. I look forward to going back very soon.

Coffee and some Mystery...

The view from my kitchen window as I was making coffee this morning. I'm heading to Lago de Atitlan (Lake Atitlan) on Tuesday to meet some contacts on a project I will be starting. Keeping my fingers crossed everything goes well with these meetings.

Taxi Driver...

Luis, is the cab driver I always call. One really cool dude. Along with a safe ride home late at night I also get some amazing conversation about everything from the state of the country to our families. If you are ever in Xela Luis's cab has a little mammoth and a penguin on the dash. He will get you to where you need to go!

Working...

After a morning meeting at Voces de Cambio I wandered to La Democracia Market my favorite market here in Xela. Its amazing how insane that place can get during market days. Today however was pretty quiet. Well quiet is a relative term. Even on "quiet" days these men and women hustle around!

Few Frames...

Bag Men...

Need a bag for all those fresh fruits and veggies you just bought at La Democracia Market? Just hunt one of these Bag Men down. For 1Q they will give you a nice new plastic bag so you can get those greens home.

in Motion...

Went to Chi Chi for a day trip this past weekend mainly stayed in the inner market shooting I love that place, not to many tourists mostly locals. Even with all the hustle and bustle of the market I found a quiet moment in the market.

Everyone Loves Chicken!

Ventured near the Terminal this evening with a friend to this wonder full Chicken truck. Great chicken! People and stray dogs love this place!

The R.E.D. Chef

Willy Barreno owner and Chef at Cafe R.E.D. If you are in Xela head to the Cafe get some good food and learn a little something about the history of Guate.

Noche...

Walked around and shot for a bit after planning for my classes presentation. And well I had to stay up for the Eclipse. Cold night!

Diablos and the Virgen...

Visited San Cristobal and San Andres Xecul today during Dia De Diablos. I think it is one of the craziest things I've ever seen.

Besides visiting with devils, today being December 12 it was the celebration of La Virgen De Guadalupe. With altars being built in the central park and Women wearing traditional clothing and little boys being dressed as Juan Diego. Strange day of stark contrasts.

Otra Mercado, Where sleeping dogs lie...

Took some time and wandered the market near the Central Park. Most of the stalls were closed but I bought a few things and caught a few nice moments.

Random Post...

After class friday I hung out with a poet friend of mine Ester Mayorga at El Balcon de Enriquez a cafe which overlooks the central park. Wonderful view at night.

Next week is the last week for my photo class. The girls projects are coming together pretty well. The past week we printed their photos so they could lay them out and edit them down and get their photos into an order they like. We are going to display the projects on the 21st of this month Projecting them on to the walls of this cafe here in Xela. Should be a great show!

La Democracia...

After hunting down a place to get prints made of my students work, I took a trip to La Democracia market today.

Market over flow...

Every first Sunday of the month the market expands into the Parque Central. You can get some pretty nice stuff in the stalls. I was almost talked into buying one of these Ukulele looking wall decorations. Good thing I didn't have any cash in my pocket.

The Brewer part 1...

After waiting for over a month my downstairs neighbor who operates a small beer brewing outfit finally got in his malts, so he can start brewing this week. The semi truck that brought the malt to the apartment building had some what of a hard time getting down the narrow streets, but eventually made it out safe and sound. I can't wait until I can try some of these beers!

This city is quiet today...

Sitting at the office this afternoon waiting for my students to arrive, I kept hearing shouting coming from the streets outside. Since I had a few minutes I wander out and realized the shouting was coming from two small bars across the street from my office. Turns out Barcelona and Real Madrid are playing each other, so Fútbol fans in Xela are watching the game, much of the city is quiet I presume for this reason. The fan in the photo was reacting to a call against Real Madrid. I would have loved to hang out and watch who won, but I had to get back to the office and finish preparing for class.

Study in iPhone #2...