We are doing a walking tour with Olga and I’m straggling because of the treacherous ancient cobblestones on the streets, using my two hiking poles for balance. An indigenous woman and her sister come up from behind. She greets me in English: Hello, and welcome to Guatemala. I ask her how she learned such perfect English. She says she is a professor of linguistics at Tulane University. She hosts students in her village of Santa Maria Jesus near the volcano for six weeks each summer. They come to learn Maya. They are carrying two bundles. Eric asks if she has textiles in the bundles. No, she says, but she is part of a cooperative. I ask her is she would like to come to our hotel at five o’clock for an expoventa. Yes! She says. This is what we found when she arrived. A treasure trove of huipiles from various communities. Plus she explained the meaning of the cloth designs, and talked about the difficulties for women and girls in the culture.
Here are photos for you to enjoy. And if you want to come with us to Guatemala in 2026, send me an email.
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