"Life at the Waldorf" San Juan Cotzal Travelogue by Ken_Weaver

San Juan Cotzal Travel Guide: 17 reviews and 28 photos

This is where we wash our clothes. The large basin in the middle is kept full and is the source for your individual wash area to the right or left. Never let the soapy water enter the middle portion! We used the red pans to dip water and put it in the side basins. The soapy water then drains out to the sewer. All clothes washing is done with cold water. The clothes then hang on the lines for up to three days...it is very humid here. No electric clothes dryers on the property!

One day as I was washing my clothes I heard laughing and giggling and look up to see a group of local women who were amused that a man would be doing this task....in this culture apparently this is just a woman's job......then again ....maybe my scrubbing technique was not up to their standards!

View of the Compound

As I mentioned clothes are air dried. Here is a view of the compound and the surrounding community.

The Veranda

Beautiful Red Tile Floor

We spent our evenings on this large porch. This was our social area for comparing experiences, singing at evening devotionals or just dodging giant moths and grasshoppers that were attracted by the light.

Dinner at Alma's House

Our team would eat dinner each night at the home of an ex-nun. Not only did she provide meals for teams staying at the Waldorf, but she also provided a home for six orphans. She had been principal of the grade school and was the town scribe for writing up documents.

View from the Veranda

Waiting for the Bus

Ixil women talking outside of the Waldorf. Note that the women all wear native attire but the men and boys wear Western style clothing.

Page Updated Dec 29, 2002
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Written Aug 15, 2003

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Reviews (17)

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Comments (22)

upesnlwc Feb 1, 2006 at 1:12 PM Report Abuse

A friend of mine is in San Juan Cotzal with the Peace Corps, so your page has been my only real way to imagine the conditions in which he lives. Thank you so much for sharing!!
Hermanater Jan 4, 2006 at 11:13 AM Report Abuse

Great job on you pages....Happy Birthday
ombre Feb 6, 2005 at 9:17 PM Report Abuse

really different page to many on vt. cool spot you saw ken . and wicked page . does a big chin mean better directions ???
vaticanus Nov 3, 2003 at 5:04 PM Report Abuse

Lots and lots of interesting photos and tips.
herzog63 Oct 7, 2003 at 8:22 AM Report Abuse

Your local customs tips are invaluable!! Don't want to offend the locals!! Fantastic people photos Ken! You've really captured the soul of the area!!
Annapet May 1, 2003 at 1:02 PM Report Abuse

There's someting about pouting, Ken. It works for me...Syl, let's do a thing on "The Art of Pouting."
zrim Apr 25, 2003 at 8:04 PM Report Abuse

What can I say Ken....great photos of the people. So interesting to see people from different cultures.
syllybabe Apr 23, 2003 at 8:46 PM Report Abuse

Whoa! A litle girl who pouts as well as I do. Beautiful little girls do that, ya know, Ken ;-p Maria is perfect as poster girl. They beckon with their chin? We beckon by pointing with puckered lips here.
Madasabull Feb 21, 2003 at 11:23 AM Report Abuse

"the mass genocide that was committed on the indigenous people of Guatemala" It really makes you think how nasty some people can be. Great page.
d_d Feb 7, 2003 at 1:51 PM Report Abuse

It's a really interesting page :)