My return to the Rio Dulce

I have now been back working 2 weeks, but with a twist. I had made arrangements to return to Casa Guatemala to help with the administration of the orphanage.. Yet on my second day of commuting I was asked if I would be interested in another project opportunity. Now I am working on both projects each 2-3 days a week.

The second project is the planning for a major eco and cultural festival for the Rio Dulce area of Guatemala. It will be a 3 day festival in October held in the Castillo de San Felipe. I am helping a group called CAT Rio Dulce, Comite Autogestion Turistica. The concept of this festival is growing in both geographic area and in actual content.

I had considered moving to Momostenango, Guatemala to work closer with the Maya elders to learn more about their culture and calendar. Now I have the opportunity to help bring Maya teachings, art, etc to the Rio Dulce area. Additionally, I am helping do some of the same for another 1 day festival in July this year.

The Rio Dulce area of Guatemala has a large concentration of Maya but there are only small pockets of people who have held on to their culture and heritage. These festivals are an opportunity to bring awareness to the Maya and the other people in the area including a large population of expats. My travels have introduced me to people who I feel can help teach various aspects of the Maya people, including the calendar.

By the way, in the past week we have had 2 earthquakes hit the Rio Dulce area. The first one last week was my first experience of an earthquake. It only registered 5.1 but it was a weird feeling sitting in a restauant that is built over the water and experience. Were these two quakes a prelude to something bigger?

Namaste,

Chac