A lighter side of life. This is my hostel in San Pedro la Laguna. It's locally run, but word on the expat trail is that the guy (foreigner) that owned it died and the folks that owned the land took it over. Now the locals get paid less that work there. There's also word that the family owns the block but won't hire anyone outside of the family. Greed and guilt are two words very common around here. 
Jarachik means dream in Tzutuhil, the local dialect.
You enter via their lovely restaurant full of lush greens and flowers.
This is where I sit a lot. On a bar stool talking to the folks that work here. It's good for my Spanish and they are delightful. It seems that they are just as delighted to chat as I am. Perfect!
At night the tables light up with candles and string lights surround the gardens.
If it's not raining, a little bonfire is made. And the food is delicious. The green and mango curry are my favorites. Two thumbs up for the women in the kitchen...cause only women are allowed in the kitchen.
This is my room. It's quaint...and still hasn't quite dried out from the hurricane. If you notice the black mold above the window in the upper right of the photos...funk is in the air. It could be much worse!
Besides the awesome restaurant and hang out area out front, the rooftop terrace is also a bonus of this place. With little plants and a view of the lake, it doesn't get much better than this.
Equipped with chairs, a table and candles at night. Yes, it's totally legit to order from the bar/restaurant and then take it up to the roof.
You might be saying, "what the heck is that?" It's also what accompanies most gringo places around here...a wine bottle filled with cigarette butts. Ah, tourists!
A view of rooftop life here...extremely important for drying clothes, washing, and storing stuff.
This is the house right beside Jarachik...a pile of miscellaneous junk, which can always...perhaps find a use in the future. Terraces are my favorite. You get a whole new perspective on life.
Cheers!
The former owner of Jarachic, Mark, paid his employees some of the BEST wages in San Pedro. The current employees are paid about half of what Mark paid. He was part of their family and they were part of his. Please amend your post and show some respect for the dead.
ReplyDeleteDennis, thanks for setting me straight. It certainly takes awhile to start hearing the politics in places, but in small places, it spreads quickly...and I totally understand that the economny would be hurting without foreigners coming in opening business and hiring locals. I in no way intended to disrespect Marc or his memory.
ReplyDeleteI think it's also important to remember that expats are not locals...and yes, that is my opinion.