Panatrillo

After a week adjusting to life in Pana, and taking some much needed Spanish classes, I headed across the lake to a town called San Pedro la Laguna. While San Pedro is only a 40 minute boat ride from Pana, it is worlds away in other aspects. San Pedro is a town of about 13,000 and is a precarious mix of Evangelical Christians and hedonistic international travelers. Needless to say this place has a vibe that is quite unique. Somehow these two seemingly disparate groups coexist in San Pedro.

*San Pedro la Laguna (from boat)

Further illustrating this dichotomy is the hostel that I stayed in. It is called Zoola and is an Israeli owned and operated hostel. Because of this, more than 80% of the rooms there were occupied by Israelis. Looming immediately next door to Zoola is one of the largest structures in San Pedro, a five-story tall Evangelical school with a mural stating “Jesus es el Senor” on one of its massive walls. Zoola is equal parts jungle garden, Amsterdam coffeeshop, and Tel Aviv. It was an amazing place to stay for two weeks (and only cost 5 bucks per night).

*Zoola

My purpose for being in such an odd city was its extremely affordable Spanish schools (of which there were many). I attended San Pedro Spanish School, the largest school in the city. It was located right on the shore of the lake, affording all students beautiful views of the Lake. My 20 hours of Spanish instruction (per week) was held from 8 am to noon and cost me $60/week. My teacher was named Nico and in addition to being extremely intelligent, he was also quite friendly.

*San Pedro Spanish School

*Nico (my Spanish teacher)

Besides affordable lodging and spanish instruction, San Pedro has excellent food and a much more interesting nightlife than Pana. I was able to meet a number of friendly travelers from all over the world, in just a few days. Also, the town affords amazing views of the Lake and of the San Pedro Volcano (which looms over the city).

*San Pedro Volcano

*Lake Atitlan (from San Pedro rocks)

I’ll finish my summary of my time in San Pedro tomorrow. Also, tomorrow one of my good friends from home Kyle Hurt comes to Guatemala. I am looking forward to seeing someone from home after having been away for two months.