While traveling, one of my favorite traditions is placing items on top of the head. It's quite special with the women of Guatemala as they use nothing to hold it onto the head rather than their own balance.
In Panajachel, everything goes on the head, jewelry, clothing, food- on the head. The weight can be anywhere from 15 to 30 pounds. In the market, I asked one of my friends, Ana, if I could try it( This is really where the video camera would come in if I brought it). I had everyone laughing as I thought I could do it, but it turns out I only made it a few steps. I was definitely better at it in India, but clearly I had no skills this time. No points scored for American on that one. It proves to be a hard task and a laborious one for the women of Guatemala who are older in their 50s and 60s. They are selling all day from 7am to 8 or 9 pm no matter how tired they get.
One day I had an encounter with a very tired Mayan women. . The sun was setting with not many people around except the boat that had just docked. She had her basket off her head and she presented a bracelet in front of me lazily. It was clearly that it was the end of the day for her and she was tired. She said that the basket is too heavy.
One day I had an encounter with a very tired Mayan women. . The sun was setting with not many people around except the boat that had just docked. She had her basket off her head and she presented a bracelet in front of me lazily. It was clearly that it was the end of the day for her and she was tired. She said that the basket is too heavy.
All the people were leaving the boat and I encouraged her to get out there and sell. It was her last sell for the day and then she could go home. She said, "Okay" and headed down to the dock. I sat above giving her some positive encouragement.
Unfortunately, I could not carry her stuff on my head, but some encouragement at least got her up to bat in the last inning.
There is unlimited beauty in acknowledgement, encouragement, and empowerment. PRIS
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