Help available on alternative energy or greenbuilding project in Guatemala....

Ultimately, I would love to try homesteading here in Central America; building a cave home or earthen home to direct those activities using the vast, yet underused, natural resources, would be economical and logical.  With the added threat of near-future-extreme-weather in our daily news, it makes sense to plan a shelter that can withstand heavy rains, the baking sun, rising water levels, and public energy interruptions -- no matter what, or who, generates them. 

There are several excellent sites on construction and fine-tuning these types of "green" homes, and basically............ I've always been swept up by hobbit habitats !

I've done enough researching on the internet -- I need hands-on experience.  Having grown up with a building contractor for a father, I know enough not to jump right into building my own house with limited experience.  I am excited to learn about all aspects of construction with natural resources, with my two strong hands, alongside a more experienced greenearthbuilder willing to share his/her knowledge.

I have skills and knowledge of plants, gardens, organic composting, as well as water and soil management.  My partner is an ace woodworker and a handyman with mechanical processes. We would be interested in hearing from you and can offer more information as needed at psorensen69@msn.com !  Thanks!

Agua Azul : The most beautiful place on Earth!

Traveling from San Cristobal in Southern Mexico toward the Guatemalan border, we opted to take a few days to travel the loop up into the mountains visiting Agua Azul and Palenque.  This is really where we started seeing the indigenous (native indians) going about their daily activities in the traditional indian garb, from tending the sheep and chopping firewood for cooking, to weaving on looms just off the side of the road. 

Although their lives consist of simple, yet laborious tasks just for basic survival, central americans always seem to make time for entertainment...............(how often do you see this in the states?)

After winding up steep mountains on a good road for nearly an hour and a half, we reached a sign for our first destination: Agua Azul.  We paid a toll for the nice road, and another fee about a mile later (totalling a whopping 7.00 US for two people) before reaching what we knew must be our destination.  It was not a "park", simply a beautiful area where merchants set up booths to sell food and souvenirs to the people bussed in from the city.

Contrary to what we'd understood, there were two options for lodging onsite:  an economical group of rooms containing a bed and nightstand (with a window) sharing showers and bathrooms (15.00 US per night), and a more expensive tile floored room with multiple beds and seating for 30.00 per night.  At first, we were only shown the more expensive rooms (after all, we were tourists and so would only want the best......), but once we started walking away upon hearing the price, we were shown the other option which was adequate, and.............. looked right out onto the water! 

And what water we saw!
The translucent, turquoise carpet of water cascades down the rocks for as far as the eye can see in either direction, spilling over ledges and carving out tunnels and pools in the limestone rock.  The constant roar of churning water and rising mist create an unmistakable energy in the air: a beautiful,
pure sensation that swells your heart with respect and awe. 








Waterfalls are very nice to look at, but this is an invitation to explore  every nook and cranny that has evolved through years of water movement; an experience rather than a two dimensional picture........a chance to be in that blue lagoon from fantasy land!

There is a strong allure to be a part of the clean, cool water; walk the ledges that define the pools, dive into the white froth, immerse oneself in it's
graceful power of creation.

For some strange reason, the rocks and height fail to instill a sense of danger that one tends to feel at other natural creations of water and rock.  It's almost a soothing, tranquil embrace that expresses the positive energies of this destination, compared to the roaring, dominating, raw power of  a Niagara Falls experience.






The simple fact that people can enjoy this area with all of their senses (get into the water and scramble up the rocky faces, balance easily along the well defined pool ledges or dive into the froth from varying heights), allows an interaction with spectacular nature that is all but lost in the "more technologically advanced nations of the world" where people must be protected from themselves!  There were no guards or authorities; there were two or three signs at particularly steep drop offs where erosion had played a part in changing viewing platforms, and a roped off area that was quite safe for inexperienced swimmers and small children.  Nowhere did I see groups of people drinking and getting high before attempting a stupid maneuver designed to keep ambulances in service!

We met one Mexican jumping off the rocks; this was his first time visiting, although he didnt live far from the falls.  Hard to imagine!

The further we explored, the more waterfalls we saw.  They just went on and on..........

The great thing about outings in Mexico and Guatemala, is that the whole family joins in.  The old great grandparents are there in their swimming clothes soaking in the water next to 3 or 4 family members and their children, a multi-generational activity that men and women participate in.  There was no subtle swimming suit modeling show or personal agendas being pursued.  It was all about enjoying, by taking part in, an intoxicating natural scene, no more, no less!

Found the ropeswing!

The limestone that edges the pools and waterfalls is stable to walk on with sandals since the pH of the water discourages algae and other plantlife from growing in it.  That is one reason the water is so clear.  We did see some tiny fish, but none of any size.  Most of the pools we explored weren't very deep; some of them were only a foot deep  in most places.

It was surprising how few people we ran into  along the water, considering the number of empty busses in the parking lot.  It is very possible that many of the people bussed in were running the tamale booths and selling the handwoven fabrics that make up the indian ensemble.

There were so many areas to explore, it was easy to discover your own special pool and natural garden.

Sometimes there aren't enough words........See it Now!