My Roots in Lake Atitlán, Guatemala

Hi! My name is Beverlyn and today I will take you on a very special journey: the journey to my roots in Lake Atitlán, Guatemala.  

My story begins in the bustling City of Guatemala, where I was born and raised. My grandfather is from Santa Lucía Utatlán department of Sololá, a very cold place with a lot of breathtaking landscapes.  Every time I saw my grandfather he passed on me the pride of being from a corner of the world where is one of the most beautiful lakes in the world: The lake called Atitlán in Sololá. 

This lake is a gem of Latin America surrounded by three imposing volcanoes. More than a tourist attraction, it´s the cradle of my ancestors. One of the communities that cares for this lake is the community of Panajachel, a place full of color and life that is part of my family’s history.  In Sololá apart from the beautiful lake we all know, with its fresh crops and unique crafts, there are also very kind people, stories to tell and so much more!  

Even though I grew up in the capital I have always kept my indigenous origins very close to my heart. I love to listen to my grandparents' stories filled with wisdom and memories that connect us to our land! 

I feel that the one who keeps that connection alive is my mom. At 43 years old, my mom has become an enthusiastic visitor of Sololá. Almost every month she packs her things and heads there, where part of my grandfather's family still live. And it’s no wonder why this place steals her heart!  

Every time she goes there, all the family like to go to the Nahualá market to buy a lot of food. Then she starts cooking one of our favorite dishes in a wood-fired kitchen: patín. It’s a traditional dish prepared with red sauce and dried fish accompanied by some white tamales… oh, it is so delicious!  Another dish we all like to make is the famous caldo de pata in a very tasty broth. My mom always tells me: ¨Beverlyn, I could stay here forever.¨  She loves seeing every day all the crops around and waking up with the sound of the birds. 

Every time that I have my sessions as an Olas mom I love to talk and share about the beautiful places that Guatemala has to offer! For me it is very important to show the authenticity and the livelihoods of each of these communities and local businesses. For me each visit to Sololá is not just a trip it's an experience that enriches my understanding of my origins.

Remembering where I come from helps me to know for sure who I am.