Another synchronicity on this daytrip to San Marcos -- I heard about a traditional Mayan wedding ceremony that was happening up on the sacred hill above town. I had heard the live marimba band from down by the lakeshore and wondered what was up... An elderly local Mayan lady who was also climbing the hill to sell veggies at the hostel encouraged me to go up and check it out, indicating it was alright to "crash" the wedding.
I walked over to the sacred hill, and grunted my way up. It's quite steep. Along the way I passed a hostel called "Xamaanik," which is pronounced like we say "shamanic." I checked it out and loved the location and look of the place, so I made a reservation for 3 nights after I'm done Spanish school in San Pedro.
By the time I got up to the hilltop the ceremony was finished, the sacred fire was smoldering ashes, the Mayan men officiating were milling about chatting with eachother, and the guests and married couple were eating tamales. Tamales are a traditional food for special occasions, consisting of corn meal cooked in meat juices, a piece of pre-cooked pork or chicken tucked within the corn, plus always a raisin, then all of it wrapped in a green banana leaf then steamed.
I felt like an intruder cuz I didn't know anyone there, so I slipped away to find a spot to sit and enjoy the view across the lake and eat my packed lunch, while listening to the band still playing for the wedding guests.
