I was in Santiago the other visiting with an old supplier/friend of mine lamenting old times. Business just isn't what it was.

Miguel and his wife also sell top quality weavings from Santiago, both new and old.

I used to buy great coin purses and such from Miguel for export to Europe the US. Many enjoyable hours were spent at this very spot negotiating.

Not for the first time does it occur to me that this is what the world should see. The small accessories are fine but the best weaving of Atitlan, the weaving done for the local Mayan market is truly fantastic.

He asked me what I'm doing now and I tell him all about the internet and my site (you are looking at it). He asks if I sell guipils on the net. "Not yet" I reply "but I'd been thinking about it."

I see a guipil that particularly strikes me. He let me take pictures (the results of which you see here) but of course he wants to sell it to me. He wants too much, but not way too much. He's flexible. It is tempting. but the truth is that I need another guipil like a hole in the head.

All photos can be clicked on to see larger.