Ruth’s House For Lunch in San Antonio Aguas Calientes

Today was a special day.  Bruce and I had made arrangements to go to our friend, Ruth’s, house for lunch and to see her village and meet her family.  Before we left home Fuego was putting on a show this morning sending up puffs of smoke and some low rumblings.

We began our day by spending some time in Central Park.  The trees are in bloom and they are a vivid lilac color.  Cast against the volcano as backdrop the park is vibrant and colorful.

Our trip by cab to San Antonio Agua Caliente was about 20 minutes.  It is what we would call a suburb in the U.S.  Ruth introduced us to our two sons Mateo and Jose.

We also met Ruth’s daughter but she quickly passed through in her school clothes.  Ruth’s mother set up her backstrap loom and began demonstrating the weaving technique.  Ruth and her mother offer classes in this technique.

Ruth showed me a collection of belts that she made.  Some things are woven.  Some are embroiled.  Ruth showed me the difference between machine made and hand made garments.  The hand made garments can take up to six months to complete.  Some designs are more intricate then others.

Ruth made the top she is holding up.  And now it is mine.  I love the subtle colors in this top and the bottom is a light cotton material.

Many of the tops are colorful.  The birds are a motif used by the weavers from San Antonio Aguas Calientes.

Ruth and her mother also weave beautiful scarves, table runners and blankets.  Weaving is a disappearing art form but in Ruth’s family it has been passed down through the generations.  Ruth helps support her family by  selling these lovely pieces at Central Park during the week and the Weavers Market on Saturdays in Antigua.

We had a delicious Guatemalan lunch, pepian, prepared by Ruth’s mother and aunt.  Ruth and her mother also offer Guatemalan cooking classes at their home.

It was a wonderful afternoon spent at our friend Ruth’s tranquil home surrounded by her loving family.