So what if i'm Proud. Hostal Del Lago

I guess i am a strange guy. I have spent my time on steemit writing a blog about my life yet only rarely brought up this thing that i have poured my entire existence into for the last 8 years. I have talked around it a lot, but never directly. So today i give a different kind of introduction. Today i introduce you to my hostal. Hostal Del Lago.

Maybe it is the nostalgia from currently being away, maybe it's a few stray comments from people asking why i dont talk about the hostal, maybe its because this week i discovered 2 past volunteers here on steemit and one of them wrote this to me recently, "You have created a very special little place and anyone I have spoken to who knows about Guatemala, knows about Del Lago. You have a lot of energy moving through that space" thanks for that @neeqi it made my day to hear. Or maybe it's because just as i started this post...... @limabeing contacted me and wanted to ask about bringing a crew of steemians on a retreat vacation here..... yet wanted to understand what she was asking everone to get into.... so here is a raw breakdown of what Del Lago is and what it means to me.
So i guess now is the best time to say fuck the idea of my not wanting to be a shill for my own spot here on Steemit, Fuck my Humble. This place and process has been an insane amount of work and i want to show it off finally.... P.S. you can pay to stay with STEEM!!
And while i may call it 'mine', the truth is.... it is of many. It would be nothing without the amazing people that came and imprinted a piece of themselves here. So many volunteers and some guests have had such a strong impact on this constantly developing space. I always find it amazing the various beings that come together from all over the world to find each other. For me it is nice to think of it as a magnet of good people finding good people.... in order to create long lasting bonds together. Here is a photo of one of many foreign 'found family' feasts.

There is no doubt that this Hostal would be nothing with out the beautiful smiles and hard work of the local Mayans, who cook, clean, build, guard and care for it. It is a joy to be working with such a fun and loving culture. They bring a calmness to the place, a juxtaposition to us tourists, as we each come from our fast paced lives in our ever pressured western worlds. They constantly remind and teach me and others about what is actually important in this life. Family, community, faith, tolerance, patience and a realization that material possessions are not the key to happiness. Here you have a playful shot in the kitchen and several of us at our wedding last year.


Yet of course it would also be nothing with out me, my wife, and perhaps mostly our kids who were the real motivation for making it happen. As both Sarah and i were world vagabonds confronted with the reality of parenthood. Hostal Del Lago became our vehicle for settling, while still letting the spirit of travel to pass through our now stable-ish existence.

Now let us begin a little tour. Not complete....but a glimpse into the day to day of Del Lago.
And so it is best to start with the heart.

This platform was one of our first major constructions. Built out over the lake...it was our learning space. A place for all the workshops that folks wanted to think up. It was built with a dying cedar tree that i lamented cutting down but was happy to use in this powerful spot. We have a yoga collective that teaches 2 daily classes. The 7:30 and 9:00 am yoga classes happen 365 days a year and are set.....while anyone can come and offer there skills to the weekly line up that are available throughout the rest of the day. Interaction and community has always been a driving force behind the creation of Del Lago. For me this learning space is an anchor to the spirit we try to hold.

And now the Fire.

I have always felt fire brings us together...a great equalizer. Some primal part of us feels at ease staring into a fire. The fire pit has changed locations many times...but was ever present. Our weekly drum circle is facilitated by Thor...a man who lives and breathes drums.

Now... how bout a few shots of the cafe and venue.

Here we dance, talk, eat and create. How many hearts, hugs, bites and ideas have been shared here. Bare footed and bare soul'd we meet in this space. It is a bubble of dreams. Some say it is not the real Guatemala. Maybe it is not, but it is in Guatemala and can be real amazing at times. From day 1 i have said....'i never want this place to stink of money, Del Lago will never Scare the Money!' For me it is a melting pot, a second home, a comfort zone.

Wanna learn spanish?

At Español Del Lago we boast dynamic daily classes. Private and Groups accommodated. While most spanish schools demand rigid long term courses...we provide flexibility to the uncertainty of many a traveler.

Maybe you are here to relax or learn?

Our Spa and treatment center is called the Health Peak. With 3 to 5 trained therapists at any given time...you are sure to find a treatment catered to your needs. From floating on hot water massages, to Thai, to Swedish. Reflexology, facials, Reiki, meditation, and aromatherapy. Whether looking for a treatment or a workshop...the Health Peak is here to pamper and learn.

I'm more interested in Art than our rooms...so let me show you a few murals painted on the rooms by local Mayan Artists.

Our rooms are affordable... i could post a bunch of pictures...but our hostal is more about the space...the rooms are where you throw your bag and crash. If you seek luxury...maybe a neighboring hotel here in San Marcos would fit better, you will always be welcome to come enjoy the space all the same. What we provide is basic sleeping with perks. Free water, a real deal breakfast, communal kitchen, wifi, nightly sauna and gas powered showers... (that many places don't provide at a higher price)
Something I like to say is, 'come with your dreams...not your expectations.'
For 10- 20$ a night....we ride the wave of fair....those that don't like it...are more than welcome to bitch on TripAdvisor ...with the rest of the lame needy fucks that should have stayed in their perfect countries! Haha...just kidding kinda....you can always pamper yourself elsewhere and come to ours for some live music and community. Our Sauna is lit nightly...and there is nothing quite like baking oneself and then plunging into the lake and floating while staring up at the stars, for me this moment...looking up into that great sparkling universe....this is when I say fuck ya...this is what life is all about.... or at least a part of it.
Here is a video that was given as a surprise gift by one of these wild amazing volunteers that somehow keep finding us. Thanks SamWhere!

So i leave you with a few shots from our new dock. Here is where the sun bakes us during the day...and becomes magic as it meets the night. Big Love Always from The Butt of Del Lago.


We invite you to come enJoy the Joy!

What you see is original writing and original photos of the Original Hostal Del Lago, San Marcos la Laguna, Guatemala. Special thanks to Alex and @lavidaesunviaje who are the current managers at Del Lago.... while our family rests on a much appreciated vacation. They provided several of these photos and more so are our saviors during our time away.