Lake Atitlan, Panajachel, Guatemala

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Life in Guatemala A to Z: Bags

Bags, or in Spanish bolsas, are everywhere! There are beautifully crafted and woven bags of all shapes and sizes. Not just woven shoulder bags like these but also leather cases, bags the sizes of small suitcases, gorgeous designs and shapes to suit every style.

When we moved here, I deliberately brought as many of my favorite purses as I could fit in my suitcase, because I knew otherwise I'd be tempted to buy every bag I saw right off.

Because I LOVE purses! Or bags, or whatever you call them in your country, I LOVE THEM ALL. I have not yet bought a single one from these enticing stalls, but soon. Very soon.



42 comments:

  1. You have willpower! I think I would have caved by now :) and I would have had to buy one of the straw hats!

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  2. Oh! I'm so with you! But I would have started buying them and figuring out a reason why- isn't there some one with a shop back home? I like how you and I are living exotic adventures -you down south and me up north. My other non-writing blog is www.sojournerinlabrador.blogspot.com

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  3. I could not pass one of those stalls without venturing inside.

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  4. I would definitely have bought the bag with the horse on it and a couple of lively coloured ones by now....YOU know YOU want to, eh :)

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  5. Oooh! Look at all those colorful bags! I am soooo green with envy, Karen. :-)

    SittieCates

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  6. Yes, they are so fun and spirited, but my problem with switching between bags is I always forget something important. That's why my default is always my backpack.

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  7. Karen, it was so good to hear from you and it's great that you are doing the A to Z from your new home. I think your life there will be very colorful and I'm looking forward to reading about it.

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  8. I just love all the bright colors. Gorgeous!

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  9. You would love shopping with my daughter. She's always looking at bags and has dozens already.

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  10. You can never have too many purses! I love how bright and colorful those are. I don't think I could reist buying at least one for very long

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  11. SO bright and COLORFUL. You can't help but smile, seeing them.

    Have a blast and treat yourself to one, Karen. My my was a "bag" freak and I kind of took after her with my obsession/love for backpacks, briefcases, and duffles. I guess I always want to be ready for a an adventure! LOL,

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  12. I love bags - trouble is my husband says I have too many already.

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  13. what beautiful bags! and great strategy to bring a bunch so you wouldn't be tempted to buy more... but we know you will, just not as many, right? i know i couldn't resist!
    happy b day!

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  14. I'm also a purse addict! These are beautiful. :)

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  15. I have a couple of those bags I still use but I have never been there. I look forward to reading more of Guatemala
    Katy Did

    Life's Ride In Between

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  16. Hi Karen .. I think I need to come over! Aren't they gorgeous and such fun to see - and must cheer you as you shop around or just wander ...

    Is it your birthday .. if so have a very happy few days celebrating in your new home ... cheers Hilary

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  17. I've been to a few shops abroad that look like this and I want to buy everyone! Thankfully, I've only bought a few.

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  18. Aren't those bags/bolsas beautiful? I love having them to carry my stuff in. They're so much more interesting than plastic or paper.

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  19. I love bags, too. In fact, I have named myself "The Totebag Queen."

    I doubt I'd have your self-control if I lived there - I'd have to buy a couple.

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  20. I don't blame you for being tempted. Las bolsas are beautiful. Love your blog.

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  21. Those bags are so colourful! I would love to own a few like that :)

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  22. How in the world have you resisted the temptation of those bags?!?!?!? You're very strong. lol :)

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  23. Hi, Karen. Those bags are gorgeous!! I wouldn't be able to pick just one. One-of-a-kind bags are my favorite.

    Happy A to Z-ing! from Laura Marcella @ Wavy Lines

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  24. I can see my wife coming home with several of those,

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  25. I bought a few bolsas when I lived in Central America, but I only brought back one. I get compliments on it constantly!

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  26. They are beautiful. I think it's a shame that here in the USA, we give in to the whims of "fashion" and all too often lack this kind of color in our wardrobes and accessories. Thanks for sharing this! I'll definitely be back to visit again. Oh--on your bio, I love that you're a recovering exclamation point addict. lol.

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  27. Bags are balls to us..we feel so nude without them in public..says carry

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  28. I love that, "or whatever you call them in your country."

    Whatever we call them, they are so bright and pretty. Very nice. Did you ever sew your own? This is something I am looking to do for my coupon binders. Seems fun.

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  29. You are stronger than I could ever be...I would own at least a dozen by now. The colors are calling to me through your photos. Notice I did not use a single exclamation point....kind of proud of myself (see how that sentence calls for one??)

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  30. Glad you are enjoying the culture!

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  31. Those bags are gorgeous so many colors.

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  32. Colorful is the word that comes to mind, but maybe that's one for tomorrow...

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  33. It's funny - when I'm home in the states I hate to shop, but when I travel I can spend hours in markets. Congrats on your strong willpower. I am looking forward to reading more of your posts about Guatemala.

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  34. Those are really pretty bags. They've definitely got more personality than a lot of U.S. bags.

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  35. The bright colours, whether bags, clothes, pictures or whatever. This is what I remember most about Guatemala.

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  36. Looks lovely, must put it on my 'places to go' list.

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  37. Oh my goodness, I want to buy them all too! Have given this blog a shout out from my letter C post on my own A to Z post, have a great day http://rosieamber.wordpress.com/

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  38. Oh goodness, I could see the Ladyfolk going nuts over these. Actually, come to think of it, I believe she has been to Guatemala once or twice. I will have to ask...

    Those look beautifully designed. I'm shocked you have refrained for so long, or was this move very recent for you? Or you could be a compulsive liar and you actually have an entire closet full of these already! Haha It's okay... we won't judge... much :p

    Jak at The Cryton Chronicles & Dreams in the Shade of Ink

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  39. Your description reminds me of the colorful variety back in India Karen :)

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Comments are welcome!