Being a designer, I am always looking for inspiration to use on future projects.  Beau always laughs at me when I walk into a hotel and flip over chairs to see who the manufacturer is and if I know them (a habit I picked up from my design mentor).  So I was very excited to come to Guatemala to see their textiles.  Some of you may have worn Guatemalatecos belts or purses in the late 80s – early 90s.  I know I was sporting them!  You can still find them here, just in case the trend comes back. There are tons of beautiful traditional textiles at your finger tips in the markets.  The textiles are beautifully crafted and very colorful.  Beau and I also stumbled upon a store on 5th Avenue just up from the square.  They have taken the traditional skills and bright colors in a more contemporary direction.  The store sells bolts of fabric, linens and hammocks that are in line with the trends of todays marketplace. We thought this was a good adaption of local skills and traditions.