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ith its gorgeous views of Lake Atitlan, conventional Mayan markets and wealth of eating places, there are such a lot of issues to do in Panajachel, Guatemala you’ll be tempted to remain for a lifetime.
Over the previous 25 years, my Guatemala-born husband and I’ve spent a number of time in Panajachel. It’s my favorite place to go to flee the warmth of the lowlands.
Positioned within the division of Sololá, a 2.5 hour drive by automobile from Guatemala Metropolis, it’s a preferred day journey vacation spot for locals and guests alike.
However in case you’ve acquired one-week (or longer) in your Guatemala itinerary, Panajachel additionally makes an awesome base for explorations.
With a inhabitants of round 15,000 individuals, it’s sufficiently small to have the ability to stroll to facilities resembling banks, ATMs, supermarkets, eating places and ferry docks.
It’s additionally a hub for transportation, providing quick access for excursions of Maya villages, volcanoes for climbing, mountaineering trails and different Lake Atitlan points of interest.
By staying in Panajachel reasonably than San Pedro la Laguna or different villages on Lake Atitlan, you keep away from having to take a ship each time you need to go exploring.
And it’s attractive!
Right here’s our information to the very best accommodations, excursions, Spanish language faculties, eating places, points of interest and finest issues to do in Panajachel, Lake Atitlan, Guatemala.
Find out how to Pronounce Panajachel
First, it’s vital to have the ability to pronounce the identify of this city! The pronunciation is “Pan – a – ha – CHEL” with the emphasis on the final syllable.
Amongst locals, it’s typically abbreviated and simply referred to as “Pana” Guatemala for brief.
What Panajachel and Lake Atitlan are Recognized For
One of many issues Panajachel is finest identified for is its serene magnificence. It’s well-known for its location on the shores of teardrop-shaped Lake Atitlan set amongst a necklace of volcanoes within the Sierra Madre Sur mountains.
In his 1934 ebook, Past the Mexique Bay, Aldous Huxley in contrast Lake Atitlan to Italy’s Lake Como. And German explorer Alexander von Humboldt referred to as it “essentially the most lovely lake on this planet.”
Panajachel Climate – Land of Everlasting Spring
One other one of many most important points of interest in Panajachel is its climate. The altitude of Panajachel is 1,562 metres above sea degree. This implies it enjoys spring-like climate year-round. The wet season is from Could to October.
In contrast to the sweltering lowlands of Zacapa (the place my husband is from) or the humid rainforest of the Peten area (the place I acquired dengue fever), the cities round Lake Atitlan, together with Panajachel, have a cushty and temperate local weather.
Whereas the whole nation of Guatemala is named the land of everlasting spring, the cities round Lake Atitlan actually do have essentially the most nice local weather.
Security in Panajachel
Panajachel can also be one of many most secure locations to go to in Guatemala. I’ve lived in Panajachel for a number of months at a time and by no means felt unsafe when venturing out solo.
However it’s value studying these security ideas for journey in Guatemala and Central America earlier than you go.
One more reason to go to Panajachel is that, in accordance with Guatemala’s nationwide newspaper Prensa Libre, there have been no circumstances of zika.
That is the virus transmitted by the chunk of the Aedes Aegypti and Aedes Albopictus mosquito, the identical sort that additionally carries dengue and chikungunya.
🌟 Professional Tip: Learn extra at 12 Tricks to Keep away from Getting Bitten by Mosquitos.
Can You Swim in Lake Atitlán?
For those who have a look at a map of Guatemala and see the scale of Lake Atitlán, you is perhaps tempted to suppose it’s a prime spot to go swimming.
Sadly, there are few seashores and the lake comprises cyanobacteria. This poisonous pressure of aquatic micro organism can have an effect on the liver, kidneys, central nervous system and pores and skin of each people and animals.
Luckily authorities are taking steps to regulate blooms of the blue-green algae, rising water ranges and cut back contamination by untreated sewage and agricultural fertilizers used within the farms surrounding Lake Atitlán.
However studies by monitoring businesses such because the Authority for the Sustainable Administration of the Lake Basin of Atitlán and its Environment (AMSCLAE) point out that Lake Atitlán nonetheless has issues with air pollution.
Gastroenteritis is the most typical sickness related to swimming in waters polluted by untreated sewage. Eye, ear and throat infections are additionally a risk.
Though youngsters, the aged and other people with weakened immune techniques are these more than likely to be affected, anybody is in danger.
So, though many individuals do swim right here, I don’t suggest swimming in Lake Atitlán.
17 Prime Issues to Do in Panajachel and Lake Atitlán
1. Research Spanish at a Spanish Language College
Panajachel is thought for its welcoming neighborhood, making it straightforward for college students to apply Spanish with locals in on a regular basis conditions.
Each of the primary language faculties in Panajachel supply immersive packages, combining classroom instruction with cultural actions and homestays with native households.
This not solely helps you study the language sooner but additionally provides you a deeper appreciation of Guatemalan tradition and traditions.
The spring like local weather in Panajachel makes it particularly comfy for taking lessons open air. I studied Spanish for greater than a month at Jardín de America, Spanish College in Panajachel. There’s nothing fairly as fantastic as being surrounded by flowers and recent lake breezes when mastering verb conjugations!
Dwelling and finding out Spanish in Panajachel can also be extra reasonably priced than finding out Spanish in Antigua or Oaxaca Metropolis. This makes it a prime vacation spot for college students in search of high quality training on a finances.
With dependable WiFi, Panajachel is among the hottest locations for digital nomads in Central America.
🌟 Professional Tip: For safe cell knowledge in Guatemala, I like to recommend utilizing the Airalo International eSIM for travellers. You’ll be able to keep linked at very reasonably priced charges.
Verify charges for native and regional eSIMS at Airalo.com.
2. Commune with Nature (or Go Ziplining) at Atitlan Nature Reserve
Set on the outskirts of Panajachel (Google Map), the Reserva Pure Atitlán affords an exhilarating t mix of eco-adventure and wonder. It’s a prime attraction in Panajachel for nature fans, adrenaline seekers and household travellers.
Start your day with a hike alongside the reserve’s trails lined with cascading waterfalls, suspension bridges, bamboo forest, palm bushes and luxurious vegetation. You see monkeys, tropical birds, rivers, steep cliffs and a seaside.
For an adrenaline rush, soar (or pedal) throughout the tree cover on a sequence of zip traces and bike cables. You’ll get pleasure from aerial views of the forest and shimmering Lake Atitlán alongside the best way.
Additionally don’t miss the mariposaria (butterfly sanctuary) and academic reveals on the customer heart.
The park is open from 8 am to five pm. However in case you’re actually eager you’ll be able to in a single day in a jungle bungalow.
For those who in a single day right here, you’ll want transportation (tuk tuk or taxi) into Panajachel. However nothing beats the expertise of falling asleep to the sound of hooting owls, peeping tree frogs and different wildlife.
Ebook a Ziplining Tour (with resort pick-up) on the Atitlan Nature Reserve on Viator.com
3. Stroll Panajachel’s Boardwalk and Promenade
Visiting Panajachel is among the prime issues to do in Guatemala. Whereas it will get a good bit of criticism for being touristy and stuffed with distributors promoting low-cost items, the actual fact is it does have a number of engaging pedestrian zones.
In my expertise, so long as you keep away from main holidays, you’ll be able to typically have whole streets to your self.
The primary avenue of Calle Santander is lined with cafes, boutiques and eating places all the best way to the waterfront.
4. Go Kayaking and Climbing in Panajachel
A novel technique to expertise the fantastic thing about Lake Atitlán is with a full-day or half-day tour combining mountaineering and kayaking alongside its picturesque shores.
Not solely will you’ve got the chance to go to villages close to Panajachel the place native farmers domesticate their espresso crops however you’ll witness fishermen in conventional hand-carved boats as you glide throughout the lake in a kayak.
For these in search of an additional thrill, cliff leaping is an possibility.
Verify charges and availability of a Kayaking and Climbing Tour on Viator.com.
5. Study About Cacao in a Fingers-on Chocolate Workshop
A novel factor to do in Panajachel is to take a cacao workshop on the Casa del Chocolate Artesenal on Calle Santander (Google Map).
The knowledgable employees present guests with an immersive journey into historic Mayan chocolate traditions, together with the historical past and cultural significance of cacao in Mesoamerican societies.
You’ll get pleasure from hands-on enjoyable like grinding cacao beans with conventional stone instruments and studying the fundamentals of crafting pure, artisanal chocolate.
The workshop additionally contains tastings of varied cacao merchandise, highlighting the bean-to-bar course of.
For those who don’t have time for a full session, the store is filled with a spread of merchandise from 70% cacao bars to rum. It’s the perfect place to purchase tasty souvenirs of Panajachel.
6. Take pleasure in a Resort Day Cross in Panajachel
For those who’d prefer to go swimming in Panajachel and aren’t eager on swimming within the lake, it’s attainable to get a resort day go to a luxurious resort with a swimming pool at an inexpensive charge.
Take pleasure in pool loungers, a buffet lunch and calm down poolside views of Lake Atitlan. Get particulars in how you can get a Lodge Day Cross in Panajachel.
7. Discover the Maya Villages round Lake Atitlan
The Maya indigenous individuals make up 51 per cent of the nationwide inhabitants in Guatemala. Solola is the center of the Maya world so you’ll be able to count on to see locals wearing conventional clothes.
Their clothes is woven on backstrap looms and is created in a rainbow of lovely colors and patterns distinctive to every village.
Particular ceremonial costume is worn for the various events, occasions and holidays in Guatemala when it’s attainable to see conventional dances carried out.
There are two piers in Panajachel providing service by lanchas (small boats) to the varied villages surrounding the lake. You can too take organized excursions of Lake Atitlan visiting San Pedro La Laguna, Santiago Atitlan and San Antonio Palopo.
The pier on the finish of Calle Rancho Grande is for boats leaving for Santa Catarina, San Antonio, San Lucas, Santiago Atitlan distances vary from and excursions of the lake.
The pier on the finish of Calle de Embarcadero is for departures to Santa Cruz, Jaibalio, Tzunana and San Marcos.
One other widespread technique to go to a Mayan village is to take a guided ATV Tour to Santa Catarina and San Jorge.
8. Study concerning the Mayan Genocide in Santiago Atitlan
The most effective issues to do in Panajachel is to coach your self concerning the injustices and persecution of the Maya individuals. A superb place to start is within the city of Santiago Atitlán on the shores of Lake Atitlan.
Dwelling to the Tz’utujil Maya individuals and surrounded by the volcanoes San Pedro, San Lucas Toliman and Atitlan, it’s considered one of 12 pueblos named for the apostles.
Santiago Atitlan is very notable because it was the location of some of the vital occasions of the civil conflict in Guatemala within the late Seventies and Eighties.
On July 28, 1981, Stanley Francis Rother, a priest from Oklahoma, was murdered in Santiago Atitlan, considered one of many killed as a part of the armed battle between army forces and the Maya individuals.
On Dec. 2, 2016, Pope Francis formally acknowledged Father Rother as a martyr for the Catholic religion. Blessed Father Rother is the primary U.S. born martyr of the Catholic religion. His feast day — July 28 — is similar day as his martyrdom.
One other vital occasion occurred on December 1990. That’s when the Guatemalan military fired automated weapons on an unarmed crowd of Tzutujil Mayas on the shores of Lake Atitlan, killing 14 individuals. The bloodbath prompted worldwide outrage and criticism.
At present, there are a number of vital plaques and peace memorials to Blessed Stanley Rother and the bloodbath in Santiago Atitlan.
9. Pattern Regional Guatemalan Delicacies
The out of doors avenue market in Santiago Atitlán can also be prime spot to scout out conventional Guatemalan meals resembling avocados, watermelon and tortillas.
However maintain a glance out for the distinctive native meals often called patin, a tiny sardine-like fish in a tomato chile salsa that comes wrapped in maxán leaf.
Different conventional Guatemalan dishes to attempt embody pulique, a stewed rooster dish widespread for particular events, in addition to jocon de pollo, a stewed rooster in salsa verde.
Don’t miss pepian de pollo, one other stewed rooster dish typically thought of the nationwide dish of Guatemala.
All of them hail from the areas within the highlands of Guatemala so are value in search of out whereas in Lake Atitlan.
Common experiences embody taking a hands-on Maya cooking class close to Lake Atitlan. Or, take a espresso plantation tour.
10. Take a Day Journey to Chichicastenango
The most effective issues to do within the Lake Atitlan space is go to the colorful Mayan market in Chichicastenango.
The Chichicastenango market, house of Maxeños, the natives of Chichicastenango. takes place on Thursdays and Sundays.
Many tour operators supply shuttle providers to the market on market days so ebook a Tour to Chichicastenango prematurely.
Verify costs and availability of a guided tour to Chichicastenango on Viator.com.
11. Go to an Genuine Market in Sololá
The market in Sololá, Guatemala, is held on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Getting there may be a part of the enjoyable as you’ll be able to trip a “rooster bus” from Panajachel to Solola round-trip.
These brightly colored repurposed college buses are widespread all through Guatemala.
At this full of life market, most of the native Kaqchikel Maya individuals put on their conventional apparel. Many of the ladies shall be carrying intricately woven huipiles (blouses) and cortes (skirts), whereas the boys may put on shirts with colourful patterns.
It’s a a lot much less touristy market than these in Chichicastenango because the emphasis is extra on recent fruit and greens, family items, livestock and dried spices reasonably than handicrafts.
Nevertheless, the Sololá market is not only a spot for getting and promoting items; it’s additionally a social hub the place individuals meet, chat, and alternate information.
So it’s an immersive technique to expertise the native tradition and traditions of the Guatemalan highlands firsthand.
12. Soak in Sizzling Springs or a Mayan Temazcal
Get a wellness enhance by taking a day journey to the massive thermal baths at Fuentes Georgina or visiting the geothermal waters on the St. Regis Lodge on Santander Avenue.
It’s additionally attainable to calm down in a Mayan sauna often called a temazcal (additionally spelled temescal). Whereas the sweat lodges of Oaxaca are higher identified and extra accessible to the general public, steam baths are additionally obtainable in Guatemala if you already know the place to look.
In Panajachel, Lodge Utz Jay (Google Map) affords each a sizzling tub and conventional sauna onsite.
One other place to expertise a Maya sweat lodge is at The Sanctuary, a meditation, yoga and retreat centre in San Marcos La Laguna. They provide a deluxe sauna that includes medicinal herbs, salt scrubs, aromatherapy oils and different therapeutic merchandise.
13. Expertise Native Tradition at a Competition
Whereas in Panajachel you’ll want to go to the villages of Lake Atitlan.
They’re prime spots to expertise Guatemala’s distinctive festivals such because the city’s saint day, Day of the Lifeless, Dia del Diablo Semana Santa and the processions often called posadas throughout Navidad (Christmas)
14. Study Guatemalan Weaving and Embroidery
Guatemalan Mayan weaving is a centuries-old custom that’s each a cultural expression and a sensible artwork type.
Utilizing backstrap looms, that are moveable and anchored by the weaver’s physique, artisans create textiles wealthy in symbolic that means and complex patterns.
Every design typically tells a narrative, representing the weaver’s village, social standing, and private identification by motifs impressed by nature, mythology and each day life.
The colourful colours are usually achieved utilizing pure dyes from vegetation, bugs, and minerals.
Insider Tip: Take a hands-on course to study Guatemalan Backstrap Weaving in San Juan la Laguna.
15. Go to the Lacustre Museum in Panajachel
Positioned on the grounds of the Lodge Posada de Don Rodrigo in Panajachel, the Museo Lacustre is among the prime issues to do round Lake Atitlan.
Its reveals on Mayan tradition, the historical past and the geological formation of Lake Atitlan are fairly complete given the comparatively small dimension of the museum itself.
Don’t miss the details about Samabaj, a sunken Mayan metropolis that lies submerged underwater in Lake Atitlan. Found in 1996 by a diver who was in search of the misplaced Mayan metropolis, it was buried by rising water ranges round 250 A.D.
Its ceremonial monuments, altars and different constructions are the primary underwater archaeological ruins to be formally excavated in Guatemala. The exact location of the traditional web site is saved secret to keep away from looting of beneficial artifacts.
16. Go Climbing round Lake Atitlan from San Pedro La Laguna
One of many prime locations to go mountaineering close to Panajachel is in San Pedro La Laguna. The most effective brief day hike is at Parque Ecologico Volcan San Pedro (Google Map) within the cloud forest close to the highest of the volcano.
You’ll hike previous a patchwork of avocado and papaya orchards in addition to shade-grown espresso bursting with shiny crimson berries.
One other widespread hike is Indian Nostril, a hill that resembles a Mayan Lord. Verify security circumstances and journey with a information.
17. Verify Out the Restaurant Scene in Panajachel
There’s a variety of eating choices together with Guatemalan avenue meals, vegetarian and vegan delicacies, typical Guatemalan delicacies in addition to bars and low retailers with conventional drinks (each alcoholic and non-alcoholic).
A few of my favorite eating places in Panajachel embody.
- Deli Jasmin (for its backyard setting and satisfying breakfasts),
- Cafe Loco for while you want a espresso repair.
- Tuscani for pizza and pasta.
- Cheros Bar Pupuseria.
- Guajimbos for Uruguayan steak and grilled meats.
- Panajachel market can also be a first-rate place for recent fruits, typical Guatemalan avenue meals and snacks.
Find out how to Get to Panajachel, Lake Atitlan
Luckily, attending to Panajachel is comparatively straightforward and cheap. For those who’re coming from San Cristobal de las Casas in Chiapas or Huatulco and Puerto Escondido in Oaxaca, learn Night time Bus to Guatemala for detailed directions.
For those who’ve arrived in Guatemala Metropolis by airplane, you’ll be able to both keep in Guatemala Metropolis in a single day or take a shuttle to Antigua, the colonial metropolis. Most accommodations can prepare to ship a personal shuttle to choose you up on the airport.
It can save you some cash by taking a shared shuttle. However that can add to the switch time because the shuttle will drop off different passengers at their accommodations alongside the best way.
You may get fortunate and be the primary dropped off, but when not, you may spend an hour (or extra) bumping alongside the cobblestone streets of Antigua when you may be properly settled in your room.
Take a look at my publish 3 Finances Resorts you’ll love in Antigua for 3 accommodations which can be clear, well-located and secure. I’ll be including some fabulous new accommodations providing nice worth quickly, so join my e-newsletter to be the primary to listen to about them.
I like to recommend spending a couple of days in Antigua earlier than taking a shuttle to Panajachel. It takes round 2 hours to get from Antigua to Panajachel by shuttle van.
However select your shuttle firm properly. Some corporations use the oldest vans possible (bald tires, poor brakes) and have a poor document of exhibiting up on time.
Your finest guess is to ebook a personal shuttle from Antigua or the airport. You received’t waste time driving round choosing up and dropping off different passengers. Plus, personal shuttle vans are usually in higher situation.
Verify charges and availability of a Personal Shuttle from Antigua or Guatemala Metropolis Airport on Viator.com.
Learn our publish on Security Suggestions for Guatemala for recommendation on journey between cities in Guatemala.
Interested by volunteering in Guatemala? Become involved in a neighborhood challenge resembling helping marginalized teams, instructing English or saving sea turtles by conservation by volunteering in Guatemala.
Lake Atitlan Map
Ferry docks in Panajachel
There are two docks in Panajachel. A shared boat to San Pedro la Laguna prices 25 Q ( round $3) and take roughly half-hour.
Muelle de la Playa Publica (Public Dock)
Positioned on the finish of Calle Rancho Grande, this marina is the place you catch the general public boat to Santiago Atitlan, take a tour or ebook a personal boat.
Schedule Panajachel to Santiago Atitlan 06:00-07:00-08:35-09:30-10:30-11:30-13:00-15:00-16:30.
Sanitago Atitlan to Panajachel 06:00-07:00-08:30-11:45-13:00-12:30- 13:30- 14:00-15:00-16:30.
Muelle Tzanjuyu
Positioned on the finish of Calle del Embarcadero on Lake Atitlan, this dock is the place you catch the general public boats to Santa Cruz, San Marcos, San Juan, San Pedro la Laguna
The schedule is each half-hour from 06:30-18:00
🌟 Professional Tip: Until you’ve got nerves of metal, the very best time of day to journey is within the morning. Keep away from taking the boat within the late afternoon and sit on the BACK of the boat in case you can.
The Xocomil is a powerful, sudden, noon wind that typically occurs on Lake Atitlan after 1:00 pm. The Maya imagine the Xocomil carries away sins and it may possibly make for a really tough trip.
Service may be cancelled if there aren’t sufficient passengers or if climate circumstances are tough.
Often Requested Questions
What’s Panajachel, Guatemala identified for?
Panajachel was a well-known hippie haven within the Seventies. Then, within the Nineteen Sixties and Seventies, Panajachel gained notoriety as a cease on a global hippie path that additionally included Morocco, India and Nepal.
It was a haunt for younger individuals, counter-culture and anti-establishment teams rejecting mainstream tradition. Full moon events, crystals, meditation centres and vortex vitality fields drew individuals in search of another lifestyle.
At present, a lot of the hippies have moved on to San Marcos or San Pedro the place yoga, youth hostels and meditation workshops are nonetheless thriving. Being near actions can assist expats take care of emotions of homesickness when travelling.
Finest Panajachel Resorts – The place to Keep
Make sure you ebook your lodging earlier than you arrive in Panajachel. The most well-liked accommodations and flats fill early.
Finances Resorts in Panajachel
Posada de Los Volcanes
Set inside a leafy backyard, Posada de los Volcanes is strolling distance to all over the place in Pana. It additionally affords tour providers together with shuttles to Antigua and Guatemala Metropolis Airport.
Verify charges and availability at Posada de los Volcanes on Reserving.com.
Hospedaje de Viajero
Hospedaje de Viajero is one other widespread finances resort situated on Calle Santander. It’s near the lake in addition to a number of good eating places and in addition contains a rooftop terrace.
Verify charges and availability at Hospedaje de Viajero on Reserving.com.
Selina Atitlan
A preferred finances place to remain in Panajachel is Selina Atitlán.
Very similar to its different areas in around the globe (together with our faves in Puerto Escondido and Mexico Metropolis), this upscale hostel is right for digital nomads, backpackers and finances travellers.
This property contains a shared kitchen, bar restaurant, pool and tour desk. There’s additionally a big selection of properly embellished rooms from neighborhood dorms to non-public rooms for 2 individuals.
It even has a swimming pool!
Verify charges and availability at Selina Atitlan in Panajachel on Reserving.com.
Mid-range Lodge in Panajachel
Though service is usually a bit lacklustre, the Porta Lodge del Lago is an effective possibility due to its spectacular views, an out of doors swimming pool and restaurant.
This Panajachel is ideal for households. The situation can also be very handy. The room charges are usually round $150 USD an evening or much less.
Verify charges and availability for Porta Lodge del Lago in Panajachel on Reserving.com.
Luxurious Lodge in Panajachel
Each Lodge Atitlan and Lodge Posada de Don Rodrigo are a step up by way of the standard of the lodging and views.
They provide expansive gardens, comfy rooms and a first-rate location overlooking Lake Atitlan with spectacular views.
The Regis Lodge and Spa is one other widespread luxurious resort in Panajachel. This historic property even has its personal thermal swimming pools the place you’ll be able to soak away any journey ache and pains. It’s additionally within the coronary heart of Panajechel’s restaurant row.
Verify charges and availability for Lodge Posada de Don Rodrigo in Panajachel on Reserving.com.
Verify charges and availability for Regis Lodge Spa on Reserving.com.
Extremely Luxurious Lodge in Panajachel
For those who’re in search of a romantic keep for a novel vacation spot wedding ceremony or honeymoon, a best choice for a boutique resort on Lake Atitlan could be Casa Palopó.
This luxurious boutique resort is a brief distance outdoors Panajachel enroute to Santa Catarina Palopo. It overlooks Lake Atitlán with spectacular views of three volcanoes.
A member of the distinguished Relais & Chateaux assortment, Casa Palopó is among the finest luxurious accommodations in Guatemala. .
Verify charges and availability for Lodge Casa Polopo in Santa Catarina Polopo on Reserving.com
For different memorable spots for a marriage or honeymoon, take a look at these 17 Distinctive Marriage ceremony Locations.
This journey information was initially printed in 2019. It was considerably up to date with new photographs and knowledge in 2024 following a number of onsite visits.
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Dividing her time between Canada, Guatemala and Mexico (or the closest tropical seaside), Michele Peterson is the founding father of A Style for Journey. Her award-winning journey and meals writing has appeared in Lonely Planet’s cookbook Mexico: From the Supply, Nationwide Geographic Traveler, Fodor’s and 100+ different publications.
Learn extra about Michele Peterson.
