Hola from Quezeltenango, Guatemala! This is our 7th day in the city, better known by its Mayan name, Xela, prounced Shay-la.
On Wednesday, August 31, 2011, we arrived in Guatemala City, where we were met at the airport by Gilda, a hard-working Guate businesswoman who had lived in Massachusetts for 3 years and now runs a successful B + B and transport service. )Excuse some strange markings. Not all of the notations on the keyboard here match what comes out in type, including the parentheses signs.) Back to the story. Despite the crowd waiting at the exit gate at the airport, Gilda was easy to spot, standing front and center, holding a sign with our name. In her car, she whisked us off through a city clogged with traffic, beeping horns, diesel-belching trucks, rickety buses jammed with passengers, motorcyclists, and surprisingly upscale cars - to her nice, multi-gated home in the hilly suburbs.
The next morning we were up at 4:45 am for our trip to Xela, the location of our Spanish language school. Instead of the 5 hour bus trip that we had planned, we were delighted to accept Gilda´s offer of a ride in her car. She had to pick up a guest in Xela, so we paid the bus fare to her, instead. Good deal all around. The early hour allowed Gilda to beat the traffic and hopefully avoid strikes which can disrupt travel.
The Pan American Highway twists and turns as it climbs into the lush hills. Parts of the road were under construction, parts were limited to two lanes instead of the usual four, because of mud slides. Many Mayans, easily recognized by their colorful traditional clothing, waited along the road for rides on the 'chicken buses'. We passed through shabby little villages, bustling with activity, and steep, fertile fields overflowing with corn, cabbage, and potatoes. A plethora of glossy billboards touting the 26! presidential candidates vied for our attention. Blue volcanic mountains provided a magical backdrop.
Misty mountains and blue cabbages
Breakfast took place at one of Gilda´s favorite spots along the way, an unusual building with a thatched roof and a large, cozy wood-burning stove and small open fires on metal stools to warm the customers. We were met by a bevy of nattily dressed young men in white shirts and bright red ties - a bit incongruous, given the surroundings. We all ordered the traditional breakfast, which included milky oatmeal, eggs with tomato sauce, black beans, and small corn tortillas. Wonderful!
On Wednesday, August 31, 2011, we arrived in Guatemala City, where we were met at the airport by Gilda, a hard-working Guate businesswoman who had lived in Massachusetts for 3 years and now runs a successful B + B and transport service. )Excuse some strange markings. Not all of the notations on the keyboard here match what comes out in type, including the parentheses signs.) Back to the story. Despite the crowd waiting at the exit gate at the airport, Gilda was easy to spot, standing front and center, holding a sign with our name. In her car, she whisked us off through a city clogged with traffic, beeping horns, diesel-belching trucks, rickety buses jammed with passengers, motorcyclists, and surprisingly upscale cars - to her nice, multi-gated home in the hilly suburbs.
The next morning we were up at 4:45 am for our trip to Xela, the location of our Spanish language school. Instead of the 5 hour bus trip that we had planned, we were delighted to accept Gilda´s offer of a ride in her car. She had to pick up a guest in Xela, so we paid the bus fare to her, instead. Good deal all around. The early hour allowed Gilda to beat the traffic and hopefully avoid strikes which can disrupt travel.
The Pan American Highway twists and turns as it climbs into the lush hills. Parts of the road were under construction, parts were limited to two lanes instead of the usual four, because of mud slides. Many Mayans, easily recognized by their colorful traditional clothing, waited along the road for rides on the 'chicken buses'. We passed through shabby little villages, bustling with activity, and steep, fertile fields overflowing with corn, cabbage, and potatoes. A plethora of glossy billboards touting the 26! presidential candidates vied for our attention. Blue volcanic mountains provided a magical backdrop.
Breakfast took place at one of Gilda´s favorite spots along the way, an unusual building with a thatched roof and a large, cozy wood-burning stove and small open fires on metal stools to warm the customers. We were met by a bevy of nattily dressed young men in white shirts and bright red ties - a bit incongruous, given the surroundings. We all ordered the traditional breakfast, which included milky oatmeal, eggs with tomato sauce, black beans, and small corn tortillas. Wonderful!
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