to Xela!

On Sunday I headed from Zunil to Quetzaltenango (Xela).  I thought the best way to go would be to take a piccop back to Zunil and then from there take the camioneta to Xela, so I stood out on the road for about 20 minutes trying to figure out why no empty piccops were driving by.  My bag was so heavy at that point and I felt so helpless that I felt like crying.  The people who worked at the hotel, had been, up to that point, not very helpful.  However, a VERY helpful woman who I think works at the hotel helped me out - by flagging down the camioneta for us and telling me what to do.  I expected the ayudante to grab my bag, but instead as soon as I stepped foot onto the bus, the driver stepped on the gas and we were off.  The only problem was that this bus was PACKED - 3 people to a seat and I needed to get several rows back to a seat that 2 girls were giving to me because they were getting off soon.  So, in what was a very hilarious moment, I dropped my bag in the aisle and attempted to squeeze by these girls to get to the seat.  Then they were to pass me my bag, but could not even lift it together, so some nice man helped them.  I was so relieved to be sitting on the bus, I dont think I even paid attention to the driving.  The very helpful woman then told me where to get off the bus and then pointed me to the minibus I needed to the Parque Central Americana in Xela.

Lucky me - the first Sunday of the month is un mercado de artesanias in Xela, but unlucky for me I still had my heavy bag to carry around the market.  The school did not open until 2 so I had a couple of hours to browse.  I bought some VERY beautiful scarves that I am very excited about, a skirt, and a beautifully woven cotten bag.  Then I headed to Salon Tecun, a popular pub in Xela for a beer and a sandwhich.  I would highly recommend the place if any of you are coming to Xela soon.

pobre Perla

At 2 I headed to the school, Proyecto Linguistico Quetzalteco, which is about 8 blocks from the Parque Central.  I was introduced to my host family which consists of Yolly (Yolanda) and Francisco.  Their son picked me up at the school and assured me that his mom was very well known for her cooking.  It turns out the house is something of a restaurant - where she cooks lots of food, and for breakfast, lunch, and dinner several people come there to eat.  And, the food IS fabulous!

I have a little room where my yoga mat barely fits between the bed and the cot where my stuff is kept, but barely is good enough for me!  The house is very very small, with a kitchen with an outdoor sink, a huge patio that is not used for much except storage, a bathroom and another bedroom where Yolly and Francisco stay.  There is a very sad looking dog, Perla, who spends most of her time chained in the back, on about a 5 foot chain.  Whenever I go back to pet her she is sleeping in a wooden box and just looks up at me briefly and then puts her head back down.  The  treatment of animals here is something that is very hard to deal with.  Most of the dogs live on the streets and look pretty sick and tired, so I guess at least Perla has a regular source of food and water.  When she is off her chain she seems quite happy.  I try to visit her as often as possible!