Hola Amigos,
I’ll begin where we last left off; at our weekly meeting at Brooke and Jeremy’s cozy apartment, conveniently located directly under Casa Xelaju. We don’t normally blog about our weekly meetings because they are often long and rather uneventful. Though this particular weekly meeting was no exception to that, it was made special by delicious homemade cinnamon tea and hot chocolate prepared by our wonderful hosts.
Friday after class, one of the teachers taught how to make traditional Mayan bracelets. Though Easten and I may have struggled a bit more than others, the group ended up crafting beautifully beaded bracelets. Friday night the guys gathered and had their men’s circle, and though I wasn’t there, it sounded like they had a good time.
Saturday morning the eleven of us, plus Christian (our local contact), piled onto a chicken bus to spend the morning at a coffee farm para hacer canopy, or as we like to call it, zip lining! We zip lined down the mountain, screaming at the top of our lungs and attempting various dance moves (Caroline was KILLIN it). It was especially nice to see the excitement on Natty’s face, sense zip lining has been on her list of things to do for quite some time now.
Sunday morning we took off for the largest outdoor market in Central America, Chichicastenango. The market was packed with Mayan artisans selling wooden and leather goods, traditional clothing, beautiful jewelry, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Many of us bought gifts for friends and family…fingers crossed, you might be one of them! The market was even more packed than normal because of a Catholic precession taking place. Though I am not exactly sure what it was for, my guess is it had something to do with Easter coming up. Sunday night we saw Club Xelaju play Club Mictlan for a spot in the upcoming play offs. The local fans were going wild, shooting off fireworks and cheering on their team as Xelaju beat Mictlan 3-0.
Monday morning we arrived at our usual time of 8 o’clock to begin our last week of Spanish classes here at Casa Xelaju. In the afternoon those who could make it visited a school for orphans located in the mountains overlooking the city. Though I didn’t attend, I heard it was a very fulfilling experience. They played tag, soccer, and helped the students with their homework. Later that night the girls had their woman’s circle, and though I know it’s NOT a competition with the boys, we had a pretty awesome time. Cake the size of your face covered in chocolate sauce and peanut butter, anyone?
Later this afternoon we are meeting with our guide for the upcoming trek to hear his story about trying to achieve the American dream and illegally immigrating to the United States. Though our time here in the wonderful city of Xela has been cherished, we are excited to get back into our bodies and embark on our adventurous journey into Lake Atitlan. Next time you here from us we will be well rested and fed on the Mystical Yoga Farm.
Until Next Time!
-Amelia
