Sho Long Xela!

One week in Antigua, another week in Pasac, and now 2 in Xela! I can’t imagine living in a homestay for two weeks in a this big city.. especially after getting used to stone toilets and very, very ‘refreshing’ showers. I wonder what its going to be like?? I can’t wait to experience Chichi. I wonder if my family..WHOAAA there goes our two weeks in Xela! Yes, Xela came and went, and if I may speak for everyone we are ready to get back in the dirt. However I am sure I’ll think differently after 3 days of trekking.

Xela has been full of spanish-learning and thrift-store raiding. The warm welcome and booming friendliness at Casa Xelaju made our learning experiences very enjoyable. After getting lost wandering through this byzantine city, thundering down jeopardizing cliffs in the chicken bus and getting ripped off by determined cab drivers, I truly feel that we have gotten the most out of Xela. The city has given us a nice medley of chillaxing late-night musical cafes, and a racing rush from dodging speedy motorcycles and graffitied school buses.

Now, the wonderful experience of Spiritual Week awaits! I, personally, am hoping for some massage and drumming classes. After rummaging through wilderness for three days and a long boatride to our new home, we are all going to be even more ready for this educational and relaxing week. And after two weeks of 5 hour a day Spanish classes, a break from the escuela will be a nice breather.

Waking up at 5:30am tomorrow to meet the group in front of the trekking place! Super stoked! One last 20 minute walk through Xela with my tipping and tossing large backpack will be the perfect finale.

Oh, I almost forgot one of my favorite gifts given to me by Xela. My name is no longer Jared, but in fact Colocho…or at least it seems that way here. Thanks to my anomaly of a curley head and the difficulty of pronouncing the J in Jared, a Spanish translation of “Curley” has become my new identity. And it’s awesome.

So long everyone, we’ll be in touch! Wish us luck!

-Colocho.. (but you can call me Colochito). 😉
ps… I miss you Emily! Love yea!