Sunday morning we had the opportunity to go to Momostenango and see the process of how sheep's wool is made into yarn, naturally dyed and then made into beautifully intricate blankets. The family that we visited comes from a long generation in which this process is practiced. We also had the opportunity to learn how to make tortillas over an open fire and eat them with homemade guacamole and salsa!

 

An eventful weekend!



We, as a group, started Saturday off with a morning of zip-lining!
The hike up was tiring but beautiful, and completely worth it once we were at the top!

 

The view was unbelievably gorgeous and the trip was an unbelievable team bonding experience. The 11 lines took us from the top of the mountain, gliding over the valley below, and finally ending at the bottom were we all then piled back into the bus to go home to Xela in the afternoon.

Saturday night we decided to celebrate Thomas' birthday with a surprise party. After buying a Spiderman pinata, a delicious chocolate caramel cake, soda and snacks that my host mom made for the occasion we were prepared for a wonderful way to celebrate Tom's 21st.
He was very much so surprised and we had a fun night! Willy and Marcus came to Xela to celebrate with us! It was so great to see them and share in the fun with them.

under my pillow

This week, I have to admit I experienced quite a bit of culture shock. With new foods that my tummy wasn't quite used to yet, new streets, and being surrounded by a new language I was overwhelmed with newness. When I arrived  here in Guatemala I acquired 'worry dolls.' A customary tradition is to put the dolls under your pillow at times when one is nervous, frustrated, and worried. I kept them by my bed-side table not thinking much of them.
Yesterday, my host mom changed my bedding. And as I crawled into bed looking for a good nights sleep I found a 'worry' doll under my pillow. Knowing that it could have only been her who put it there I fell asleep feeling a little more at home.

I'm falling in love with Xela. The mountains, the kind people and the food.

lunes
14 de enero
2012

Today after a long, chilly morning of classes
our group went to see a local store and school called Trama Textiles. This small organization of Guatemalan women create handmade, beautiful artwork to sell in order to support their organization. We were lucky enough to be able to learn more about the process, learn about the high quality of the work and the great abilities of the women who work for the organization.

 After, our small group adventured off to find some new places to eat. We successfully found some wonderful new treats at 'pops' ice cream shop and a wonderfully artistic cafe called "la luna" which just happens to have the best hot chocolate drink I've had yet here!

hot and steamy on a mountain

a wonderful first Saturday in Xela

after a restful night's sleep

our group took a hike 

up a mountain 

2.2 miles up and 2.2 miles down 

It was an amazing view on a beautiful sunny day. Although it was a tough hike, our group conquered it with smiles and positive spirits. 

Getting to the top was the best reward! Once there, we had the opportunity to use the natural steam baths!

The mix of natural steam from the volcano and eucalyptus branches was amazing and after a long hike up, it was much appreciated. 

A picture from during our long hike up and one once we reached the top and enjoyed the steam baths!

A wonderful first Saturday with an amazing group!

thursday
10/1/13

I have finally gotten into the swing of having 5 hour long morning classes.

This afternoon, we ventured to an unfamiliar part of Xela in order to see La Ermita Concepcion la Conquistador.
This beautiful building was the first Catholic church built in Central America and it remains the oldest standing structure of its time.

We had the opportunity to see a machine used for weaving tapestries and blankets. We were shown how this ancient art of the city was done and then shared in drinking a famous drink called "caldo de frutas" an ancient sangria-like alcoholic beverage brought over by the Spanish.



A wonderfully adventurous day!

in the beginning

The adventure:
MN
to Chicago
from Chicago to Mexico City
from there, Guatemala City 

After the long travels through flight, fate landed us in Guatemala City. Meeting after long flights and travel, our small group stayed at the most wonderful hostel, Quetzalroo.
For our first few days in a new place we found comfort in the fabulous workers, the amazing atmosphere, and the learning that surrounded us.

From drinking beers on the roof, traveling through the city, taking the bus, markets, festivals, the best coffee in the world, new friends from all over, Pinut, and eating the most amazing food; our group of six had a wonderful introduction to our Guatemalan experience.

Through even a few days, I have personally experienced an amazing culture of wonderful, intelligent, hospitable people.

Our wonderful tour guide Willy and us at the hostel!