Xela Pics

This is a great view of Xela, Guatemala (aka Quetzaltenango), Guatemala's 2nd most populous city.
Population - 800,000
Altitude - 8,000 feet, very hilly
Temperature - Colder than Denver, around 60-70 degree in June daytime, 35-40 at night.
Very rarely did we have a view this clear. May-October is rainy season, more clouds than sun.
You can see one of the volcanoes surrounding Xela in the background.




Central American security system.




One of their shower heads. Yes, they use electricity to heat their water. Dangerous you say? Well, this is by far one of the nicest ones we've seen. And by that, we mean that the wires are not sticking out and the pipe is not rusted.




One of the many markets in Xela.




This is a public bathroom in Xela. The large tubs you see are filled with water so that you can grab a bucket of water to fill the tank in order to make it flush. And, you get to pay for this service!




This guy is hanging out of the window of a minivan, or as they call them, minibus, recruiting passengers. They are acrobats, really, as they manage to maneuver their bodies through the window as well as in, out, and around the door as it opens and closes, the bus staying in motion pretty much the whole time.




Our host family, incredibly gracious and welcoming, became truly our Guatemalan family. They almost never smile for pictures. The women (Esperanza and Abuelita, literally little grandmother) are dressed in their traditional Mayan vestidos, preserving a proud and strong heritage. Gerardo is the father, Mynor is the older brother with short hair (19 years), and Rony is the younger brother with the longer hair (17 years).