We have made it to Xela

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February 5^th we have been here for not quite 24 hours. Dana (my 14yr old niece) is seeing everything with eyes of amazement. We arrived mid afternoon and met Keith and Lisa at the airport to catch a shuttle to Posada La Merced in Antiqua. Before we were out of the airport Lisa had been pick pocketed, a quick reminder to us all that we need to take care. The drive out of Guatemala city was hot and smelly but uneventful. Upon arrival at the posada, we took luggage to rooms and then set out for a walk about the town. A celebration of some sort was taking place and there were jugglers and partiers everywhere. We noticed a number of pet dogs on leads which seemed unusual as this has not been the case in the past. The horse drawn taxis were all over in the main plaza along with crowds of people celebrating. We had dinner at the Sol Latino and the food was fantastic as usual. An early night and we were in bed and sleeping by 9, although the rest of the community was awake for many hours and the court yard which our room was on was alive and busy on and off most of the night. The local rooster was up and alarming everyone very early so there is no room for lazing about in bed.



Regan and Leslie had lost some baggage on the flights in, and miraculously it has turned up this morning so Regan has set off to the airport to pick it up. On his return we will all board the bus for Xela and the stove building trip will begin in ernest.



A great breakfast from next door this morning, eggs, pancakes, fruit and the usual beans and of course coffee and hot cocoa.



The group are on the bus and headed for Xela, we have had 2 pit stops along the route, one at a roadside restaurant to use the servicios and the second stop at a small roadside market and lookout. We had a great view of Lake Atitlan and a quick look around the market. The major drawing point were some stuffed squirrels and rats, gross but fascinating at the same time.



We are all looking forward to arrival in Xela.

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Photos

beautiful cooking pots for sale
on the way to Xela we visited a small market and found these pots just waiting for someone to purchase

taking a break
a group of natives resting beside the market

view of the lake
roadside view overlooking Lake Atitlan.