Final Weeks in Xela
Return to Fuentas Georginas
On our second trip to the most picturesque local hot springs, we found a somewhat hidden side trail with some (nearly) private pools . . .
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| This little waterfall leads into . . . |
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| . . . this excellent pool |
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| People who are paid to claim such things claim that Ron Zacapa is the best rum in the world. As you can see by the size of the bottle we tried, it is also very expensive. Apparently there will be tears if you try to add Coke to this fine spirit. (Nicaragua´s Flor de Cana 7-year, at a much lower price, definitely gives Zacapa a run for it´s money) |
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| The inner garden of Xela´s municipal building |
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| With Sandra, the matron of the family with whom we spent our final weeks |
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Volcan Santa Maria
Volcan Santa Maria (12,375 feet) is visible from downtown Xela on many days. We left the city at 6am with our new friends Andy, Jess, and Maria, and were at the top before 10am.
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| View of Santa Maria from Fuentes Georginas |
Festival of San Salvador
A short walk brought us to this local church's San Salvador celebration, complete with food vendors, dancers, and a full marimba band that played for hours and hours.
Salcaja and Central America's Oldest Church
On the morning of our last Saturday, we took a quick chicken bus ride to nearby Salcaja to see the oldest church in Central America. The Church of San Jacinto was founded in 1524 and is still in good shape after many earthquakes. We met a friendly local, Fernando, who obtained the keys and showed us inside. Salcaja is also famous for its production of Caldo de Frutas, a homemade liquor brewed with hibiscus flowers and several native fruits. Fernando's mother is a pro at it, and after some free samples we bought a bottle.
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| With my Spanish teacher, Miriam |
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| With Margarita, who made all our meals with love |
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| Parque Central |
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| The flags of Guatemala and Xela |
Guatemala City
