XELA

Hiya, 

Okay so I've spent the last few weeks in Xela (known as Quetzaltenango) and have signed up for a few Spanish lessons. 

At the start I was travelling with Anna from Germany, although she left to go up to Cobán, which apparently had some amazing orchard gardens. 

We walked around a lot, went to a benefit party for a non for profit trekking company and the hot springs. 

We went to the oldest church in Central America located in Salcajá, 20 minutes out of Xela. Named La Conquistadora (San Jacinto) which was founded in 1524. Near the church is a little house that specialises in a fruit wine (caldo de frutas) which also links back to the 1500's. The fruit wine is generally composed of apple, peach, grape, cherry and a few local fruits with cinnamon, sugar and liquor added. 

I purchased a small bottle for 25q (4.2 AUD.) 

Thanks for all the wishes, I spent the weekend with Anna in Antigua and her brother Flo. We went out for dinner, had a big BBQ with the hostel we were staying at and then I caught the chicken bus back to Xela. 

xxx SJ