I've got so many photos to add from trips around Xela; San Francisco el Alto, Momostenango, Paxtoca and nights out in Xela. Unfortunately...Blogspot.com isn't letting me upload photos at this time...so we'll all have to wait a little while longer.

I'm off on a chicken bus today to Huehuetenango, about 2 1/2 hours north of Xela just for the night and then tomorrow heading to Todos Santos de Cuchumantes further north for their festival for Dia de los Muertos, which includes a horse race in which the participants are said to be drunk even before it starts. My plan is to take video of that spectacle.

Then, I'm off to Mexico for about a month....so when I can I'll get MANY photos and captions uploaded.

Hope everyone is doing well in San Diego with the mess of the fires. Happy Halloween!
Jaime

What the hell? I thought I was in Guatemala?! That's an tattered American flag I'm pointing to in the small puebo of Salcaja just outstide of Quetzaltenango!

Here´s the gym in Salcaja. I was actually pretty impressed with this little town. Great market and to my suprise, this is where they make most of the corte fabric that the indigenous women of Guatemala use for their ankle length skirts. Tons of stores selling the exact same fabric...but this is the place where everyone get´s the corte. Salcaja is alsothe home of the oldest church in Cental America--but oddly enough, it´s not mentioned, (the church nor Salcaja) in any of my guide books.
Cows near a corn field on the outskirts of Salcaja.

Cows walking on the street in Salcaja. They actually seemed to be leading the guy. Down the rode a bit, the cows knew exactly where to turn!

This looks like as good a place as any to take a nap, huh?
Here's another one...he woke up just before I snapped the photo.
This is the oldest church in Central America, located in Salcaja. Have the name written in my cuaderno which is not with me at the moment. Unfortunately, it was all locked up when we visited.
Oddly enough, even though Salcaja is home to the oldest church in C.A. and also where they make the amazing corte fabric, it is not listed in ANY guide book on Guatemala I've found.
They sit and weave ALL day to make the traditional corte fabric that the indigenous women wear for their skirts.
Incredibly intricate!! <-----ENORMOUS UNDERSTATEMENT!

THIS is what your skin looks like after 10 hours in a natural hot spring. Well, not 10 hours straight, but, I spent all day last Saturday in the hot springs at Fuentes Georginas hot springs above the small farm village of Zunil. Fuentes Georginas has a great website for more photos and it's history if you're interested. http://www.lasfuentesgeorginas.com/history.htm
Of course, it was beautiful and relaxing...we stayed one night and it was cozy in our bungalow with a fireplace even! Too bad the matches were completely wet from all the humidity. Luckily a friend had a lighter and we were able to stay warm. VERY chilly in those mountains!

What I really enjoyed seeing was all the Guatemalans also enjoying the natural wonders of their country. (as is the case I'm finding everywhere in Guatemala). Sometimes we take for granted the beauty that surrounds us in San Diego or elsewhere in the states (well I know I do...I can go a whole year without visiting Wind and Sea...¡Que lastima!), but here, the people really enjoy their country and all it has to offer.

The fotos after the hot springs are of the farm village, Zunil. It was awesome watching them sell the vegetables and fruits. The trucks just kept coming and dropping off their goods, one right after another. And talk about fast...Guatemalans can unload a truckload faster than you can say lickitysplit! Enjoy!

The best jaccuzi ever!!!These are the lower hot springs, not as hot as the larger pool.

There were times the fog/clouds would come in so think you couldn't see across the water!Friends at Fuentes Georginas. (from left, Jodi, Andrea, Amber, Jaime)
This is the farming village of Almolonga on our way from Quetzaltenango (Xela) to Zunil. Unbelievably beautiful!
Church in Zunil.Ever wonder where all your clothes go that you donate??? To the 'Old Navy' Store in Zunil, Guatemala, of course!!!
The things these women carry on their heads is amazing. (not much here, but others...¡Puchica!)
Largest raddishes I've ever seen...some the size of small apples!
And babies slung on their backs. Convenient!


This is the carniceria inside the outdoor market...makes you consider becoming a vegetarian.

Okay...here's a little game for you...'FIND THE GRINGO'. Just like Where's Waldo...see if you can spot the gringo...it gets easier with each photo! ¡Buena Suerte!