Here are a few pictures that I took during my visit back to Xela for Guatemala's Independence Day celebrations on September 15th:
Xela hosts a huge parade where schools from all over parade their marching bands through the city streets.
Apparently, it's cool to be in the marching band in Xela.
Street after street was lined with people watching the parade and vendors selling food, drinks and toys.
Parade onlookers perched in the back of their pick-up trucks.
Interestingly, this was the only group I saw that had girls marching in the parade playing instruments; this was also the only group I saw dressed in indigenous clothing (however, I'm not sure whether it was actually the only school of indigenous students or not).
Generally, if girls were marching in the parade they were twirling batons!
Trying to sneak in a photo of some women dressed in their Mayan clothing.
An old church I walked by as I made my way to the parade.
In the central park on this side of the city there were many, many food stalls set up. This one was a group of Japanese travelers and tourists who gathered to sell tortillas--Japan style. I surprised them with a few Japanese words, right before noticing that one of the guys had on a University of Oregon shirt! It's a small world after all...
Later that night I went to Le Feria, the fair, with these four people whom I had met in my hostel (Matilde from France, Meg from Cali and another American guy whose name and home state are no longer in my memory). This was our first ride, one of those huge ships that sways back and forth, getting higher and higher... I think--at least us three Americans--that we were immediately transported right back to childhood and county fairs.
This was my dinner at the fair; somewhat standard for a Guatemalan meal--beans, rice, potatoes, tortillas, along with some macaroni... and a good ol' Gallo.
I just liked this sign because it had so many things on it that made me think Guatemala: bananas, pina, and Corn Flakes!
Wandering the various booths at the fair...
... A table full of Guatemalan sweets!
Another typical sight--bread products and plastic toys.
Meg and myself at the only wine place in town.
After a few glasses of wine I thought I was getting creative with my camera taking pictures of Guatemalan money... hmph.
This was my dorm in Xela at the Black Cat Hostel, a very popular one with travelers. I had it all to myself one night!
Xela hosts a huge parade where schools from all over parade their marching bands through the city streets.
Apparently, it's cool to be in the marching band in Xela.
Street after street was lined with people watching the parade and vendors selling food, drinks and toys.
Parade onlookers perched in the back of their pick-up trucks.
Interestingly, this was the only group I saw that had girls marching in the parade playing instruments; this was also the only group I saw dressed in indigenous clothing (however, I'm not sure whether it was actually the only school of indigenous students or not).
Generally, if girls were marching in the parade they were twirling batons!
Trying to sneak in a photo of some women dressed in their Mayan clothing.
An old church I walked by as I made my way to the parade.
In the central park on this side of the city there were many, many food stalls set up. This one was a group of Japanese travelers and tourists who gathered to sell tortillas--Japan style. I surprised them with a few Japanese words, right before noticing that one of the guys had on a University of Oregon shirt! It's a small world after all...
Later that night I went to Le Feria, the fair, with these four people whom I had met in my hostel (Matilde from France, Meg from Cali and another American guy whose name and home state are no longer in my memory). This was our first ride, one of those huge ships that sways back and forth, getting higher and higher... I think--at least us three Americans--that we were immediately transported right back to childhood and county fairs.
This was my dinner at the fair; somewhat standard for a Guatemalan meal--beans, rice, potatoes, tortillas, along with some macaroni... and a good ol' Gallo.
I just liked this sign because it had so many things on it that made me think Guatemala: bananas, pina, and Corn Flakes!
Wandering the various booths at the fair...
... A table full of Guatemalan sweets!
Another typical sight--bread products and plastic toys.
Meg and myself at the only wine place in town.
After a few glasses of wine I thought I was getting creative with my camera taking pictures of Guatemalan money... hmph.
This was my dorm in Xela at the Black Cat Hostel, a very popular one with travelers. I had it all to myself one night!
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