Quetzaltenago (Xala for short)

I am now in Xala (it´s real name is Quetzaltenango - understandable why it is shortened to Xala). My new spanish school is great, with lots of students and extra activities every day (so far we have had cooking lessons and visited the chocolate factory). My new host family is also incredibly sweet (I just wished I could talk to them more). My spanish is coming along very slowly, I still seem to spend most of my time saying ´no entiendo´. Finger crossed after another 4 weeks it will be better. So what have I learned about Xayla in the week I have been here:

• It is a city that grows on you!


• Salsa here is way more complex than in Nicaragua. I have started lessons, and most of the time I am so dizzy I have no idea what is going on.


• Always carry an umbrella. The weather here is worse than Melbourne. Four seasons in one day.


• Similiar to Nicargua, people here eat a lot of beans! Although I must admit black beans and crema is my new favourite.


• You can watch movies at the cinema in English (just watched Ocean´s 13).


• Cafes in Xala make a mean hot chocolate!
• The Mayan traditional clothes liven up the streets.