Woke at 7:00, breakfast of pancakes, watermelon, and banana with coffee. One of Patricia's sons drove us to the bus stop to catch our ride to Xela where we plan to attend three weeks of Spanish school. I had thought we would be on a second class "chicken bus" (retired US school buses painted bold colors) however it was a first class "pullman" style which would take a direct route without stopping at every bus stop or picking up any interested locals. From what we've read we definitely need to experience a ride on a second class bus at some point while here. It took about 4 hours to travel from Guatemala City to Xela (also referred to as Quetzaltenango, located in the "Western Highlands" of Guatemala). The terrain is mountainous with non densely
populated forest. Roads are in decent shape, there were some areas of construction where we'd stop on the road for 15 minutes and local street vendors carrying various fruits, nuts, etc, often on their head, would peddle their wares to the waiting vehicles. We passed several small towns which consist of cement block constructed buildings with tin ruffs spread across a wide area. None larger than two stories. One town, assuming Chimaltenango, had a very busy market with dozens of temporary style booths with fruit, vegetables, crafts, etc. Many inhabitants wear extremely colorful woven outfits which we read are customary of the indigenous Maya population. Arrived in Xela on the parameter of town at the Minerva bus terminal. Several taxi drivers approached immediately and without much trouble we were headed towards an atm for "Quetzals" then in ten minutes arrived at 16 diagonal where our host, Veronica, and family live.
Veronica and family live in a orangish plastered compound style home comprised of two seperate three story buildings slating up a hill.
We met and received a quick tour from Veronica, a middle age, very kind woman who made us feel at home though we only understood every 10th word she spoke. We share the lower house, three bedrooms, with Veronica's daughter Maria and another mystery person we have yet to see. As today is Sunday, all of her extended family (4 kids + their kids and spouses) is also here for lunch which ended up including twelve or so people along with several kids. Everyone was served a big piece of beef along with mash potatoes, salad, corn tortillas, onions, and salsa as gravy. It was quite good! As none of them speak English and we barely speak Spanish, we basically sat at the table and ate silently while the familia discussed topics well beyond our ability to understand. After lunch Trin and I excused ourselves, awkwardly I'd guess, and headed out to explore Xela.
We are about a ten minute walk from Xela's central square "Parque Centro America" which is surounded by the city's banks, a large Catholic cathedral and a couple of government buildings. The streets are narrow and cobblestone style and it certainly doesn't feel like there are 300k people here as we have read. Also pleasently surprised to see very few gringos. The weather was in the 70s when we arrived but as soon as the sun dipped I'd guess it was in the 50s. Returned and went to bed early to rest up for school.
After, we had our first night out on the town with the other students and teachers. Here is a shot of the tienda where we started out. Imagine going to 7-11 and having tables where you can immediatly drink your purchased beers. Next we went to a salsa discoteca but we quickly realized we need some lessons! 
We rode in a mini bus (basically a mini van) for part of the journey back. We started out with just the two of us and by the time we got to central Xela there were 25 people packed into the van. 
