Second day in Xela

Hi all, my first stop My first stop in Guatemala was Guatemala City. I stayed at a hostel with a few other of the students in the program and it was wonderful. They had hot showers, a computer, and served us breakfast in the morning. But the best part was talking to the other students for the first time and getting to know them. Ironically we all ordered pizza and talked until we were too tired from our respective travelling journeys, and it was great and everyone had great stories to tell!

The hostel, "Los Volcanes,"


























I arrived in Xela Sunday and today (Monday) is our orientation day at the Spanish school. The school is wonderful with a beautiful backyard, computers for us, and they even serve us snacks. Today we had a delicious tortilla with beans and cheese. It is a family run school with a mother Gladys, her daughter Helga and son with his wife, and a crazy old uncle named Tio Lionel. I am amazed at how friendly everyone is and the school, which is only two blocks from my homestay house!



Yesterday I also met my wonderful family Im staying with. Antonietta is my mama who is in her forties and also in the house is her mother Francisca and Franciscas sister Consuelo. There will also be two other students living right next door to me who are studying at the University. The two boys, one who is studying to be an engineer and one who is studying to be a dentist, are from different parts of Guatemala. Im looking forward to when they return the Antoniettas house. Right now both of them are at home for their vacation.


Antonietta and her mother and aunt are so welcoming. The food is great and Antonietta seems very excited to cook for all the students she has. She told me that it really fulfills her when students like her cooking, so I made sure to mention multiple times how delicious everything was. Last night I had chicken, cauliflower and chicken soup and this morning she made pancakes. It was great.

Just in case you were wondering I do have my own room with a full size bed and shelves and everything. It was a little cold last night but I just layered. I think after I buy an extra pillow I will be very comfortable there.

I miss everyone a lot but Im excited for the trips and activities to come. Tomorrow I start formal spanish tutoring and I am loving speaking Spanish with everyone already! Thanks for reading my post. Adios y hasta luego.