Tomorrow morning I will catch a shuttle bus across the border to Mexico to the town of San Cristobal de las Casas. It is a place with a turbulent political history, the site of the Zapatista uprising in 1994 and capital of Chiapas State.
Originally I was going to visit the Yucatan area, but there is no easy way to get there from where I am and San Cristobal is the only destination in Mexico that is accessible directly from Xela.
Time has literally run away from me and I will only be able to spend a few days in Oaxaca before catching a flight from Mexico City to San Francisco and then on to Barcelona via Paris.
It will be hard to leave Xela. If I did not have flights and a Mediterranean cruise paid for I would stay here longer. I have made some good friends here, locals and fellow travellers and I feel that if I had longer to improve my Spanish I could easily find some voluntary and perhaps even paid work and stay for a while.
One of the things I find really attractive is the focus on the positive. There are so many examples of worthwhile, eco friendly, community development projects here and an absence of cynicism which is refreshing. Young and older people come from all over the world to learn Spanish and contribute to the community in some way. I have spoken to people working in schools, orphanages, medical and educational settings, fair trade ventures, artistic, audiovisual, research and housing projects.
Many return more than once. There is a real focus on contribution that is needs based, culturally appropriate and sustainable. I have met people from Germany, Canada, the US, Denmark, Australia, France, England, of all ages, religions, social and cultural backgrounds who are actively participating in “making a difference” in spite of the fact that Guatemala is not the safest place in the world.
My time here would not have been as rewarding and enjoyable without the people I have met and the experiences I have had.
To Carlos, Zoily, Juan Carlos, Lupita, Milly, Yuly, Edgor and all the other staff at Xela Red Cross including the gorgeous hugging doctor whose name I did not get! Thank you for your patience and time and for letting me hang out for a while.
To Ronnaldo my amazing Spanish teacher and friend. It wouldn’t surprise me if you were President one day! I will never forget being “trapped” at the gay bar waiting for the police to leave.
To Hugo, my gorgeous young salsa teacher. Thanks for all your encouragement. I will never forget dancing in the dark and your inspirational story. I’ll look out for your book.
To Chiki and all the other staff at B and B casa San Bartolome. Thanks for looking after me.
To Mimi. Thanks for your unsolicited help. I am so sorry you are facing such a difficult challenge.
To Carlos at Artesano. Thanks for feeding me with love and healthy food.
To Maurizio and Ivan my salseros at Paranda and Rumba. Thanks for dancing. Maurizio who knows what you could do when your arm is out of plaster.
To Kaz my Aussie mate. It was great spending time with you and practicing Espanol.
To Sarah my salsa partner. Thanks for coming out to play.
My Xela
Artesano –Carlos prepares fresh, tasty, healthy food. Awesome salads, fresh toasted Panini and soups.
El Cuartito café –great red wine and good place to catch up with friends
Sabor de India. Great vegetarian and non vegetarian Indian food
La luna and Baviera- two cafes worth hanging out in
La Parranda and La Rumba –salsa dancing
King and Queen and Student Bar-night life in Xela
Other
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| After all my walking and dancing, might be time to replace yet another pair of black ballet pumps! |
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| My Spanish teacher and friend |
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| fellow travellers, now friends |
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