Quetzaltenango, Guatemala

Quetzaltenango, also called "Xela" the Mayan name, is the second largest city in Guatemala. It has the traditional central park, a legacy of the Spanish colonial days. There is a small shopping complex off the main square selling "typica", an assortment of the beautiful Guatemalan handicrafts. I was also able to buy some of these goods at the school as individuals sometimes sold their wares just outside the school.

Although a bit grim itself with some truly bone-jarring streets, Xela is a great stepping off place to many sites in the Guatemalan highlands. The whole area is fascinating because of the mountainous terrain and the many Maya populating the area.

Most of the Maya women continue to wear their bright traditional clothing although the men generally have converted to 'western' style clothing.