Greetings from Xela

Well, we finally made it to our new home, sweet home - Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. Or, Xela, as it is known locally.

Before you give up reading the rest of this blog becase of the strange words, allow me to help you with pronunciation. Quetzaltenango sounds like KATE - SAUL - TEN - ON -GO. Xela is pronounced SHAY - LA.

See - that was easy! In fact, even though it's almost entirely different from any place I've ever been in the United States, Xela really is pretty easy to get to know, all in all. (That being said - I still have yet to actually drive here. For now I'm leaving that up to my intrepid husband.)

Here's a little basic information to help you get to know our new home town a little bit better:

• Xela and its surrounding little communities have around 400,000 people, 852,498 speed bumps, and approximately 1.73 billion dogs (give or take). 
• To answer a question we're often asked - yes, people in Quetzaltenango do drive on the right. Or the left. Or down the middle of the road - whichever suits their fancies and needs at any particular moment. Road signs (though present - unless they were stolen for their metal) are put up excusively to be ignored. 
• Water in Xela is readily available in most homes at the turn of the tap. Giardia, amoebas, cholera, and other water-borne diseases are likewise readily available at the turn of the tap. This can lead new residents to ask themselves interesting questions like, "did I just accidentally put my toothbrush under the running water?" and, "are the dishes I just washed in the sink actually cleaner, or dirtier, than they were before?"
• The currency in Guatemala is called the Quetzal (KATE - SAUL), and there are currently 7.7 Quetzales per dollar. Typically, it's easiest to round it up to 8 when trying to figure the American price equivalent of an item for sale. (Easiest, that is, if you're really good with your 8's in the multiplication table. Otherwise, it's a bit of a challenge.) 
• The elevation in Xela is 7,800 feet. Or, 7,000 feet, if you've just come down one of the hills. (Seriously - they feel that steep.) Or, 25,000 feet if you're trying to climb steps, carry something heavy, take a deep breath, or otherwise exert yourself.
• If you're planning a trip to Quetzaltenango and happen to forget your alarm clock, don't worry. You're almost guaranteed to be awakened by the 4:45  diesel truck brigade headed to Guatemala City, the 5:20 daily rooster crowing competition, the 5:45 Toyota pickup driver who is super proud of his sound system, or the 6:00 firecrackers. (The latter are set off in honor of people's birthdays. It's been someone's birthday in our neighborhood every day since we arrived.)
• The weather in Xela is perfect. The daytime highs are generally in the low 70's. Nighttime temperatures usually are in the lower 50's. During the rainy season, it rains every day. Except when it doesn't, like every day since we've been here. During the dry season, it never rains. Except when it does.
• The people in Quetzaltenango are extremely friendly, and always ready to have a conversation. This can be a bit disconcerting for newcomers who might be willing (but not necessarily able) to understand the sudden onslaught of Spanish. No worries, though - the locals are extremely patient and kind in such instances, and hand gestures and smiles go a long way in communicating basic needs. (I don't recommend trying to debate the nuances of Asian literature this way, though. Too much gets lost in translation...) 

Well, there is certainly a whole lot more you can (and should!) learn about our lovely new town. However, I think that's enough of an introduction for one day. I do so hope you'll come and visit and check it out for yourself. It's sure to be a learning experience, and one that you will cherish for the rest of your life!