Chichi back to Xela, 60 miles
Much to describe today so, lets begin. The hotel we stayed at sure was comfy. And I was happy to see that we didn’t need to check out until 2pm. That meant we had plenty of time to explore the market while our stuff and moto was left safe and sound within the hotel.
Chichi is known for its Sunday markets, the largest in Guatemala. The market is half goods targeted to the tour buses that come in for the experience, and the other half is still a real, indigenous trading post. Beans, veggies, dried fish, fabrics could all be found in the claustrophobia-attack-inducing aisles that fill the town square. Our saving grace is that no one seems to be over 5’ tall. J
After about 15 minutes of cruising the market, the smell of the dried fish hit my nose, and the fury kicked my abdomen with such force I had no choice but to turn back to the hotel walking as quickly as I possibly could without having an accident.
Another 15 minutes later and we were back in the thick of it. We aren’t in a position to shop per se (can’t add to the bikes weight and on a tight budget) so our treasures from the Mercado are the photos you see below.
The ride back to Xela was brutal as no sooner than we hit the road it started to rain, and since we are at such altitude its cold. Too make matters worse, the parts of the road I described yesterday (washed out and under construction) were left to re-flood the road carrying with the water dirt (mud) which made traction limited. With amie holding on tight and both of us gritting our teeth, we made it safety back to Xela.
After a quick stop at Mickey D’s (the “pechuga crispy” is amie’s savior), we were at Celas Maya (our Spanish school for the next week) waiting to meet our “family.” We had met them the day before, so we just headed straight to the house. After a warm welcome, we settled into our room and began to list its shortcomings. For example, the bed is plywood. Literally. There is one fluorescent light bulb. There is a distinct smell, but not one we can put our finger on. I’m guessing a cross between cleaning detergent, a wet donkey, and bug spray? Something to that effect. I wish we brought the scented candle Pele gave us!
All that was fine until the shower never heated up. You read that right, cold showers. After a cold motorcycle ride, a hot shower is all you want, but unfortunately it is something we will be doing without for the next 6 days. There is a quite an interesting cast here, I’ll try to get some fotos for tomorrows entry.
Chichi is known for its Sunday markets, the largest in Guatemala. The market is half goods targeted to the tour buses that come in for the experience, and the other half is still a real, indigenous trading post. Beans, veggies, dried fish, fabrics could all be found in the claustrophobia-attack-inducing aisles that fill the town square. Our saving grace is that no one seems to be over 5’ tall. J
After about 15 minutes of cruising the market, the smell of the dried fish hit my nose, and the fury kicked my abdomen with such force I had no choice but to turn back to the hotel walking as quickly as I possibly could without having an accident.
Another 15 minutes later and we were back in the thick of it. We aren’t in a position to shop per se (can’t add to the bikes weight and on a tight budget) so our treasures from the Mercado are the photos you see below.
The ride back to Xela was brutal as no sooner than we hit the road it started to rain, and since we are at such altitude its cold. Too make matters worse, the parts of the road I described yesterday (washed out and under construction) were left to re-flood the road carrying with the water dirt (mud) which made traction limited. With amie holding on tight and both of us gritting our teeth, we made it safety back to Xela.
After a quick stop at Mickey D’s (the “pechuga crispy” is amie’s savior), we were at Celas Maya (our Spanish school for the next week) waiting to meet our “family.” We had met them the day before, so we just headed straight to the house. After a warm welcome, we settled into our room and began to list its shortcomings. For example, the bed is plywood. Literally. There is one fluorescent light bulb. There is a distinct smell, but not one we can put our finger on. I’m guessing a cross between cleaning detergent, a wet donkey, and bug spray? Something to that effect. I wish we brought the scented candle Pele gave us!
All that was fine until the shower never heated up. You read that right, cold showers. After a cold motorcycle ride, a hot shower is all you want, but unfortunately it is something we will be doing without for the next 6 days. There is a quite an interesting cast here, I’ll try to get some fotos for tomorrows entry.
Images from the Chichi Sunday Market
The smell that ignited Mike's stomach
Where's La Chica?
Mas Chichi
Why are the soliders needed in the Market?
Amie's Chichi Outfit
Inside a raincloud at 7000 Feet
We usually hate McDonalds...but god love the Pechuga Crispy!
posted by Pedro and Maria at 1:53 PM
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