A couple of weeks ago, we had a fun excursion to Xela, the second largest city in Guatemala! Our supervisor, Gustavo’s, full time job is managing a band based in Xela called Glass Collective, and they were performing in a concert called “Todos Somos Heroes” (We are all heroes).
We arrived on a Friday night and got to check out the recording studio while the band was practicing.
A mural inside the recording studio!
On Saturday, we woke up early and explored fun coffee shops, found a delicious burrito place, and shopped around the market.
View of the town center in Xela!
Pretty architecture with a glimpse of a volcano in the background!
Lunch!
Snapshot from the market!
Then, in the evening was the concert! We worked the merchandise booth for a while before the concert, helping sell t-shirts and stickers for Glass Collective, and then afterwards, we jammed out with the rest of the crowd! Two other bands played besides Glass Collective called El Tambor de la Tribu and Tatuana.
View of the concert venue!
Glass Collective playing!
El Tambor de la Tribu playing!
Confetti!
After the concert, we slept for a couple hours before we got up early to hike Chikabal, a sacred Mayan Lagoon. It was the most quiet and peaceful place we have yet to visit on the trip, and it was so nice taking a moment for ourselves to relax.
Welcome sign to Chikabal!
View of the lagoon on top of the volcano!
Me relaxing on the lagoon!
Another pretty view of Chikabal!
Xela differed from Nebaj in so many ways, and it was awesome checking out the local music scene in Guatemala and exploring a new community!
-Lucia Boyd